New South Wales Overview

From a historical perspective, there’s no disputing that New South Wales has been the site of many of Australia’s seminal experiences. It was here that British convicts survived the first bitter years of colonization, dreaming of what might lie beyond the impassable Blue Mountains; it was here that explorers first broke through the Great Dividing Range, opening the country’s interior for settlement and ensuring the stability of the colony. In the central plains and the rich land of the Riverina, merino wool and agricultural success provided the state with its first glimpses of prosperity. Then, in 1851, prospectors struck gold just west of the mountains, and Australia’s history changed forever. New South Wales shook off its prison colony mantle overnight, transforming into a place that promised a new life and an inflated bank account. Though the gold rush days are long gone, New South Wales has continued to grow. Today, it’s the most populous state and—thanks largely to Sydney—the sophisticated center of Australia.

Sydney, the nation’s biggest and flashiest city, sits midway along the state’s coastline. During the summer, a trip up the coast is the ultimate backpacker party, with epicenters in the large coastal towns of Port Macquarie and Byron Bay. The south coast is colder, but less crowded and just as beautiful. Some of the state’s best getaways are found in the accessible Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney’s suburban stretches. The New England Plateau, along the Great Dividing Range north of the Hunter Valley wineries, creates a lush setting for a cozy collection of small towns and stunning national parks. Just below the carved-out enclave of the Australian Capital Territory, the Snowy Mountains offer enticing winter skiing and superb summer hiking.

• Transportation

The cities and towns of New South Wales are connected by the state’s excellent public transportation system, as well as by numerous reliable private transportation companies. Route information ...more

• Central Coast

These beaches are too often passed over by international tourists eager to reach the bright lights and holiday hot spots farther north. The region’s pace lies somewhere between the metropolitan rat ...more

• Great Lakes

This underrated region is home to some spectacular coastal scenery. The beautiful waters invite scuba exploration, and a host of little-known national parks provides opportunities for solitude and unusual ...more

• New England

The New England Highway begins just northwest of Brisbane, swinging south through Queensland’s wine country before entering the New England region via Tenterfield. On its way south to Tamworth, the ...more