Known for its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and rugged mountain ranges, New South Wales is the oldest and most populous state in Australia. It is a world-renowned city, home to iconic landmarks and scenic landscapes.
There are approximately 8.4 million residents in New South Wales, with nearly one-third of the population from overseas countries. This includes China, England, India, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
New South Wales has a strong economy, with industries ranging from finance to agriculture and mining. The state has many iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Moreover, the rich history and culture are reflected in NSW’s architecture and cuisine.
Activities and things to do in New South Wales
As New South Wales is the oldest state in Australia, it offers numerous attractions and experiences catered to all individuals interested in cultural events, outdoor adventures, exploring beaches, and several more.
The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most popular places to visit in Sydney. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable buildings worldwide and home to numerous performance venues and events throughout the year. Completed in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s largest steel arch bridges. If you are looking for a spectacular panoramic view of the city, take a climbing tour to the top of the bridge and learn about the history of this landmark.
Byron Bay offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere, with numerous attractions and leisure activities to enjoy with friends and family. It is strongly recommended to visit Main Beach, Tallow Beach, and Wategos Beach for a swim and surf. Many visitors tend to kayak, sail and do other water sports at the beach with their friends and family.
Byron Bay is also known for its vibrant nightlight, as there are many restaurants, bars, and live music performances to visit. It also hosts several popular music festivals throughout the year, such as the Byron Bay Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, and Byron Bay International Film Festival. Another place to visit in Byron Bay is the local markets, where you can sample many local produce and crafts.
The Blue Mountains is a popular, scenic mountain range 50 kilometres west of Sydney. It is famous for its natural beauty, cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, deep canyons, and rich culture and history. The Three Sisters is an attraction in the Blue Mountains where beautiful, natural views of the valley below can be seen.
Another popular attraction in the Blue Mountains is the Jenolan Caves, a network of limestone caves with stunning crystal formations and underground rivers. The Blue Mountains also offer plenty of hiking trails spread across the area suited to all ages.
New South Wales consists of several wine regions, which all have their unique characteristics and specialty. Hunter Valley is the most famous wine region in New South Wales, located two hours from Sydney. It is Australia’s oldest wine region and is exceptionally popular for producing some of the country’s finest Semillon and Shiraz wines. There are also numerous cuisines, fun scenic walks, and bike rides to enjoy through the vineyards with your family and friends.
Mudgee is a wine region that produces various wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for its historic buildings and cultural attractions, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers.
Education in New South Wales
New South Wales is considered the best educational state in Australia, as there is a wide range of study options and opportunities to receive the best education. Due to the comprehensive curriculum, quality of teachers, and approach to learning New South Wales has, finding a school for your children will always be easy. Recently, the NSW Government launched a new NSW Education Parent App so you can learn about the latest school information for your children in one place.
Weather in New South Wales
The weather in New South Wales varies, with regions experiencing different temperatures and weather patterns. During the summer months of December to February, temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees in coastal areas. It is expected to be more humid during summer, whereas inland regions can reach even higher temperatures and humidity percentages.
During the winter months of June to August, temperatures drop to 5 to 15 degrees in coastal areas and even lower in the inland regions of New South Wales. Though Australia rarely snows, snowfall is expected in a few mountainous areas in NSW, including the Blue Mountains and the Snowy Mountains.
Rainfall in coastal areas tends to be more common than in inland regions. From December to February, the northern parts of New South Wales generally receive more wet weather than the southern parts of New South Wales.
Working Industry in New South Wales
New South Wales has a strong economy and a range of industries that contribute to the development of the state. Some key industries in New South Wales include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, tourism, and education. The current construction industry in NSW is significant, with the incline of mining and resources, infrastructure development, and commercial construction.
If you are an Engineering or Construction professional and would like to be part of the infrastructure boom in Australia, register your CV here or search for our jobs.
A Guide to Sydney Suburbs
Choosing the right suburb to live in can greatly impact your experience, so here’s a guide to some of the best suburbs in Sydney.
1. Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, and Randwick
Why Choose the Eastern Suburbs?
The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney offer a quintessential beach lifestyle, with easy access to some of Australia’s most famous beaches, like Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. These areas are lively, with plenty of cafes, bars, and outdoor activities. The Eastern Suburbs also have excellent public transport links to the CBD, making them convenient for work.
- Bondi: Known worldwide for its beach, Bondi is a popular choice for working holidaymakers. It offers a laid-back, social environment, a strong community of backpackers, and vibrant nightlife.
- Coogee: A bit quieter than Bondi, Coogee has a beautiful coastal walk, great bars, and a family-friendly feel. The beach is slightly less crowded but equally stunning.
- Randwick: Just a bit inland from Coogee, Randwick has a mix of heritage buildings, cafes, and easy access to beaches, but at a more affordable rate.
Average Rent:
Expect to pay AUD 250-350 per week for a room in a shared apartment, depending on proximity to the beach.
2. Inner West Sydney: Newtown, Glebe, and Marrickville
Why Choose the Inner West?
The Inner West is a cultural hub with an artistic and eclectic vibe, full of street art, music venues, and quirky cafes. It’s an ideal area for those who enjoy a vibrant social scene without the high costs of beachfront living. The Inner West is also well-connected to the city and has plenty of job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and creative fields.
- Newtown: Known for its alternative culture, Newtown is packed with vegan cafes, bookstores, live music venues, and thrift shops. It’s a fun area with a young, international community.
- Glebe: Slightly quieter, Glebe has a charming market, beautiful waterside parks, and is close to the city, making it convenient for work and weekend exploring.
- Marrickville: With a mix of industrial spaces turned art studios, live music venues, and multicultural dining spots, Marrickville is popular with young professionals and creatives.
Average Rent:
Rent ranges from AUD 200-300 per week for a room in a shared house or apartment, making it more affordable than the Eastern Suburbs.
3. Lower North Shore: Neutral Bay, Mosman, and North Sydney
Why Choose the Lower North Shore?
If you’re looking for a quieter suburb with scenic views and plenty of green spaces, the Lower North Shore offers a great balance. It’s a more residential area with easy access to beaches, parks, and Sydney Harbour, and it’s a short commute to the CBD by ferry or bus.
- Neutral Bay: Known for its laid-back vibe and excellent cafes, Neutral Bay offers harbor views and proximity to both the city and beaches.
- Mosman: A more upscale area, Mosman is close to Taronga Zoo, Balmoral Beach, and beautiful coastal walks. It’s quieter but very picturesque.
- North Sydney: A bustling business district during the week but quieter on weekends, North Sydney is ideal for those working in the CBD who want a suburban lifestyle close to the city.
Average Rent:
Expect to pay AUD 250-400 per week for a room in a shared apartment, depending on the location and proximity to the harbor.
4. Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, and Freshwater
Why Choose the Northern Beaches?
The Northern Beaches offer a relaxed beach lifestyle with a slower pace, stunning coastlines, and great surfing spots. While a bit further from Sydney’s CBD, areas like Manly are accessible by ferry, making it a viable option for those who don’t mind a commute.
- Manly: Known for its beautiful beaches and coastal walks, Manly has a strong community of international residents and offers plenty of outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.
- Dee Why: A bit further up the coast, Dee Why has a vibrant beachside community, great cafes, and slightly lower rental costs than Manly.
- Freshwater: This quieter, family-friendly suburb is popular among surfers and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to other beach areas.
Average Rent:
Rent ranges from AUD 250-350 per week for a room in a shared apartment, with prices slightly lower in Dee Why and Freshwater than in Manly.
