NEW SOUTH WALES (Australia)

Write a review or view peoples experiences in New South Wales.	Vacation Rentals & Holiday Rentals in New South Wales.	Hotels	Flights	Car Hire/Rental

To most people New South Wales embodies all that is truly Australian. As well as the vibrant young cities, you will find tropical rainforests, magnificent beaches, incomparable Sydney Harbour, the world class vineyards of the Hunter Valley, the majestic Blue Mountains, the southern plateaus rising to the high ski country of the Snowy Mountains, an assortment of mining towns, the rich farming areas of the Riverina and the rolling sheep and cattle pastures of the west.

As is the case with all the states, New South Wales is big - it is 1200 kilometres (750 miles) east-west and 1000 kilometres (625 miles) north-south. Those are straight line map distances, actual road distances are considerably further.

Winter is June - August. Coastal temperatures typically range from 15°C max. on the south coast, 18°C max. on the central coast and 20°C max.on the tropical north coastal regions. Minimums are seldom below 5°C for the coastal areas. Away from the coastal influence, the remainder of the state will typically have a winters day between 3°C min and 15°C max. although 0°C is common in the outback. The exception is the Snowy Mountains area with temperatures falling to -6°C.

Summer is December - February. Temperatures typically range from 25°C - 28°C max. on the entire coastal strip. Summer minimums are seldom below 14°C - 16°C for the coastal areas although the far south coast is often cooler. Away from the coastal influence, the remainder of the state will typically have a summers day between 16°C min and 30°C max. although 35°C is common in the far west and 40°C. is often recorded in the central north.

New South Wales, which contains Australia's oldest and most vibrant major city, Sydney, is the country's premier state. It has the highest population, attracts the most visitors and has a range of experiences to offer the tourist that is unrivalled by most countries, let alone states, in the world. Breathtaking beaches and coastlines, World Heritage National Parks, a taste of the real Australian outback, snow-capped mountains, lush farming country, Aboriginal culture and dazzling city lights - all are on offer in New South Wales.

The state was named by Captain James Cook when he first stepped ashore in Australia at what is now Sydney Harbour and claimed the country for the British in 1770. The epicentre of New South Wales is the huge, sunny, sexy and sophisticated city of Sydney, characterised by its white-sailed Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Beyond the slick city life though, New South Wales also offers the chance to escape to the Snowy or Blue Mountains, drive through the rolling wine farm country of the Hunter Valley, enjoy get-aways to the historic villages of the southern highlands or indulge in whale-watching, surfing and swimming at free-spirited coastal villages and towns.