New South Wales (NSW) is an Australian state located in the southeast of Australia. NSW is the most populous state in the country and it’s known for its diverse landscape of beaches, mountains and forests which offers plenty of different lifestyle options.
The state capital of NSW is Sydney, which is one of the largest and most famous cities in Australia with plenty of iconic attractions. Sydney is often voted one of the most livable cities in the world.
New South Wales is a popular place to live due to its high quality of life, strong economy, fabulous weather and diverse range of cultural, recreational, and natural attractions. It also has its own challenges and drawbacks, such as its high cost of living (especially for houses) and traffic congestion in the main cities but it’s still one of Australia’s best cities in terms of lifestyle opportunities.
New South Wales Map
The state of NSW is in the southeast of the country with Sydney located along the coast.
New South Wales Cities
Here is an overview of the main cities and towns in New South Wales…
New South Wales state capital: Sydney
Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales. It is one of the largest cities in Australia and is known for its famous landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney is also famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Bondi and Manly, as well as its bustling and diverse cultural scene. The city is a hub of commerce, with a strong economy driven by industries such as finance, tourism, and manufacturing. Sydney is also home to a number of universities, including the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, which attract a lot of international students.
With a population of over 5 million people, Sydney is a large, diverse, vibrant and cosmopolitan city, offering a wide range of lifestyles and cultural experiences for its residents and visitors.
Unfortunately, Sydney is also often voted as the most expensive city to live in Australia and house prices can be expensive. You can’t have it all!
Other main cities and towns in New South Wales
Sydney is the most heavily populated city in New South Wales, but there are other cities to consider if you’re wondering where to move in New South Wales. They all offer a different sort of lifestyle and have a different vibe, so consider what you’re looking for out of your new home.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a coastal city located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the second-largest city in the state behind Sydney, with a population of approximately 340,000 people. The city is known for its beaches, coal export industry, and historic architecture, including the 19th-century Fort Scratchley. The city has a diverse economy, with a mix of manufacturing, services, and tourism industries.
Newcastle is also home to the University of Newcastle and on its doorstep is the beautiful Hunter Valley wine region, which is famous for its shiraz and semillon wines – a great excuse to get out and enjoy the countryside and some gourmet treats.
Newcastle is within easy reach of Sydney as the drive time is about two hours (and you can also travel by train making it very handy), so although it’s a bit too far for a daily commute, it is possible to pop over for meetings or events meaning you get the benefits of living in a smaller, more compact city while still having easy access to the amazing Sydney lifestyle.
Wollongong
Wollongong is a coastal city located in New South Wales, Australia, about 80 kilometers south of Sydney (about an hour and 20 minutes drive from Sydney). It has a population of approximately 300,000 people and is the third-largest city in New South Wales.
Wollongong is known for its breathtaking beaches, such as Wollongong Beach and North Wollongong Beach, as well as its natural beauty, including the Illawarra Escarpment and the Minnamurra Rainforest. The city is also home to the University of Wollongong, which is one of the largest universities in Australia, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. Wollongong has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from manufacturing, health services, and education.
Again, it’s a great option to be close to Sydney while enjoying the lifestyle benefits that come with living in a smaller city.
Tamworth
Tamworth is a regional city located in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia. It has a population of approximately 40,000 people. Tamworth is known for its strong agricultural and livestock industries, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including the historic Tamworth Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, and the Tamworth Powerstation Museum.
The city is famous for its country music scene and hosts the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, which attracts musicians and visitors from around the world. Tamworth has a growing economy, with significant contributions from agriculture, education, and health services. It is also home to several educational institutions, including Tamworth TAFE and the University of New England, Tamworth campus.
Drive time to Tamworth from Sydney is about 4 hours 40 minutes, and from the coast at Port Macquarie, it’s about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Armidale
Armidale is a regional city located in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia. It is located around 5 hrs 40 from Sydney in the car and 2 hours 30 from Coffs Harbour.
Armidale has a population of approximately 24,000 people and is known for its historic architecture, including the Armidale Dumaresq Council Chambers, the Armidale School, and the Armidale War Memorial. Armidale is also home to the University of New England, which is one of the oldest universities in Australia and has a strong focus on rural and regional studies.
The city has a small but thriving arts and culture scene, and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the New England National Park, the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, and the Cathedral Rock National Park. Armidale’s economy is driven by education, healthcare, and professional services, as well as retail and tourism industries.
Dubbo
Dubbo is a regional city located in the Orana region of New South Wales, Australia, around a 5-hour drive from Sydney. It has a population of approximately 40,000 people.
Dubbo is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Old Dubbo Gaol, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and the Western Plains Cultural Centre. The city is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Warrumbungle National Park, the Macquarie River, and the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. Dubbo has a strong economy, driven by agriculture, education, health services, and retail. The city is also home to several educational institutions, including Dubbo TAFE and Charles Sturt University, Dubbo campus.
Dubbo is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and nature.
Orange
Orange is a regional city located in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia about 3 and a half hours drive from Sydney. It has a population of approximately 40,000 people and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area and the Orange Botanic Gardens.
Orange is also famous for its wine region, and there are many vineyards and wineries in the surrounding areas producing quality wines, particularly shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The city itself has a diverse economy, driven by agriculture, education, healthcare, and retail, as well as a growing tourism industry.
Orange is home to several educational institutions, including Orange TAFE and Charles Sturt University, Orange campus. Orange is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts and culture scene, making it a popular destination for visitors, and it offers a range of lifestyle opportunities for those looking for a more rural way of life.
Albury
Albury is a regional city located on the New South Wales-Victoria border in Australia, around 5 hours 50 minutes drive from Sydney. It has a population of approximately 60,000 people.
Albury is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Murray River and the Albury Botanic Gardens, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including the Albury Regional Art Gallery and the Albury Library Museum.
The city has a diverse economy, driven by education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Albury is home to several educational institutions, including Charles Sturt University, Albury-Wodonga campus, and TAFE NSW Albury. Albury is a popular destination for visitors, attracting tourists with its unique blend of history, culture, and nature.
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is a coastal town located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia around 4 hours and 10 minutes drive from Sydney. It has a population of approximately 45,000 people and is known for its stunning beaches, including Town Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Flynns Beach, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including the Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse Museum.
Port Macquarie has a thriving tourism industry, driven by its beautiful coastline, wildlife, and cultural attractions. The town is also home to a growing economy, with significant contributions from education, healthcare, retail, and construction. Port Macquarie is a popular destination for people looking for a sea change from Sydney, and it’s best known for its relaxed lifestyle and subtropical climate.
Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads is in The Tweed local government area located in the far-eastern region of New South Wales, Australia. It’s around 8 and a half hours drive from Sydney, but it’s only a one-hour 40-minute drive to Brisbane just across the Queensland border so that is its closest city.
Tweed Heads itself has a population of under 10,000, but the surrounding Tweed Shire region has just under 100k (and it keeps growing due to the region’s popularity). Tweed is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Tweed River, the Tweed Coast, and the Tweed Volcano National Park, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including the Tweed Heads Historic Fishing Village and the Tweed Heads Heritage Trail.
The Tweed has a diverse economy, driven by tourism, agriculture, and retail, as well as a growing healthcare and construction sector. The area is also home to several educational institutions, including Southern Cross University, Tweed Heads campus. The Tweed is a popular destination as it mixes the best of New South Wales’ rugged coast with Queensland’s warmer weather.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a coastal town located in the far-eastern region of New South Wales, Australia. It’s only a small town with just 9,000 but it has a big reputation! Byron is located around 7 hours 45 minutes drive from Sydney and 1 hour 50 minutes from Brisbane.
Byron Bay is best known for its stunning beaches, including Main Beach, Wategos Beach, and Clarkes Beach, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including the Byron Bay Lighthouse and the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant arts and culture scene, and relaxed lifestyle.
The town is also home to a thriving tourism industry, driven by its beaches, wildlife, and cultural attractions, as well as a growing economy, with significant contributions from education, healthcare, and retail. Byron Bay is known for its alternative and environmentally conscious community and it has a friendly, buzzing vibe with a focus on sustainable tourism. Various TV shows have raised its profile over the last few years, and famous residents such as Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have influenced the explosion of media coverage for this lovely slice of paradise.
Best things about living in New South Wales
- Sydney is an iconic destination with so much to see and do!
- New South Wales has a stunning coastline with plenty to explore for holidays.
- The weather isn’t as humid as in Queensland in summertime, and it can be more temperate than some of the southern states.
- There are mountains for skiing in New South Wales! Yes, NSW gets snow!
- Sydney has a thriving cultural scene and plenty to keep you entertained.
- There are some lovely smaller towns offering a real community feel.
Worst things about living in Sydney
- Cost of living and house prices in Sydney.
- Congestion in Sydney.
