New South WalesAustralia's most populated state has over 6.2 million people and borders Queensland (north), Victoria (south), South Australia (west) and the Pacific Ocean (east). It has a total land area of 802 000 sq kms with over 2 000 kms of coastline. The Great Dividing Range runs north-south through the state which has an abundance of pristine beaches, national parks & rich farmlands. NSW is also home to Australia's highest mountain, Mt. Kosciuszko (2 228m) and best Snowy Mountains ski resorts. There are over 100 islands including Lord Howe and Norfolk. Sydney, the state's capital has a population of over 3 25 million. The two coastal highways leading out of Sydney are the Pacific Hwy (north) and the Princes Hwy (south) and the two main rivers are the Murray & Darling. Other major cities are Newcastle, Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga & Dubbo. The first European settlement in 1788 at Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) was as a harsh penal colony. Gold was discovered throughout the state as were many other natural resources in time. Today the state's main industries include property and business services, manufacturing, finance & insurance.
Visitor Information Centres: 106 George St, The Rocks. Tel (02) 9240 8788 or 1800 067 676. Palm Grove, Darling Harbour. Tel (02) 9240 8788 or 1800 067 676. Sydney Airport. Tel (02) 9667 6050. Olympic Park .Tel  (02) 9714 7206.