Explore New South Wales & the Australian Capital Territory 2013

CONTENTS

[ ZENITH BEACH AT SUNRISE, TOMAREE NATIONAL PARK ]

NEW SOUTH WALES is a land of contrasts. Lush rainforests, pristine beaches, snowfields and the rugged beauty of the outback all vie for visitors attention.

Beaches are a clear drawcard, with those at Bondi and Byron Bay among the most popular. Surfing, swimming and whale-watching can be enjoyed almost anywhere along the coast, but Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay National Park is home to the whitest sand in the world.

The discovery of Mungo Man and Woman, the miraculously preserved remains of two ancient Aboriginal people found in a dune over four decades ago, prove that civilisation existed here 40 000 years ago. Numerous Aboriginal nations have called the state home, and still do. Well-preserved fish traps in Brewarrina are thought by some to be the oldest man-made structures in the world.

The states settled history began after the American War of Independence spelt the end for British penal settlements in North America, and New South Wales became the solution to overcrowded prisons. Conditions were harsh; the first inmates of Maitland Gaol, who included many children, were forced to march the 6 kilometres from the wharf at Morpeth to the prison in shackles and chains.

Harsh conditions were not limited to the prisons. In 1845, explorer Charles Sturt lost his second-in-command, due to the pitiless terrain, and was stranded for six months in the outback near Milparinka. Today remote Silverton stands as a reminder of outback isolation, with its buildings and stark surrounds featuring in Australian films such as Mad Max II and TheAdventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

In stunning contrast, Sydneys bright lights and sophistication sit beside the sparkling waters of the largest natural harbour in the world. The iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, along with the successes of the 2000 Olympics and the popular Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, have ensured Sydney and New South Wales a place on the world stage.

Population 7 303 700

Total land area 800 628 square kilometres

People per square kilometre 8.5

Sheep per square kilometre 48

Length of coastline 2007 kilometres

Number of islands 109

Longest river Darling River (1390 kilometres)

Largest lake Lake Eucumbene, (145 square kilometres)

Highest mountain Mount Kosciuszko (2228 metres)

Highest waterfall Wollomombi Falls (220 metres), Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Highest town Cabramurra (1488 metres)

Hottest place Bourke (average 35.6C in summer)

Coldest place Charlotte Pass (average 2.6C in winter)

Wettest place Dorrigo (average 2004 millimetres of rain per year)

Most remote town Tibooburra

Strangest place name Come-by-Chance

Most famous local Nicole Kidman

Quirkiest festival Stroud International Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Competition

Number of big things 49

Most scenic road Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Royal National Park

Favourite food Sydney rock oysters

Local beer Tooheys

Interesting fact The Stockton Sand Dunes, 32 kilometres long, 2 kilometres wide and up to 30 metres high, form the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere

VISITOR INFORMATION
Sydney Visitor Centre
Level 1, cnr Argyle and Playfair sts, The Rocks
33 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour
(02) 9240 8788 or 1800 067 676
www.sydneyvisitorcentre.com

A ustralias largest city stretches from the shores of the Tasman Sea to the foot of the Blue Mountains. Along with outstanding natural assets stunning beaches, extensive parklands and the vast expanse of the harbour Sydney boasts an impressive list of urban attractions, including world-class shopping and a host of superb restaurants and nightclubs.

Sydney began life in 1788 as a penal colony, a fact long considered a taint on the citys character. Today, echoes of those bygone days remain in areas such as the Rocks, Macquarie Street and the western suburb of Parramatta.

Since those early days, the one-time prison settlement has become one of the worlds great cities. Home to two of Australias most famous icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney attracts more than two million international visitors a year. For a true Sydney experience, try watching a Rugby League Grand Final at ANZ Stadium with a crowd of 80 000 cheering fans. Or if good food and fine wine are more your style, sample the waterfront dining at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour, and multicultural flavours in inner-city Darlinghurst.

With a population of 4 650 000, Sydney offers a multitude of activities. Surf the breakers at Bondi Beach or jump on a Manly ferry and see the harbour sights. Whatever you do, Sydney is a great place to explore.

The city centre is primarily a retail district, with shops ranging from small boutiques to big department stores. During weekdays, the area is crowded with office workers.

Martin Place C4

High Victorian and Art Deco buildings line Martin Place all the way to Macquarie Street. Chief among them is the old GPO, corner of Martin Place and George Street. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet, it has been transformed into the stunning five-star hotel the Westin Sydney. An up-market food hall fills the lower ground floor along with a carefully preserved part of the old Tank Stream. Once a major source of water for the Eora people, it was also a deciding factor in the choice of Sydney Cove as a settlement site.

Pitt St Mall

Head south along Pitt Street trom Martin Place to find the busy pedestrian precinct of the Pitt Street Mall. The heart of the CBDs retail area and home of Westfield Sydney Shopping Centre, its overhead walkways, small arcades and underground tunnels lead to David Jones and the QVB (the Queen Victoria Building ). The mall houses department stores, boutiques, and music and book emporiums, as well as the lovely Strand, the last of the old arcades in what was once a city of arcades.

Sydney Tower

A visit to Sydney Tower is a must. Your ticket grants you access to the 250-metre observation tower, which commands superb views of Sydney, all the way from the Blue Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Access the tower by Westfield Sydney in Pitt Street Mall. Included in your ticket price is a 4D-movie flight through Sydney. For those who like to live on the edge, theres the Skywalk, an outdoor walk on clear glass. Level 5, 100 Market St; (02) 9333 9222; www.sydneytowereye.com.au; open 9am-10.30pm daily.

State Theatre

A mix of Art Deco, Italianate and Gothic architecture, the State Theatre embodies opulence. Built in 1929, it boasts marble columns, mosaic floors, plush furnishings, the Koh-i-Noor chandelier, and paintings by well-known Australian artists. A National Trust building, it remains a working theatre, showcasing performances by the likes of Bette Midler and Rudolf Nureyev.