New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state located in the south eastern side of Australia. The population of NSW is around 6.72 million (2006 Census) with over 60% of the population in Sydney, the capital of the state. In New South Wales you’ll discover amazing views, national parks with natural wonders, incredible beaches and quiet country towns with plenty of stories to tell.

New South Wales is divided into 4 diverse geographical areas: 

1) The coast -  which includes areas like Sydney, Illawarra, Shoalhaven near Nowra, Newcastle, the Central Coast and North Coast.

2) The mountains – which includes the Great Dividing range, Southern Highlands, Central Tablelands and New England regions.

3) The agricultural plains - around the centre of the state which makes up a large area of NSW.

4) The arid plains – located in the far north west part of NSW where you can only find very small settlements.

The three major coastal cities in NSW include: Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong .

Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city, it is located in New South Wales and although it is not the capital city of Australia it is probably the country’s most famous because of its stunning landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.     Sydney is one of the most important centres in the Asia-Pacific region for business and finance. It is also a cosmopolitan and multicultural destination where you be exposed to the life and traditions of many countries.

Sydney has a population of almost 4 million and it is one of the most liveable cities in the world according to several publications. For 11 years Sydney has been recognized as the “Best city in the world” by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Also known as the Harbour City, Sydney is home to some of Australia’s best shopping, restaurants, entertainment and sporting venues.   If you prefer the great outdoors, the city has more than 70 beaches along its eastern coastline, the scenic Blue Mountains to the west, and national parks to the north and south. It is also a short drive away from the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and snow sports at the Snowy Mountains.

If food is your passion, make sure you pick up a copy of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide which contains reviews of Sydney’s top restaurants.  Or take your pick of Sydney’s many cafes, bars and small restaurants, serving up food from around the globe: Indian, Thai, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Spanish among many others.

Sydney has a very dynamic life style and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.

Things to do and see in the Sydney

Do the Harbour Bridge Walk Take a tour through the Opera House Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Go surfing at Manly and Bondi Beaches Walk through the Botanical Gardens Go the Sydney Festival in January each year Go bushwalking in the Blue Mountains

Study in Sydney

Sydney is home to some of Australia's most prominent universities, and is the site of Australia's first university, the University of Sydney. There are five other public universities: University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, University of Technology Sydney, University of Western Sydney, and the Australian Catholic University  (two out of six campuses).

From these universities, four are ranked in the World Top 100 according to THES rankings (University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, Macquarie University and University of Technology, Sydney).

For vocational training programs (VET) there are four multicampus TAFE institutions among many other VET providers. Sydney is also a very popular destination among international students to study English language programs and there are several options to study these type of programs.

Do not miss the opportunity to study in Sydney!