The StateNew South Wales is a beautiful and diverse State, offering something for everyone. Aside from the delights of its capital Sydney, NSW comprises endless beaches, stunning mountain ranges, World Heritage National Parks and quirky towns.
Regional Nsw
Regional NSW has much to offer new migrants. Many consider the lifestyle advantages of a relaxed quality of life and close-knit, friendly communities ahead of the bustle and expense of living in the State’s capital.
The growing popularity of large inland centres like Dubbo and Tamworth, and coastal cities such as Newcastle, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour, has turned what were once quiet and sleepy villages into cosmopolitan regions with fabulous sporting, entertainment and leisure activities. Food, drink, music and wine festivals are held regularly in
country NSW and have attracted an international following. Aside from the obvious lifestyle advantages, your hard earned money stretches considerably further once outside the expensive Sydney suburbs.
British skilled workers may also find their willingness to live and work outside of metropolitan Sydney enhances their chances of securing an appropriate Australian work visa.
The City
Stylish, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney is the gem of the southern hemisphere. It is Australia’s prized possession. It is the capital of New South Wales and Australia’s largest city with a population of over four million people. Sydney is also one of the most popular destinations globally for international visitors. The city is built around one of the most beautiful harbours in the world which is home to the world famous landmark, the stunning Opera House.
The majority of Sydney’s whopping 37 beaches are situated within 30 minutes of the city centre with kilometres of golden beaches stretching north and south of the city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Even the Prime Minister chooses to live in Sydney rather than in his official residence in the country’s political capital Canberra, so it’s no surprise that many Brits take one visit here and never go back to the UK!
Sydney’s History
Europeans first charted the east coast in 1770, when the well-known Pacific explorer, Captain James Cook, reached Australia. The First Fleet, comprising 11 ships and around 1,350 people, arrived at Botany Bay where they discovered upon anchoring that there was no fresh water available locally, therefore they headed further north to Port Jackson which is now known as Sydney Harbour.
The British first used Sydney as a penal colony with over 750 convicts arriving on the first ships into port. At the time of their arrival, the Sydney area was home to the Eora, one of several hundred Aborginal groups living in Australia. However, the British did not take kindly to sharing their new land and over many years forced them out of their land or in worse cases killed them.
In 1901 the six British colonies in Australia formed a federation to become the Commonwealth of Australia. This marks the period of the modern country. Sydney continued to grow and by 1925 became a metropolis of one million people. This grew to two million by 1963 and in the years since the area has continued to prosper and grow into the stunning city it now is, well deserving of its worldwide reputation.
The Climate
Sydney’s climate is one of its most attractive features. Summer in Sydney is from December to February; autumn is from March to May; winter is from June to August, and spring is from September to November. The summer months have an average maximum temperature of 28°C. Being close to the ocean, the hot days are cooled in the evening by refreshing sea breezes and evening temperatures are balmy – perfect for relaxed outdoor dining which is a way of life in Sydney. June to August are the coolest months, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 7° Celsius. Compared with Britain, the weather is simply stunning all year round.