New South Wales prides itself on being Australia's premier state where the first European settlement was established and which remains Australia's most populous state. The state capital, Sydney, is Australia's largest and best known city.
Chinese New Year in Sydney
Chinese New Year merrymaker in Sydney © Larry Rivera
In Sydney, the Chinese New Year celebrations are centred in the Haymarket area, particularly along Dixon St, traditional hub of Sydney's Chinatown, which then become thronged with stalls, performances and merrymakers.
Christmas in Sydney
Santa and friends in Sydney, courtesy City of Sydney
No snow, no sleigh. But there's Santa, stars, stores, trees, treats, and joy. It's summer in Sydney and that's when Christmas happens Down Under.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour promenade © Tourism New South Wales
You can walk to it, take a bus, tram, ferry, taxi, or water taxi, or drive and park onsite or close by, or sail into it on your own or rented boat.
New South Wales South Coast
Stanwell Park on the South Coast © Tourism Illawarra
The New South Wales South Coast extends from just south of the greater Sydney metropolitan area all the way down to the Victorian border near the old whaling town of Eden.
St Patrick's Day Parade in Sydney
St Patrick's Day in Sydney © Larry Rivera
Irish Australians (and Aussies of Irish descent a number of generations removed) make up a substantial sector of the Australian population. In Sydney, strong manifestations of Irish culture are evident in the festivities surrounding St Patrick's Day.
Sydney Beaches
Manly Beach © Larry Rivera
All along Sydney's eastern shore and around Sydney Harbour, Sydney's beaches provide day-out pleasures in swimming, surfing, or simply lazing away the day on brilliant white sand or in adjacent parkland.
Sydney Landmarks
Sydney Harbour Bridge © Larry Rivera
Sydney landmarks are not only distinctive structures on the Sydney urban landscape but also assist visitors and newcomers find their bearings in the city. A number of these structures have become iconic symbols of the harbour city that is Sydney.
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Easter Show fruit displays © Larry Rivera
Each year, as Easter swings around, children's thoughts turn to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. But really it's an event that many grownups also enjoy, with car racing, woodchopping contests, horseback shows, farm animals and interesting agricultural displays.
Sydney Writers Walk
Peter Carey plaque, photographed by Larry Rivera
The writers represented on Writers Walk include not only Australians but also those who lived in, or visited, Australia, such as D H Lawrence, Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain.
Wild Life Sydney
Frilled-neck lizard at Sydney Wildlife World © Sydney Wildlife World
Within walking distance of the Sydney city centre, you'll find one of the newest attractions at Darling Harbour — the city showcase of Australian wildlife that is Wild Life Sydney, formerly Sydney Wildlife World.
