New South Wales

-HAYLEY BLUNDEN

Regions/Destinations & Types of Product Offered

• New South Wales (NSW) is a state on the east coast of Australia. New South Wales's capital city is Sydney, which is also the state's most populous city. From pristine beaches to the inspiring Australian outback, New South Wales is one of the most unique places in the world. Take advantage of the sunny season, get outdoors and enjoy the State’s beautiful beaches, national parks, bushwalks and of course, the great Australian barbecue.

• NSW has many popular destinations including; Sydney Blue Mountains Central Coast Country NSW Hunter Lord Howe Island North Coast Outback NSW Snowy Mountains South Coast

Sydney• Sydney the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city

in Australia. The city is built on hills surrounding one of the world's largest natural harbours, Port Jackson, which is commonly known as Sydney Harbour, where the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are prominent structures. The hinterland of the metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and the coastal regions feature many bays, rivers, inlets and beaches, including the famous Bondi and Manly beaches. Within the city are many parklands, including Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Sydney and the attractions and activities are endless.

• Sydney’s regions consist of Sydney City CBD, Sydney North, Sydney South, Sydney West, Sydney East, Inner Sydney, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach.

Central Coast• The Central Coast includes a mix of bays and inlets, pristine beaches, lakes

and lush hinterland. While Gosford is the central business hub of the Central Coast, picturesque villages along the coastline, such as Pearl Beach, Avoca Beach, Terrigal, Bateau Bay, Toowoon Bay, The Entrance, Norah Head and Forresters Beach, are popular holiday destinations with many accommodation choices available, from hotels and motels, plush resorts, inviting bed & breakfasts, hostels, caravan parks and camping grounds. There are so many things to see and do on the Central Coast, that you will never get bored.

Current Health & Safety issues for the destination including weather information, health advisory notice issued by state/territory Government health departments,

safety advisory information issued by federal and local police authorities and emergency service authorities

• New South Wales, Australia is generally a safe destination with travellers enjoying unhindered travel experiences in terms of their personal safety and security. Our stable political system, well-maintained roads, low crime rate and high standard of health make it a safe and easy country to explore.

• No special immunizations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival.

• Definitely a must for all tourist/travellers is to get some travel insurance as it can save you a lot of money if you get injured or hurt on your holiday and also gives you a sense of relief knowing your covered if something does happen to go wrong on your holidays (e.g. loosing your luggage, or getting injured).

• There are a number of health services available to visitors from Westmead Hospital, Gosford hospital, Wyong hospital, Royal North Shore etc.

• In summer time and on hot days its important to wear protective clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses etc. and be sun smart.

• Australia's public health care system is called Medicare and Australian hospitals provide world-class medical facilities and standards of care.

Regulatory issues including passport, visa and restrictions for visiting that destination

• When Arriving in Australia you must declare all foods, plants and animal items.

• You need a valid in-date passport to travel NSW Australia, with validity lasting longer than the period your stay.

• Must be over 18 to engage in drinking activities and to enter a pub, bar or nightclub in Australia.

• Must wear helmets when riding a bike, skateboard etc. at all times, especially when riding on the roads

• Abide by New South Wales legislation and commonwealth laws.• Visitors driving in New South Wales must observe the licence

requirements for visitors. You must carry your licence with you when you are driving.

Key information on major geographicalfeatures including:

• Climate/seasonal factors; Sydney and the Central Coast have very similar if not almost the same climate temperatures.

• The Central Coast is an inviting year-round destination with a temperate, oceanic climate delivering warm summers and mild winters. Statistically our warmest month is January, with July being our coolest month. Average monthly temperature are; January: 28ºC | February: 27ºC | March: 26ºC | April: 23ºC | May: 21ºC | June: 18ºC |July: 17ºC | August: 19ºC | September: 22ºC | October: 24ºC | November: 25ºC | December: 27ºC.

• The climate of Sydney is temperate, having warm summers and cool winters, with rainfall spread throughout the year. The warmest months are January and February 18.8–25.8 °C. In winter, temperatures are mild and rarely drop below 5 °C. The coldest month is July, with an average range of 8.0–16.3 °C.

• Location; Sydney is on Australia’s south-east coast, on the Tasman Sea. Sydney is located with the coordinates of 33°51 35.9″S 151°12 34″E. The ′ ′Central Coast is an Australian peri-urban region in New South Wales, located on the coast north of Sydney and south of Lake Macquarie. The Central Coast coordinates are 33°17 57″S 151°11 32″E. ′ ′

Major cities, towns, tourist areas &precincts

Sydney-• No matter what your kids are interested in, Sydney is sure to have something on offer to

keep them entertained. There are a variety of options available to must do such as; Taronga Zoo(the nation's leading zoological garden, featuring Australia's finest collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic species), Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Australian National Maritime Museum, Madame Tussauds and Luna Park.

• One Major tourist spot is Darling Harbour. At darling harbour you can ignite your senses at the 9D action cinema or visit one of the world’s largest screens at Sydney IMAX Theatre.

• A tourist spot everybody is sure to love is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. With tourists and travellers from all over the word visiting, photographing and standing in awe of the cultural centre of Sydney.

• A must do for all tourist is to climb Sydney’s iconic landmark the Sydney Harbour bridge. It provides the opportunity to scale the Harbour Bridge for a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Sydney Harbour.

• Sydney is known for some of its amazing beaches that tourist love to enjoy in the summer time such as Bondi Beach and Manly Beach and you can explore the popular city surrounding it.

• Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings you will see anywhere, with the gardens filling an area of land between the harbour and the eastern part of the central business district.

• For the teenagers and adults who love the nightlife and wish to go out for a few drinks and to enjoy yourself on holidays in Sydney there are many bars and clubs all around Sydney that can provide this. One in particular is Kings Cross.

• If your wondering around Kings Cross and Darlinghurst you'll will have your taste buds tempted by the many restaurants, bars, cafés and hotels that offer a wide array of menus.

• Sydney provides numerous museums all around Sydney and its suburbs, that tourist should check out and are sure to love, such as; The Australian Museum, Bondi Shark Museum, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney tramway Museum, Discovery Museum and many more.

• The Rocks is one of the most-visited parts of Sydney. The Rocks is foundation place of Sydney and Australia, and of enormous historical significance. It is often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum".

• The Chinese Garden of Friendship present visitors with a green and peaceful sanctuary in the midst of a major city and an ideal escape from the concrete surrounds of Darling Harbour. It is one of the largest of its type outside Asia. If you want an hour or two of solitude, this is the place to be.

• Sydney is home to many historical buildings with amazing background story’s. If you are a history buff, be sure to check out the wonderful buildings all around Sydney.

• Scenic seaplane Flights take you on a unique journey around Sydney with a panoramic view of the cities skyline the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and many of the secret coves and islands dotted throughout famous Sydney Harbour.

Central Coast-• The Entrance is a hive of activity. The waterfront park hosts a vibrant range of free

family entertainment with live performances at the open air Sails Stage. Throughout the year, crowds of people enjoy the range of special events and festivals, while on the first and third Saturday's of each month, fresh locally farmed produce is available at the seaside Farmers Markets.

• Country music fans can enjoy the Central Coast Country Music Festival, which takes place every March.

• Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium in Gosford holds a range of sporting events & home to the Central Coast Mariners. A visit to Gosford Race Club or Wyong Race Club gets horseracing fans' hearts racing, too.

• Central Coast events such as Tuggerah Lakes Mardi Gras is packed with family fun and is one of the longest-running festivals in Australia.

• Crack neck and Terrigal skillion lookout is a major tourist area, and is a prime spot to see whales during whale watching session.(July-August and October-November)

• There are many local clubs in the central coast area such as Mingara, Diggers at the Entrance, Gosford Leagues Club etc.

• Lighthouse tours at Norah Head Lighthouse, and another great spot to watch whales.

• The Central Coast is also an amazing place to go Skydiving and experience the ultimate thrill.

• Erina Fair is the largest single level shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere and not only does it provides a fix for shopaholics, but it is also a leisure and entertainment centre when you head to the Hive for family entertainment, the cinemas, or to cool of down at the ice-skating rink.

• Somersby falls is a nature lover’s paradise. This vast expanse of wilderness provides limitless opportunity for travellers to get back to nature and breathe in the fresh air.

• Glenworth Valley is Australia’s Largest outdoor adventure centre and a Tourist area tourist love. Horse-riding, quad bike riding-zipping around in the designated bush tracks, abseiling down a rugged rock face are just some of the fun activities can you expect to do at Glenworth Valley.

• Treetops Adventure park at Yarramalong Valley is a must for kids who love the outdoors and a bit of an adventure and challenge.

• The Australian Reptile Park is an award winning attraction of the area and is Australia's friendliest hands-on zoo. Great for a family day out, you can get up close and personal with many different mammals and reptiles and it will be a memorable experience long after the visit is over.

• Westfield Tuggerah is another shopping haven providing an outstanding retail and entertainment experience that tourist love.

• Mt Penang Gardens showcases the wonderful native Australian landscape.• The Central Coast offers many tours such as, Central Coast Helicopter/scenic

flights/tours from the beaches to the hinterlands, Central Coast surf schools, Hunter Valley wine, cheese and wildlife tours, Kayaking tours and horse-riding tours at Glenworth valley, Pelican feeding tours at The Entrance/ Long Jetty and many, many more.

Special Regional Features Sydney has many special and iconic regional features such as;• Sydney is the biggest and most populous city in Australia.• The Sydney Harbour Bridge• Sydney Opera House• The city is built on hills surrounding one of the world's largest natural

harbours.• Hyde Park, Royal Botanical Gardens • Bondi and Manly Beaches, Bays and rivers• There are more than 70 harbour and ocean beaches, including the famous

Bondi Beach, in the urban area.• Sydney’s architecture e.g. historical & heritage buildings.• Sydney has hosted multiple major international sporting events, including the

2000 Summer Olympics.• Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) extends southwards for about 3 km

from Sydney Cove to the area around Central station. The Sydney CBD is bounded on the east side by a chain of parkland, and the west by Darling Harbour, a tourist and nightlife precinct.

Special Regional Features The Central Coast has many special and iconic regional features such as;• The Central Coast has an approximate population of 321,500, growing at

1% p.a. making it the third largest urban area in New South Wales and the ninth largest urban area in Australia.

• The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by aboriginal people. The local Guringai and Darkinjung people.

• The Central Coast Region encompasses a total land area of about 1,800 square kilometres, including more than 80 kilometres of coastline.

• More than half the Central Coast Region is national parks, state forest, bushland, open space, nature reserves and aquatic environments (beaches and waterways).

• Two major public hospitals (Gosford and Wyong Hospital).• Erina Fair Shopping Centre and Westfield Tuggerah are the Region’s major

retail centres.• The Australian reptile park is Australian first naturalist and now regarded

as one of the countries premier attractions.

Man-Made AttractionsSydney has numerous man made attractions including;• The Sydney Harbour Bridge• Sydney Opera House• Luna Park• Sydney Museum• Taronga zoo• Powerhouse Museum• Sydney Tower• Circular Quay • IMAX theatre• Kings Cross• Aboriginal Heritage museum• Art Gallery of NSW• Sydney cricket ground• Sydney’s numerous shopping centres• Entertainment Centre• Chipmucks Playground

Man-Made AttractionsCentral Coast has numerous man made attractions including;• The Australian Reptile park• Tree tops Adventure park• Blue Tongue Central Coast Stadium• Norah Head Lighthouse• Laycock Street theatre• Lizzottes• Avoca beach picture theatre• Erina fair shopping centre• Ken Duncan Gallery• Crown Plaza Terrigal• Tenpin Bowling

Major transportation gateways & networks

Sydney offers has a variety of transportation gateway & networks including;• Sydney’s transport options are many and varied. Whether you're travelling as a

backpacker, in a family or with a group of friends, you'll find a city that's well organised with affordable public transport and plenty of private tour options.

• Ferries• Trains- NSW TrainLink• Trams• Buses- sight seeing bus tours• Water Taxis• Taxis• Hiring a bike or car• Free city shuttle bus- operates every 10 minutes on a circuit from Central Station

to Circular Quay, along George and Elizabeth streets.• My Multi day pass- great way to explore the City of Sydney as it gives you

unlimited travel on Sydney Trains, Sydney Buses, Harbour City Ferries and light rail services.

Major transportation gateways & networks

Central Coast offers has a variety of transportation gateway & networks including;• NSW TrainLink • Buses-A network of buses connects the regions of the Central Coast with

interchange hubs.• Taxis• Hire cars or bikes• Car• Ferry-Central Coast Ferries operates a local ferry service between Woy

Woy and Empire Bay, via Saratoga and Davistown.

Socioeconomic features including state of the economy (key industries) currency used

• New South Wales Currency is in Australian Dollars (AUD or A$).• New South Wales finical year is 1st July – 30th June.• New South Wales gross domestic product = A$455.3 billion (2011/2012).• GPD growth = 2.4% (2011/2012).• NSW main sources of economy income, comes from industries such as;

Services, mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals and steel.

• Main industries that export goods; coal, Aluminium, Refined petroleum, Copper ores & concentrates, Medicaments, iron ore, wheat, machinery and transport equipment.

• Main export partners; Japan 32.5%, Republic of Korea 8.6%, United States 6.9% , China 6.9%, New Zealand 6.4%

• Main import partners; China 22.5%, United States 12.7%, Japan 7.4%, Germany 5.4%, UK 4.0%

Source; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_New_South_Wales