Population: Around 7.2 million
Size: 800,628 sq km
Major Cities: Sydney
This is the oldest Australian state. It has a relatively big population – around a third of all Australians live in New South Wales. Though justly famous for its vibrant, glamorous capital, Sydney, there is much more to the state, including the majestic Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s best-known wine-growing regions. New South Wales also has over a thousand kilometres of coastline, which includes endless stretches of golden beach as well as laid-back beach towns like Byron Bay.