New South Wales Weather, climate and geography

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

New South Wales enjoys a year-round sub-tropical climate, with warm semi-tropical summers, particularly in lower central areas and cool winters.

In the springtime from September to November, New South Wales comes alive with lush greenery and enjoys balmy, sunny days. This is a perfect time for a spot of whale watching, as humpbacks make their way southwards along the coast.

Geography

The landscape ranges from the subtropical, rainforest-clad regions of the north to the Snowy Mountains in the south, which contain Australia's highest point, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m/7,310ft), prominent alongside glacial lakes and stunning valleys.

The southern coastline of New South Wales is home to 30 national parks, an abundance of bays, coves and dazzling beaches, especially around Jervis Bay and the Sapphire Coast. Contrasting that is the rugged outback territory found at Mungo and Mutawintji National Park, where previous settlements and old mining towns unearthed the mineral-rich deposits of the area.

There are over 2,000km (1,200 miles) of coastline and four UNESCO World Heritage sites including Lord Howe Island, the Greater Blue Mountains area, Willandra Lakes and the Gondwana Rainforests.