Top 3 Country Towns in NSW | Historic Towns NSW | NeedaBreak (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Goulburn 2. Orange 3. Moree FAQs

Compared to the rest of the world, Australia’s European history is quite young but there is still some fascinating historical towns worthy of exploration. Colonial occupation of Australia began in 1788 when the British First Fleet landed on Australian shores loaded with convicts and a penal colony was established.

Over the next century numerous other colonies were established surrounding the lucrative gold fields and agricultural industries and European settlement flourished with the population growing rapidly.In the early 1800s, towns were starting to be established all over the country in regions where farming and agriculture were optimum.Some of the smaller towns in New South Wales have exciting and interesting stories to uncover and stunning period architecture to view.

1. Goulburn

Located in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Goulburn call itself Australia’s first inland city and was first opened to European settlement in 1820 when the colonial government made land grants to free settlers. A few years later, land in the area was released to buy and Goulburn was established as a sheep and farming region. The town continued to grow and prosper with the railway arriving in 1869.

Many of the town’s historic buildings were built in the late 1800s and still stand today. The first lock up was built in 1830 and the first Goulburn gaol was proclaimed in 1847. In 1881, new premises were erected and after several renamings and a 20 million dollar extension in 2001, the current Goulburn Correctional Centre was born. The high risk management facility is the most secure prison in Australia and houses the most dangerous and infamous prisoners.

The Kenmore hospital completed in 1894, the Coolavin Hotel in Sloane Street from around 1850 and Goulburn’s first permanent fire station built in 1890 are all grand examples of architecture from their era. Goulburn’s historic buildings and pretty countryside make it an interesting place to visit. Positioned on the train line and only two hours from Sydney by car, Goulburn is the ideal location for an historical weekend away.

Your Next Adventure: Midweek regional NSW getaways

2. Orange

Established in 1846, Orange, is a small city in New South Wales central west region that flourished after a nearby gold discovery in 1851 which led to the Australian gold rush era. Orange became a central trading centre for gold along with an agricultural centre due to the excellent conditions for cold climate fruit. There are still a good selection of buildings built in the 19th century displaying the charm and beauty of this era.

You can take the Heritage trail that winds through the streets of Orange past the Holy Trinity Church (1879), Duntryleague Guest House (1876), Orange Court House (1873) and Orange Town Hall. The heritage Robertson Park was established in 1882 and is still flourishing with ancient trees and beautiful gardens.

The birthplace of famous poet Banjo Patterson who wrote the iconic ‘Waltzing Matilda’, Orange has set up a monument recognising Australia’s best known and admired poet. The growth of the wine making industry in the region has seen Orange’s popularity as a holiday destination increase and seen the dramatic expansion of Orange accommodation options.

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3. Moree

Moree is located in northern New South Wales and boasts a slightly chequered past. Originally inhabited by the Kamilaroi indigenous people, Moree was established as a town in 1862 due to its rich, dark soil ideal for farming. The original occupants were largely driven from the area by the European settlers.

In 1965, Moree came to the attention of Australians as a rural town that was involved in racial segregation most notably in the local swimming pool where aborigines were refused entry. After a confrontation with the local council and pool owners, aboriginal children were allowed to swim outside school hours. The historical cemetery in Moree is a must see for genealogists and historians, being the final resting place for Edward Bulwer Lytton Dickens, author Charles Dickens’ youngest son.

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There are several historic buildings constructed around the turn of the 19th century, including the courthouse and vicarage worthy of visiting and the surrounding farmland is home to the largest pecan nut farm in the southern hemisphere.The Econo Lodge Moree Spa Motor Innis a well located, well priced hotel, ideal for exploring the local area.

Related: A Pecan Farm? A Cotton Farm? Artesian Baths? Give me Moree!

Top 3 Country Towns in NSW | Historic Towns NSW | NeedaBreak (2024)

FAQs

Top 3 Country Towns in NSW | Historic Towns NSW | NeedaBreak? ›

Kangaroo Valley is one of New South Wales's most beautiful must-visit towns. Home to breathtaking valleys, creeks, unique swimming locations, and the Kangaroo River, it makes for the best getaway trip when traveling in the area.

What is the nicest town in NSW? ›

Kangaroo Valley is one of New South Wales's most beautiful must-visit towns. Home to breathtaking valleys, creeks, unique swimming locations, and the Kangaroo River, it makes for the best getaway trip when traveling in the area.

What are the rural areas in NSW? ›

Southern Tablelands
  • Young & Hilltops.
  • Queanbeyan.
  • Yass.
  • Southern Highlands.
  • Goulburn.
  • Canberra.

What is the name of one rural location in NSW? ›

Mudgee is one of the small country towns in NSW to visit for wineries. Mudgee is a NSW country town in the Central West region of the state known for its countryside views of vineyards and cellar doors.

What is a major regional towns in NSW? ›

Populations are rapidly increasing as people migrate to regional cities such as Bathurst, Orange, Tamworth, Dubbo, Lismore, Wagga Wagga and Coffs Harbour, attracted by their lifestyles and employment industries.

What is the richest country town in NSW? ›

Roxby Downs, home to BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam site, is the wealthiest South Australian town while Sydney's harbourside suburb of Kirribilli is the richest in New South Wales.

What town in NSW has the best climate? ›

The Yamba Climate

Situated in Tropical Northern NSW, Yamba along with two other coastal areas on the world map have been declared by CSIRO and Stanford University as having the best climate in the world (along with San Diego, California and Bunbury in WA) to work, live or play.

Where is the cheapest place to live in NSW? ›

The top 10 affordable suburbs in New South Wales
SuburbPostcodeSA4 Region
Mayfield2304Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Nowra2541Shoalhaven
Bornaderry2541Shoalhaven
Dapto2530Illawarra
6 more rows
Aug 25, 2022

Where is the best place to live in NSW? ›

Six best places to live: NSW
  • Hunter Valley.
  • Manly.
  • Mid North Coast.
  • Warriewood.
  • North Sydney.
  • Bondi Beach.
Mar 17, 2023

What are the most popular regional areas in NSW? ›

Initially the Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, and the Blue Mountains—which are all within striking distance of Sydney. Other locations which have proved popular with sea and tree changers include Byron Bay as well as regional centres like Bathurst, Mudgee, Orange, and Dubbo.

Which rural areas are growing the fastest in NSW? ›

NSW Regional Investment Property Hotspots
  • Cessnock. Located in the Hunter region and situated only 50km away from Newcastle, Cessnock saw median prices rise by 39.87% over the last 12 months and a steady increase over a five-year period, with 45.39% capital gain. ...
  • Gwandalan. ...
  • Goulburn. ...
  • Warnervale. ...
  • Beresfield.
Oct 24, 2022

What is the most rural community in Australia? ›

Often known as the most remote town in Australia, the Kiwirrkurra Community is situated in Western Australia's Gibson Desert. 1,200 km east of Port Hedland and 850km west of Alice Springs. Its closest neighbouring community is Walungurru (Kintore). 100km west across state borders in the Northern Territory.

Why live in regional NSW? ›

This fertile farming region of New England–North West boasts a strong mining history and abounds in stunning national parks and adventure-filled outdoor recreational activities. Farm stays are a popular short-term accommodation option in this region, offering the chance to experience life on the land.

Where is the best rural place to live in Australia? ›

Best rural places to live in Australia for the quaint and suburban lifestyle lover
  • Mudgee, New South Wales. ...
  • Maldon, Victoria. ...
  • Renmark, South Australia. ...
  • Montville, Queensland. ...
  • Richmond, Tasmania.
Oct 7, 2021

What country towns are growing in NSW? ›

Significant growth

The regions which include Albury, Maitland, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Byron-Ballina-Kyogle, Shoalhaven and Tweed could reach populations of more than 100,000 people. The Mid-Coast area could exceed 90,000 people.

What is the oldest regional town in NSW? ›

1. Goulburn. Located in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Goulburn call itself Australia's first inland city and was first opened to European settlement in 1820 when the colonial government made land grants to free settlers.

What is the most liveable suburb in NSW? ›

According to the Urban Living Index, Crows Nest is the most liveable suburb in Sydney. Other suburbs that scored highly include North Sydney, Lavender Bay, Neutral Bay, Kirribilli as well as Manly and Fairlight.

What is the largest regional economy in NSW? ›

The Hunter is the largest regional economy in Australia, ranking above Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory in terms of economic output. It drives around 28 per cent of regional NSW's total economic output and is the largest regional contributor to the State's gross domestic product.

Where do the richest Australians live? ›

No suburb in the country features a greater concentration of members of The List – Australia's Richest 250 than Toorak, where Melbourne's wealthiest families have gathered for decades.

Where is the best place to retire in NSW? ›

If you're looking for one of the best places to retire in NSW, away from Sydney or larger centres like Newcastle or Wollongong, put Nelson Bay on your shortlist. It ticks a lot of boxes including a stunning coastal location, with a foodie scene that includes Rick Stein's new Bannisters restaurant.

Where is the warmest place in NSW in winter? ›

Where is the warmest place in NSW in winter? The warmest place for a winter getaway in NSW is anywhere north. Byron Bay is a great option with an average winter temperature of 21 degrees celsius.

What is the hottest town in NSW? ›

Climate. Tibooburra has a dry, hot, desert climate with temperatures above 40° Celsius (104 °F) in summer, often reaching as high as 47 °C (117 °F). Temperatures are milder in winter, about 20 °C (68 °F) in the daytime. Tibooburra is the hottest town in New South Wales.

Where is the cheapest rural land in NSW? ›

Where is the cheapest place to buy land in NSW? If you're on the hunt for the cheapest place to buy land in NSW, you might want to check out some of the more rural areas. Suburbs like Yarravale and Tomki tend to have more affordable land prices compared to urban areas.

How much money do you need to live in NSW? ›

Summary of cost of living in Sydney, Australia: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,164.3$ (6,248.5A$) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,160.9$ (1,742.0A$) without rent.

What is the most affordable city to buy a home Australia? ›

Here are the cheapest places to buy a house in Australia:
  • Broken Hill, New South Wales.
  • Mount Magnet, Western Australia.
  • Coober Pedy, South Australia.
  • Nelly Bay, Queensland.
  • Peterborough, South Australia.
Apr 12, 2023

What town in NSW has the lowest crime rate? ›

Referring to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) data up to March 2022, the safest council areas were:
  • Hunters Hill.
  • Mosman.
  • Upper Lachlan Shire.
  • Hornsby.
  • Canada Bay.
  • North Sydney.
  • Willoughby.
  • The Northern Beaches.
Feb 7, 2023

Where is the best weather in NSW? ›

The weather and climate of the NSW Coast is relatively mild with well-defined seasons that feature hot summers and cool winters. The north west of the NSW Coast is the hottest region and the seasons in these areas are less apparent featuring hot and wetter summers and cooler but drier winters.

What is the safest suburb in NSW? ›

Safest suburbs in Sydney
  1. Berowra Heights & Berowra Waters. The new Warrina Street Oval playground in Berowra Heights. ...
  2. Beecroft. In 2022, Beecroft recorded 57 serious offences from a postcode with a population of 12,458. ...
  3. Cherrybrook. ...
  4. West Pennant Hills. ...
  5. Fairlight. ...
  6. Wahroonga. ...
  7. St Ives. ...
  8. Avalon Beach.
Mar 21, 2023

What is the most multicultural suburb in NSW? ›

Blacktown is one of Sydney's most diverse cultural areas, with nearly 55% of households home to families with both parents born overseas.

What is the most multicultural city in NSW? ›

When it comes to the number of different nationalities, the Melbourne suburb of Point Cook tops the list as the most multicultural, recording people born in 146 different countries. It is followed by the inner city suburb of Melbourne (137 countries), and the Sydney suburbs of Blacktown and Maroubra (133 countries).

Which is the best regional area in Australia? ›

Darwin is considered the best regional area for PR in Australia. It is a bustling hub for both business and travel, and it has a robust economy with a variety of job opportunities in mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Where is the most fertile land in NSW? ›

The early settlers found the alluvial soils to be the most productive, but red-brown soils on upland slopes and in the state's south-central Riverina region and black soils on the northern river plains also are exceptionally fertile.

What is the fastest growing suburb in NSW? ›

Blacktown has the fastest growing population in Sydney and the second fastest growing suburb population across Australia, according to a new report, with many buyers favouring the area for its larger land sizes and affordable homes.

What is the fastest growing inland city in NSW? ›

Fastest growing areas: Regional NSW

SQM Research's Boom and Bust Report 2022 describes this as a, “one in 10-to-30-year event,” highlighting Forster which grew +30.8 per cent and Grafton which grew +42.7 per cent over the year.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Australia? ›

5 Cheapest Places to Live in Australia
  • Adelaide. Bursting with culture, events, entertainment, and flavor, Adelaide is regarded as Australia's food and wine capital. ...
  • Cairns. The city of Cairns in northern Queensland lies some 2500 km north of Adelaide. ...
  • Sunshine Coast. ...
  • Geelong. ...
  • Perth.

What is the most remote town in Australia? ›

Kiwirrkurra Community, Western Australia.

What is the most isolated community in Australia? ›

Kiwirrkurra Community, Western Australia

The Kiwirrkurra Community is known as the most remote in the country. It is located in the Gibson Desert, nearly 530 miles west of Alice Springs and over 745 miles west of Port Hedland.

What towns are paying you to move there in Australia? ›

$20,000 to move to rural Queensland town

Quilpie has a population of just 650 people and is 1000 kilometres away from Brisbane. The town is offering $20,000 to anyone willing to move there, but recipients must use the money to buy a plot of land, build a house and live in it.

What are the advantages of living in NSW? ›

The pros of living in Sydney
  • You get the best of both worlds. Sydney is where relaxing beach days meet the hustle and bustle of city life. ...
  • Fantastic weather. ...
  • Plenty to keep you busy. ...
  • Great nightlife. ...
  • Multicultural food. ...
  • Close to the airport.
Jun 17, 2022

What are the growth areas of NSW? ›

  • Bayside West.
  • Frenchs Forest.
  • Gosford city centre.
  • Greater Macarthur.
  • Hunter region.
  • Illawarra-Shoalhaven.
  • North West Growth Area.
  • Pyrmont Peninsula.

Where do most Americans live in Australia? ›

Western Sydney is particularly popular with American expats, while the Northern Beaches Area is great for families. Sydney is a major player on the world stage, which has an undeniable effect on the cost of living here.

What is the happiest city in Australia? ›

People seeking a life in Australia have a good reason to put Canberra, the Australian capital city, on their priority list. A new survey by the University of Canberra's Health Research Institute has found that the city's residents are happier on average than people in other Australian cities.

Where is the best place to retire in Australia? ›

Best places to retire in Australia in 2022
  • Echuca, Victoria. The name Echuca means 'meeting of the waters' and the traditional Yorta Yorta lands span both sides of the Murray River. ...
  • Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. ...
  • Hobart, Tasmania. ...
  • Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

Which tiny towns are in NSW? ›

For a peaceful and serene getaway, here are some of the most beautiful small towns in New South Wales worth visiting.
  • 3 Canowindra.
  • 4 Cowra. ...
  • 5 Narooma. ...
  • 6 Nimbin. ...
  • 7 Ballina. ...
  • 8 Bowral. ...
  • 9 Mudgee. ...
  • 10 Byron Bay. Nestled on the far north coast of New South Wales, Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful towns in New South Wales. ...
May 16, 2023

Which is bigger Newcastle or Wollongong? ›

Wollongong's growth rate exceeds that of Newcastle, though Newcastle remains much larger.

Which NSW town was the birth of the nation? ›

It was in the town, in 1889, that Henry Parkes delivered a crucial speech about the need for Australian Federation which led to the establishment of Australia as a nation in 1901. Today Tenterfield is surrounded by rich sheep and cattle country.

What is the most remote town in NSW? ›

Tibooburra
Tibooburra New South Wales
Elevation183 m (600 ft)
Location1,187 km (738 mi) NW of Sydney 843 km (524 mi) N of Adelaide 335 km (208 mi) N of Broken Hill
LGA(s)Unincorporated Far West Region
CountyPoole
10 more rows

What is the coldest city in Australia? ›

The town is an ex-Hydro village and now a residence for Inland Fisheries Services (IFS) and a Tasmania Police station. It is known for its exceptional fishing at nearby Great Lake and hosts several trout fishing events. Liawenee is the coldest permanently-inhabited place in Australia.

What is a ghost town in NSW? ›

Yerranderie is a ghost town that once prospered as a silver and lead mining operation. In the years immediately prior to World War I it had a population of over 2,000 and between 1900 and 1912 the mines in the area yielded 5,381,000 ounces of silver, 9,951 ounces of gold and over 12,000 tons of lead.

Which is the best region in NSW? ›

Initially the Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, and the Blue Mountains—which are all within striking distance of Sydney. Other locations which have proved popular with sea and tree changers include Byron Bay as well as regional centres like Bathurst, Mudgee, Orange, and Dubbo.

Where is the most affordable place to live in NSW? ›

Lake Munmorah, located on the Central Coast of NSW, offers an affordable option for those looking to buy or rent a house. The median house prices in Lake Munmorah cost around $750, which is significantly lower than the median price in capital cities.

What is the fastest growing town in NSW? ›

Blacktown has the fastest growing population in Sydney and the second fastest growing suburb population across Australia, according to a new report, with many buyers favouring the area for its larger land sizes and affordable homes.

Where is the highest crime rate in NSW? ›

  • Sydney CBD. Our CBD is also home to the highest crime rate in Sydney. ...
  • Redfern. Nearby Redfern was another inner city crime hotspot with the 2016 postcode recording 816 serious incidents based on a population of 13,072 people. ...
  • Surry Hills. High rates of assault and theft were recorded in Surry Hills in 2022. ...
  • Mount Druitt.
Mar 21, 2023

What town in Australia has the lowest crime rate? ›

1. Canberra – Australia's Capital City. Nestled between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is not only the capital but also Australia's safest city. With a low crime rate and a small-town vibe, Canberra offers an attractive blend of city living and peaceful suburban life.

What are the fastest growing suburbs in NSW? ›

Fastest-growing regions in Greater Sydney 2019-2022
Statistical Area 32022 Dec ERPChange2019-2022
Blacktown - North147,30030,100
Bringelly - Green Valley147,40021,700
Rouse Hill - McGraths Hill60,50017,500
Penrith162,9008,700
4 more rows
Jan 18, 2023

Where should I live on the coast of NSW? ›

If you're looking for one of the best places to live on the NSW south coast, then Eden down on the Sapphire Coast is a standout. Besides being equidistant from Melbourne and Sydney, a 6 hour journey either way, the town is a natural harbour, so it's a mecca for boating and fishing.

What is the most crime ridden city in Australia? ›

10 Most Dangerous Cities In Australia
  • Cairns, Australia.
  • Darwin, Australia. ...
  • Toowoomba, Australia. ...
  • Townsville, Australia. ...
  • Geelong, Australia. ...
  • Ballarat, Australia. ...
  • Wollongong, Australia. Wollongong is a coastal port city south of Sydney. ...
  • Newcastle, Australia. Newcastle is a harbor city in the state of New South Wales. ...

What's the poorest suburb in Sydney? ›

What are the poorest suburbs in Sydney? As per the Australian Taxation Office, there are many disadvantaged areas in Sydney including Blacktown, Fairfield, Carramar, Auburn, Parramatta, Campsie, Cabramatta, and others.

Where is the safest small town to live? ›

15 Safest Small Cities and Towns in America
CityCrime Cost per Capita
1.Yorktown Town, NY$43
2.Mason, OH$47
3.Andover, MA$51
4.Southlake, TX$64
11 more rows
May 25, 2023

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