FAQ

**Q:** What is the capital city of New South Wales? / **A:** Sydney. **Q:** What is the population of NSW? / **A:** Approximately 8.1 million people. **Q:** What is the emergency number in NSW? / **A:** Dial 000 (Triple Zero) for police, fire, or ambulance. **Q:** What is the time zone in NSW? / **A:** Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10), and Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT, UTC+11) during summer. **Q:** Which side of the road do people drive on? / **A:** The left side. **Q:** What is the state animal of NSW? / **A:** The Platypus. **Q:** What is the state floral emblem? / **A:** The Waratah. **Q:** When was NSW founded? / **A:** It was founded in 1788 as a British penal colony. **Q:** Does NSW have a sales tax? / **A:** Australia has a national 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is already included in the displayed price of items. **Q:** What is the highest point in NSW? / **A:** Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) above sea level. **Q:** How many national parks are in NSW? / **A:** There are over 225 national parks in the state. **Q:** Can I drink the tap water? / **A:** Yes, tap water in NSW is of high quality and safe to drink unless signed otherwise. **Q:** What is the weather like? / **A:** NSW has a mostly temperate climate, though it can be arid in the west and subtropical in the north. **Q:** How do I pay for public transport in Sydney? / **A:** You can use an Opal card, or simply tap a contactless credit/debit card or smartphone on the readers. **Q:** Do I need a visa to visit NSW? / **A:** Most international visitors require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. **Q:** Are beaches free to visit? / **A:** Yes, all public beaches in NSW are free to access. **Q:** What are the major airports? / **A:** Sydney Airport (SYD) is the primary gateway, with Western Sydney Airport slated to open in 2026. **Q:** Is there snow in NSW? / **A:** Yes, the Snowy Mountains region receives regular snowfall during the winter months (June to August). **Q:** What is the legal drinking age? / **A:** The legal drinking age is 18 years old. **Q:** How do I find information about bushfires? / **A:** Use the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) website or download the "Hazards Near Me" mobile app.