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INVESTING IN NSW > Living in NSW

Getting around

Road
Getting around NSW is easy by road – there are excellent freeways between major centres and scenic routes are often sign-posted to encourage picturesque detours. Car prices are competitive in Australia and there is a good range of local and imported cars to choose from. To drive a car legally on NSW roads you must register the car. To do this you must have:
  • proof of your identity
  • proof of acquisition – or proof of how you bought the car
  • a current compulsory third party or green slip – the most basic form of car insurance and one you need to drive legally
  • an inspection report or pink slip which verifies your car is in good enough condition to be safe on the roads.

Registration for most domestic cars costs between $206 - 362 per annum. For more information visit the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority website.

Driver's licence
If you are a permanent resident and you plan to stay in NSW you may drive in NSW on your country of origin's licence for three months. When the three months is up, you must sit for your NSW driver's licence. This involves passing an eye test, a written test and, in most cases, taking a driving test. You also have to prove your identity and that you live in NSW to get your licence.

Licences can last for one, three or five years and cost A$40, $98 and $132, respectively. To find out more visit licensing guidelines for overseas drivers at www.rta.nsw.gov.au. General information on driving in NSW is available from the NRMA website.

Public transport
The east coast of NSW is the most populated area in the State and most of the public transport network, including trains, buses and ferries, links cities and suburbs along the coastline. Maps of the rail network, with traveling times on the routes, are available at the Countrylink website. Sydney's public transport system is comprehensive; you can travel by bus, train, monorail and light rail around Sydney's centre, and by ferry.

To give a general overview, CityRail trains run to Newcastle in the north, to the Blue Mountains through Parramatta in the west, through Campbelltown to Goulburn in the south west, and Wollongong in the south. Visit the CityRail website maps for more information.

For maps of where ferries and buses travel in the city visit the Sydney Ferries website or the Sydney Buses website.

Flights around Australia
Major airports are located in Australia's main cities: Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and Perth. The main airport in Sydney, Kingsford-Smith Airport, is located at Mascot, 8 km south of the city centre.

Flights between these centres are readily available and serviced by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Smaller airlines fly to country destinations around NSW.