Discover the Hottest Place in New South Wales

Geography of New South Wales

When you think of Australia, your first thoughts probably drift towards kangaroos hopping along the hot dusty roads of the Outback. While the Outback is probably Australia’s most iconic landscape, the environment in Australia varies greatly depending on the part of the country. In fact, the hottest place in New South Wales has quite the contrasting climate when compared to Sydney, the capital. Keep reading to discover which Australia town tucked away in a far corner of the Outback holds the title for hottest place in New South Wales.

New South Wales can be divided into approximately four key geographical areas.

Western Plains

This is the most arid part of the state. The Western Plains comprise over two-thirds of the entire state of New South Wales. Rainfall here is rare and the population is quite sparse.

The Central Plains

Unlike the hot and dry Western Plains, the Central Plains have ample water supply. Consequently, the Central Plains boast a strong agricultural presence.

The Coast

From the border with the state of Queensland down to the Far South Coast region, New South Wales’ Pacific coastline enjoys a balmy sub-tropical climate with warm summers and mild winters.

The Mountains

You may not think of snowy mountainous areas when you think of Australia, but they exist! New South Wales is home to many mountainous regions including the Great Dividing Range, the Snowy Mountains, the Northern, Central, and Southern Tablelands, the Southern Highlands, and the Southwest Slopes. What the mountains lack in height, they make up for in age. Some of these mountains are among the oldest on Earth!

Average Climate of Australia

Because the place is so massive, the weather in Australia really depends on two key factors: the time of year and the place. Australia is comprised of eight states and territories. Most of the states experience four seasons throughout the year. However, the tropical north (think Darwin and Cairnes) only experience two seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

Additionally, because Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, their seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. So, when Americans are swapping t-shirts for sweaters, raking leaves, and prepping for winter, Australians are watching the first blooms of spring. Neat, huh?

What Is the Hottest Place in New South Wales, Australia?

The hottest place in New South Wales is a tiny town called Tibooburra. It’s nestled in the northwest part of the state.

About Tibooburra

With a population of just over 100 people, Tibooburra is quite a small town. Temperatures frequently go over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Winter temperatures hover in the 60s. In 2014, Tibooburra recorded temperatures as high as 117 degrees. Unfortunately, there is little relief from the heat. Tibooburra rarely sees rainfall. In 1940, a measly 2 inches of rain fell the whole year!

Hottest Temperature Recorded In Australia

While the scorching temperatures of Tibooburra are impressive when it comes to weather in Australia, believe it or not, there’s a place in a different part of the country that gets even hotter. On January 2, 1960, the tiny village of Oodnadatta saw temperatures reach an astonishing 123 degrees Fahrenheit!