1. Sydney – 5,143,256
Australia’s largest city and coastal capital; global finance, cultural & transport centre.
2. Newcastle–Maitland – 534,033
Hunter Region metropolitan area with port, manufacturing and historical significance.
3. Canberra–Queanbeyan (NSW part) – 510,641
Cross-border metro of Canberra, including Queanbeyan NSW; government, education and arts hub.
4. Central Coast – 351,237
Coastal commuter region between Sydney and Newcastle with beaches and growing suburbs.
5. Wollongong–Illawarra – 318,258
South of Sydney; heavy-industry port city with recreational coastline and arts community.
6. Coffs Harbour–Grafton – 136,000
Mid North Coast region combining Coffs Harbour and Grafton; tourism and service centre.
7. Albury–Wodonga (NSW side) – 121,000
Twin-city on the border; riverfront regional hub and transport crossroads.
8. Wagga Wagga – 67,609
Regional Riverina city; agriculture, defence and education centre.
9. Tweed Heads–Terranora – 63,000
Gold Coast/Tweed border; beaches, tourism and multicultural community.
10. Port Macquarie – 47,974
Mid North Coast coastal city with retirement-lifestyle appeal and growing population.
11. Tamworth – 42,872
Country music capital; New England agricultural city with strong regional commerce.
12. Orange – 40,493
Central West city known for food, wine, heritage architecture and regional culture.
13. Bowral–Mittagong – 39,887
Southern Highlands boutique town cluster; heritage, gardens and wine tourism.
14. Dubbo – 38,392
Central West regional centre for western NSW; agricultural service and transport hub.
15. Nowra–Bomaderry – 37,420
Shoalhaven coastal community; gateway to Jervis Bay and tourist lifestyle.
16. Bathurst – 33,801
Historic regional city in Central West; known for education, motorsport (Bathurst 1000).
17. Lismore – 28,720
Northern Rivers river city; arts-friendly and lush hinterland setting.
18. Nelson Bay – 28,051
Coastal Hunter Region town; access to Port Stephens and marine recreation.
19. Taree – 26,448
Macadamia and farming hub in Mid North Coast region; service town for the hinterland.
20. Grafton – 19,078
Clarence Valley town on the Clarence River; regional services and Jacaranda festival.
The above is subject to change.
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