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Planning A School Trip To NSW?

Planning a school trip to nsw here’s what teachers need to remember.

Organising a school trip, whether for a day excursion or a multi-day camp, takes a lot of coordination to ensure events run smoothly while keeping students engaged, safe and enthused. As rewarding antidotes to classroom routines, successful getaways require thorough planning across key areas. Follow this handy guide when arranging upcoming outings so your next student adventure proves fun, organised, and meets key curriculum goals.

Set Clear Educational Objectives

Well-structured school trips should always align exciting hands-on activities back to curriculum learning objectives or to develop soft skills like teamwork and resilience. Outline the main knowledge goals, historical concepts, science themes or social competencies explored through the excursion’s unique locations and immersive interactions.

This helps guide fitting destinations, informs background readings and research tasks assigned beforehand and focuses the post-trip classroom debriefs extracting takeaways linking directly back to academic lessons. Having educational aims provides context elevating getaways beyond frivolous days off.

Look At Potential Locations

Once firm learning objectives are established, research locations offering interactive programming or exhibits closely match desired themes. For historically focused outings, dig into local museum archives and heritage sites bringing eras alive through artifacts and costumed character experiences well-suited to the curriculum.

If highlighting science concepts like conservation , call parks offering behind-the-scenes wildlife tours. Venues like zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and national parks equally blend education with hands-on sightseeing. Remember distance and budget factors when shortlisting too.

Look At School Camps For A Thrilling Experience For The Kids

For teachers wanting to extend trips into multi-day immersive learning escapades further afield, utilising action-packed school camp programmes transforms getaways tremendously compared to daily excursions. Reputable camp providers partner closely with visiting schools delivering exciting age-tailored activities benefiting development tremendously.

Students gain independence by stepping outside their comfort zones and tackling thrilling challenges like zip lining, orienteering, high ropes, and water sports pushing individual growth. Bushcraft skills, team exercises and nightly campfires under the stars bring kids together in newfound ways too. Camps for schools create memories for a lifetime while ticking curriculum boxes. Just ensure ample teacher supervision and first aid coverage for such adventurous options.

Plan Transport And Food Arrangements

Managing student transportation , meals and venue entry coordination proves no small feat for large groups. Book buses or coaches providing enough capacity and seat belts for the whole class. Specify any accessibility requirements upfront if needed. Have kids start bringing packed lunches, snacks, and refillable bottles in the days before to eliminate on-site food hassles.

Confirm admission numbers and pre-pay entry fees/activity costs where possible to bypass ticket queues wasting precious time on site. For overnight trips, define sleeping arrangements and supervision rosters keeping everyone safe. Streamlining logistics ensures outings unfold smoothly come showtime.

Prepare Students Beforehand

Get students intellectually and behaviourally primed for excursions in the weeks beforehand through class discussions, worksheets, and reading assignments focused on destinations and learning themes. Highlight safety reminders plus code of conduct expectations representing the school positively. Doing so sets the tone for engaged participation and fewer disruptions on the day when minds are informed and eager to explore.

Distributing detailed getaway itineraries allows parents insight into helping kids pack suitable bags too.

Have Contingency Plans Handy

Despite meticulous planning, unexpected hiccups like extreme weather , transport delays or venue closures can derail getaways off course. Have backup plans or alternative activity lists ready should circumstances force last-minute agility to keep students constructively engaged if original programmes get interrupted or cancelled. Flexibility smoothing out the bumps ensures education and enrichment continue un-compromised until home time.

Planning a trip is so important, especially when there are so many little lives (and worried parents) to think about!

Plan, enjoy and stay safe on your next trip to NSW !

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Biennale of Sydney - Rozelle

Plan your trip to the Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station in Rozelle from Saturday 9 March to Sunday 10 June. Buses run regularly to the venue.

Doors Open 17:00 | Start 18:10 | Finish 22:50

Bring Me The Horizon

Plan your trip to see Bring Me The Horizon on Friday 12 and Sunday 14 April at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.

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Super Rugby: Waratahs v Crusaders

Plan your trip to see the Waratahs take on the Reds in the women, and the Waratahs men take on the Crusaders in the Super Rugby at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park on Friday 12 April.

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Plan your trip or consider working from home, with major impacts still being experienced across the state’s road and public transport network following this weekend’s severe weather event.

Train timetable changes in April

From Saturday 13 April 2024, minor timetable adjustments will be made to Blue Mountains and Central Coast & Newcastle Lines.

Regional Rail Waste Collection Trial

Transport for NSW is trialling a new way to collect rubbish on regional train services as part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.

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Visitnsw Home Page

Nsw, australia.

Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official tourism, destinations and events website, let us inspire your next travel tale.

Follow rainforest birdsong to thundering waterfalls. Glide down glittering snowfields or slip into the silken sea on a white-sand beach. Taste world-class wines, ocean-fresh oysters, juicy cherries and fragrant truffles on meandering road trips. Connect with outback stories, making new friends along the way. So, where to first?

Places to go

Country NSW

Hunter Valley

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South Coast

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Snowy Mountains

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NSW's most spectacular caves

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Have you ticked off these nsw bucket-list experiences.

Snorkel the world’s southernmost coral reef

Walk through the world’s most ancient open caves.

Stand atop Australia’s highest peak

Step back in time at Mungo National Park

Surf the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere

Stargaze at the country’s first Dark Sky Park

Get up close to humpback whales during the annual migration

Ride the world’s steepest railway

Marvel at NSW’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sip your way through Australia's oldest wine region

Sink your toes into the whitest sand in the world

Learn about Aboriginal culture with a guide

Go diving with turtles, seals & dolphins

Go off-grid on a glamping retreat

Chase NSW's most incredible waterfalls

Get soaked by the largest blowhole in the world

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20 of NSW’s most iconic ‘Big Things’

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It’s time to hit the road. Our trip planner and interactive map lets you explore the wonders of NSW from coast to country.

Go north along the Legendary Pacific Coast

Beaches and national parks on the Grand Pacific Drive

Chasing waterfalls in lush rainforest

Gourmet delights on a country Food and Wine Trail

Follow the coast from Sydney to Melbourne

Outback adventures on the Darling River Run

More about new south wales.

The most visited state in the nation is home to Sydney , Australia’s most beautiful capital city. There are transport options from Sydney to the marvellous destinations and fun adventures in the regions. There are trains and coaches, as well as flights from Sydney Airport to many regional airports.

What about getting to an island paradise? The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is only a short plane trip from the mainland. A top destination all year, the island is home to the world’s most southerly coral reefs, as well as lovely beaches and great fishing, snorkelling and diving.

Wondering where to stay in NSW? Then search the accommodation on the website. There are options to suit various budgets, including camping and caravanning, B&Bs, classic pubs, motels, heritage guesthouses and farm stays, as well as eco-retreats, luxury hotels and spa resorts.

The following pages will also help you plan your holidays, short breaks and weekend escapes:

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NSW Travel Guide

Why visit nsw.

NSW is home to more Australians than any other state. The state offers more diversity than any of its neighbours; there is a real outback, the country’s highest snowfields, a world-famous harbour and, of course, the much loved east coast beaches. You probably already have Sydney on your list, but there is so much more to NSW. When you begin to plan your itinerary, consider these facts:

• 870 national parks and reserves to wander
• 2137 km of coastline
• Six UNESCO World Heritage areas
• Australia’s oldest wine region
• a true red dirt outback and all the great characters that go with it.

So let’s start exploring NSW and see what takes your fancy.

Regions in NSW

You could easily spend a year exploring the many towns of NSW; however, most travellers stick to the coast. However, there is so much to see, including the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley and outback!

The main regions of NSW are:

• Blue Mountains
• Central Coast
• North Coast Region
• New England
• Central NSW
• Outback NSW
• Snowy Mountains
• South Coast Region

There is enough variety in the state to keep you busy for years’ worth of holidays.

Featured NSW Road Trip

Exploring 8 Beautiful Port Macquarie Beaches

Nsw travel planning.

Our NSW travel guide will help you decide which region, town and cities in New South Wales you should visit on your next trip. We cover the basics of planning a trip and give you a quick rundown on the main tourist regions and the most popular things to do in Sydney and the states other key towns.

How to get to NSW

International airport.

New South Wales has one international airport, Kingsford Smith, which is in Mascot in the city’s south east. A second international airport is under construction at Badgerys Creek to the west of the city.

Key Domestic airports

There are small airports around the state; Rex  Airlines  service 18 of them if you need to get somewhere in a hurry.

The two main airports are:

• Sydney International – three terminals, one international and two domestic
• Newcastle – which offers direct services to Canberra, Melbourne, Dubbo, and the Gold Coast

Interstate Trains

You can take trains from Sydney to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. All interstate services leave from Central Station, and tickets can be purchased via  CountryLink  or, in the case of the latter two, from  Journey Beyond .

Interstate Buses

Three companies offer travel between Sydney and the other capital cities.

• Greyhound  offers a national bus network
• Firefly  offer routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide
• Murrays  travel from Sydney to Wollongong and Canberra.

What’s new

Expert Tips for Visiting the Blue Mountains by Train in 2024

7 Days in Sydney-An Itinerary for a First Visit

How to get around NSW

Public transport.

Much of NSW is covered on the Opal Card; you can download the app on your phone or use your credit/debit card to tap on and off. Opal is used for ticketing in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Region, Central Coast, Illawarra, Southern Highlands.

Driving distances by average time taken

• Sydney to Wollongong – 1hr 30m
• Sydney to Katoomba – 1hr 30m
• Sydney to Newcastle – 2hrs 15m
• Sydney to Jervis Bay – 3hrs
• Sydney to Hunter Valley (Pokolbin) – 3hrs 20m
• Sydney to Orange – 3hr 30m
• Sydney to Batemans Bay – 4hrs
• Sydney to Port Macquarie – 4hrs 15m
• Sydney to Tamworth – 4hrs 50m
• Sydney To Jindabyne – 4hrs 50m
• Sydney to Dubbo – 5hrs
• Sydney to Byron Bay – 8 hrs 20m
• Sydney to Broken Hill – 13hrs

Numerous smaller companies offer domestic bus services to towns along the NSW coast.

Explore more of new south wales

Exploring the Gorgeous Tweed Valley

10 Tips for a Perfect Weekend in Sydney

Driving the Incredible Waterfall Way in NSW [Itinerary]

An Easy One Day Blue Mountains Itinerary by Train

Fun Things to add to your Coffs Harbour Itinerary

Ultimate Guide of Things To Do In Yamba NSW

Find the Best Things to do in Port Macquarie

The Best Animal Parks in Sydney

What is it Like To Stay at YHA Sydney Harbour? [Review]

Need more ideas? Join our Australia Travel Tips group where you can ask questions, stay updated with what’s happening and meet a bunch of friendly local experts ready to share their advice!

Privacy Overview

Apply for the VTAS travel and accommodation allowance

Introduction.

Apprentices or new entrant trainees who have to travel more than 120kms (round trip) to attend day or block release training, may be able to apply for financial assistance from the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS).

If you're eligible, VTAS will provide:

• an allowance/kilometre travelled from your usual place of residence to the training location
• a daily amount towards your accommodation if your training extends over several consecutive days (block release).

You must submit your claims no later than 30 June in the year following the year of travel.

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements:

• you're registered in NSW as an apprentice or new entrant trainee under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001
• the place of employment is in NSW
• you have to travel more than 120kms (round trip) for your off-the-job training.

What you need

• the start date of your training contract
• records of the kilometres travelled from your usual place of residence to the training location
• receipts for your away-from-home accommodation
• 'Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Application for Allowance'
• 'Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Signed Statement' (if applicable)
• your bank account for payment.

How to apply

• Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
• Complete the form, and have your training provider sign it.
• Download and complete  Vocational Training Assistance Scheme (VTAS) Signed Statement – PDF ( if applicable ), and have your employer sign it.
• Gather your supporting documentation.
• Lodge your application using the details on the form.

More information

• If you live within the Sydney Trains area and want to claim the travel allowance, you need to explain on the VTAS Signed Statement form why you're not travelling by public transport using the Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you want to claim the accommodation allowance for the night before training commences or the night of the final day of training you'll also need to provide the Signed Statement form.
• Claims for expenses prior to the previous year will not be considered.
• Visit  Travel, accommodation and relocation assistance packages for apprentices  for more detailed information.
• VTAS Application for Allowance – PDF
• VTAS Signed Statement – PDF
• Travel, Accommodation and Relocation Assistance Guidelines – PDF

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Important dates and submission deadlines for the Assisted School Travel Program.

Families who have a child with a disability may be eligible for transport through the Assisted School Travel Program (ASTP).

Schools are important partners with families in assessing and supporting the safe travel needs of students to and from school.

Assisted Travel Support Officers (ATSOs) are Department employees who provide a high level of supervision and support for students on transport.

Contractors

Contractors provide vehicles and drivers to transport eligible students with a disability to and from school.

ASTP and the NDIS

Transport through the ASTP is provided as an in-kind support for NDIS participants who are eligible to receive an ASTP service.

If your child's application is unsuccessful or their variation is declined you may submit an appeal.

ASTP contact details

Call the Assisted School Travel Program (ASTP) on 1300 338 278 (toll free) during our business hours, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday during school terms, and 8am to 4:30pm during sc…

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Update your details

To help us keep your records accurate and up to date, please inform us promptly when your details change.

Rollover is the process of reviewing the transport services for all students at the end of each school year and setting up services for the next year.

School operational status

Get up-to-date information on schools that have temporarily ceased operations due to adverse weather, bushfire-related events, emergencies or other incidents.

Call the Assisted School Travel Program (ASTP) on 1300 338 278 (toll free) during our business hours, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday during school terms, and 8am to 4:30pm during school holidays.

Travel nurse Jobs in All Sydney NSW

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Nurse unit manager.

This is a Full time job

• Free access to 18,000 upskilling courses via a LinkedIn learning subscription.
• Industry discounts across private health insurance, retail services and more!
• Access counselling, wellbeing services.

Senior Recruitment Consultant

• Excellent commission structure
• Work from home days
• OTE 200K + in first year

Registered Nurse | Emergency Department | QLD | Travel Nurse

This is a Contract/Temp job

Registered Nurse | Mental Health | Travel Nurse | QLD

Travel nurse- rural australia, cosmetic nurse (training provided), remote area nurse, travel contracts - registered nurse.

• Attractive pay rates and sign on bonuses on offer.
• Flexible start dates | Work-life balance - time off between contracts.
• Enhance your skills and experience working with different providers.

Casual Registered Nurse (Mobile)

This is a Casual/Vacation job

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse| Regional Contracts| Hospital| NSW

Emergency Department RN

Part time nurse (een or rn1-3 only).

This is a Part time job

Registered Nurse- Rural & Remote Australia

Registered & clinical nurses - renal & haemodialysis.

• Travel & work in Rural/Remote areas of Australia
• Travel and Accommodation provided (T&Cs apply)
• Continuous support from Medacs Healthcare

FIFO Registered Nurse

Registered nurses & enrolled nurses - contracting roles - regional aus, nurse practitioner - work from home.

• Fully remote/work from home role
• Freedom and flexibility to work according to your preferences from home
• Full-time, part-time and casual Australia-wide positions available

Registered Nurse | Emergency Department | FIFO | QLD

• Flexible working hours, choose when and where you work!
• Competitive agency rates $$$
• Easy App booking system to control your shifts.

• Competitive Weekly Pay Range: $64 to $95 per hour
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• Casual basis (Mon - Fri) | Ability to travel between sites
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HEAVY RAIN FALLS ALONG PARTS OF COAST, SES RESPOND TO MORE THAN 800 INCIDENTS.

Editors note: images from the last 24 hours available here. https://spaces.hightail.com/space/waBQdVWMqd A separate VNR will also be issued as soon as it is available.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as significant rainfall impacts much of the NSW east coast.

A severe storm warning is in place for communities from Gosford in the north, to Batemans Bay in the south, across to Goulburn, with damaging winds and very heavy rain possible.

Meanwhile, residents on the Bellingen River at Thora and Darkwood have been advised to prepare for isolation. Residents in these communities may find themselves cut off by flood water and without power, water and other essential services.

The NSW SES is also closely monitoring conditions along the Hawkesbury Nepean River and Georges River, where minor to major flooding is possible.

Over the last 24 hours, SES crews have responded to 823 incidents, including seven flood rescues. The majority of calls have been for leaking roofs, fallen trees and assisting with sandbagging of properties. There have been no reports of significant injury or infrastructure damage to date.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said conditions are likely to worsen over the next few hours.

“There’s potential for very large downpours of rain between the Blue Mountains and Narooma, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding,” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

“We are particularly mindful as we head into peak hour traffic that some people may get caught out on the roads by flash flooding, which can occur without any official warning.

“Please exercise caution and if you come across a flooded road, please do not drive through floodwater. Obey all warning signs and listen to the directions of emergency services.”

A flood watch is also active for potential riverine flooding in 32 catchments along the east coast, from the Orara River in the North to the Bega River in the South, as well as parts of the Lachlan and Upper Macintyre Rivers.

Across NSW, there are currently 45 warnings. Two of these are at the ‘Watch and Act’ level, with the remainder at ‘Advice’ level.

For the latest warning information please download the Hazards Near Me app, or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au

Media enquiries: NSW SES Media 1800 067 234 or [email protected].

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Sydney weather: intense rain threatens major flooding in NSW as SES issues warnings for drivers

Storm claims a life in Queensland after body of man found by his ute near Logan, while rivers in south of state subject to flood warnings

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Major flooding could threaten parts of Sydney and drivers have been warned to avoid non-essential travel as a deadly storm brings intense rainfall along the eastern seaboard.

An inland low and coastal trough joining forces over New South Wales was forecast to bring heavy localised falls to much of the state on Friday.

Sydney has faced its highest daily rainfall in two years, recording 111mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am Friday. The city is on track to surpass its average total rainfall for April before the weekend.

“We’ll see the heaviest rain falling overnight, probably from midnight to around 7am to 8am,” Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Konta said.

Authorities warned 24-hour rainfall totals could top 200mm in Sydney and the south coast, with as much as 300mm dumped on the Illawarra escarpment overlooking Wollongong.

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Major flooding was possible along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River bounding Sydney from late Friday, with Penrith likely to cop as much rain in a day as one-and-a-half times the April average.

NSW forecast rainfall: 50mm falls from Coffs to Wollongong for today, but the system will move south tomorrow. Heavy rain in Sydney both days. (via @BOM_au pic.twitter.com/D3xl5pjjst — Luca (@IttimaniL) April 5, 2024

Transport for NSW took the rare step of warning drivers statewide to avoid non-essential travel, while the NSW State Emergency Service warned coastal communities from Sydney to Goulburn to stay indoors.

The SES has already conducted seven flood rescues overnight, six related to people in vehicles, and has responded to more than 550 incidents across the state during the past 24 hours.

The majority of calls have related to leaking roofs, sky lights and gutters, but chief superintendent Dallas Burnes said the service was preparing for flash flooding and riverine rises.

Storms have led to 92 flights being cancelled or delayed at Sydney Airport, mostly across the domestic network, and the city’s train network is experiencing widespread delays.

Nine schools across NSW have shut down amid the severe weather, six of which are in the state’s north-east. The shutdowns are affecting seven public schools and two independent schools.

Almost every river in eastern NSW and numerous rivers in southern Queensland are subject to a flood watches or warnings, as heavy rain and possible flash flooding hit both states.

“What we’ve got is a trough along the NSW coast and it’s extending right up into Queensland, so it’s dragging quite a bit of subtropical moisture down,” Konta said.

The trough is deepening and interacting with an upper-level low over NSW, which is further boosting the moisture level in the atmosphere, he said.

Storms have already claimed a life in Queensland after the body of a man was found by his ute near Logan, while a 30-minute wave of rain in northern NSW flooded enclosures at a wildlife sanctuary on Thursday.

“Due to the amount of water dumped into the park, we have relocated our animals and the hospital [has been] relocated to a higher position,” the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary said.

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With the catastrophic 2022 Northern Rivers floods fresh in minds, the SES said the silver lining for Friday’s system was that it was moving.

“If we go back to those northern river floods, it didn’t move as forecast,” the NSW SES commissioner, Carlene York, said.

“It stayed there, it kept dumping the rain and that’s obviously had the big impact.”

Volunteers had proactively deployed vehicles and vessels into danger areas.

Residents in such areas should clear gutters and tie down loose items ahead of time, SES metro zone commander Allison Flaxman said.

Severe weather is expected to gradually shift overnight to centre on NSW’s south coast, before easing throughout Saturday as the trough moves east to the Tasman Sea.

But persistent showers over the weekend will likely push Australia’s largest urban water supply dam to overflow on Monday.

Warragamba Dam, on Sydney’s south-western fringe, sat at 96% capacity as Friday’s storm approached.

“We require about 90mm of rain to fill Warragamba Dam … we’re expecting 100mm to 150mm,” Water NSW’s chief executive, Andrew George, told AAP.

“The spill will occur likely when the rainfall event has moved on, so it is very important that the community remain vigilant,” he said.

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Sydney gets a drenching as heavy rain, severe weather forecast for NSW today and tomorrow

It has been a wet and wild day across New South Wales with more extreme weather expected over the weekend.

In Sydney more than 160 millimetres of rain has fallen since 9am on Thursday, its heaviest in 4 years.

More than 45 flood alerts remain active across New South Wales on Friday night after intense rainfall saturated the state with the worst to come overnight.

• 7:13 AM 7:13 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:13am Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years
• 7:01 AM 7:01 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:01am Six injured in wet-weather crash
• 6:24 AM 6:24 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 6:24am BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

Live updates

Where to find emergency assistance and information.

By Luke Royes

For emergency assistance, contact SES in NSW or QLD on 132 500

If your life is at risk, call Triple-0 (000) immediately

For the latest weather updates visit the   Bureau of Meteorology   in   NSW here

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If you're not sure what to do when there's a flood,   here's the best way to plan

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Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years

By David Hirst

Here's a few facts and figures from our weather boffin Tom Saunders:

• Sydney has already received its heaviest rain total in 4 years with more than 160mm since 9am yesterday (highest 48-hour total)
• The heaviest rain today has been on the Mid North Coast. Taree with more than 100mm since 9am
• A deluge will arrive overnight across parts of Sydney and the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Hunter leading to severe flash flooding and rapid river rises, including up to 220mm in 6 hours on the Illawarra Escarpment
• The torrential falls are part of a broader rain event which is soaking eastern Australia, and has triggered flood watches and warnings from southern Queensland to the NSW South Coast
• More than 40 flood watches are current for NSW
• The band of torrential rain is moving south and will clear from Sydney by about 8am, clear the Illawarra by late morning and clear from the South Coast by the evening

Six injured in wet-weather crash

Reporting by Adriane Reardon from the ABC South East NSW newsroom.

Six people, including two children, have been taken to hospital with injuries following a crash in wet weather south of Mudgee in the NSW central west.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on the Castlereagh Highway, about 2pm today, where a ute and four-wheel drive had collided.

The male passenger in the ute, believed to be in his 60s, was flown to hospital with serious injuries, while the male driver, 55 was taken to Mudgee Hospital.

The driver of the four-wheel drive, a 34-year-old man, was also flown to hospital with serious injuries, while his 32-year-old female passenger was flown to hospital with critical injuries.

Two children in the back-seat, aged two and six, sustained minor injuries and taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for observation.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway.

Flooding at Parramatta River in Sydney's west

ABC photographer Timothy Ailwood is at Parramatta River. He's just filed this pic.

Storm damage to create 'significant work' for SES

NSW SES chief superintendent Dallas Burnes has this afternoon given an update on ABC News 24.

Mr Burnes said storm damage was going to "create more significant work for us".

He said the majority of call-outs had been for leaking roofs and fallen trees and there had been about half a dozen rescues.

Mr Burnes urged people to stay indoors tonight.

"If it's at nighttime and the road is flooded? Do not cross that roadway. You do not know what is under it. "The flood rescues we've undertaken today, the majority related to cars entering floodwater. That puts our volunteers' lives at risk."

Rain and thunderstorms continue in southern Queensland

A south-west Queensland town has shut its flood levee ahead of major flooding, as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts heavy falls for the south-east of the state into the weekend.

Senior forecaster Laura Boekel said rain and thunderstorms would continue today and tomorrow, with possible falls of up to 100 millimetres.

"It's very important to note that in some parts of the south and south-east, we're seeing moisture of the soil and the catchments quite high, so that means catchments, rivers, creeks can respond quite rapidly," she said.

"We could see responses from moderate rainfall this weekend."

Read more here .

BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

The people at the Bureau of Meteorology have certainly had a busy day. They've just released another weather update.

• Major flooding possible at Menangle and North Richmond from Saturday morning
• Moderate flooding possible at Windsor and Putty Road from overnight Friday
• Minor flooding likely at Camden Weir, Wallacia Weir, Penrith, Sackville and possible at Lower Portland from Friday evening

Rainfall totals of up to 150mm have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since 9am on Thursday.

Further heavy rainfall is forecast through the catchment for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday.

Minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo Rivers from overnight Friday. With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.

Transport update for commuters

This is the latest from the Transport Management Centre.

Motorists and public transport passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather in Sydney and surrounding areas.

• Wakehurst Parkway is closed in both directions due to flooding between North Narrabeen and Oxford Falls.
• Oxford Falls Road is closed in both directions due to flooding between Wakehurst Parkway and Aroona Road.
• Other roads where motorists are advised to take extra care due to water on the road include: The Pacific Highway at Pymble, Centenary Drive at Strathfield, Pittwater Road at North Manly and Euston Road at St Peters

On public transport:

• Passengers who need to travel on the Sydney Trains network are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather damaging equipment at Redfern, as well as slower boarding times.
• Trains are running on all lines but there are some delays and gaps in service.  
• Plan ahead and avoid travel where possible.
• Buses are supplementing trains between Campbelltown and Macarthur, and between Riverstone and Richmond.
• Passengers are advised to listen to announcements and check information displays for service updates.​
• Buses are replacing ferries between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to the weir overflowing.

Parramatta River overflowing

This is the latest from the ABC's Elinya Chenery.

Heavy rainfall has caused minor flooding in Sydney's west this afternoon.

The Parramatta River is overflowing in low lying areas after the water level raised above 2 metres in height.

Areas affected by the flooding include the Parramatta Ferry Wharf and footbridges across the river.

Authorities say further flooding is expected in the area in the coming hours.

Communities on Mid North Coast without power

Some communities along parts of the Bellingen River on the NSW Mid North Coast are completely isolated by flood water and without power.

Residents in the localities of Thora and Darkwood are affected, and NSW SES crews will be undertaking welfare checks.

"We've got some communities there that are completely isolated by floodwater," NSW SES spokesperson Andrew Edmunds said on the ABC statewide drive program.

"They may find themselves without power, water and other essential services."

Isolated residents in those communities are being urged to contact the NSW SES on 132 500 if they need assistance with supplies.

NSW SES advises people not to go outside

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as significant rainfall impacts much of the NSW east coast.

A severe storm warning is in place for communities from Gosford in the north, to Batemans Bay in the south, across to Goulburn, with damaging winds and very heavy rain possible. Meanwhile, residents on the Bellingen River at Thora and Darkwood have been advised to prepare for isolation.

Residents in these communities may find themselves cut off by flood water and without power, water and other essential services.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said conditions were likely to worsen over the next few hours.

"There's potential for very large downpours of rain between the Blue Mountains and Narooma, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

The NSW SES said it had responded to more than 800 incidents in the last 24 hours.

Prepare to evacuate alert in Chipping Norton

The NSW SES has issued a prepare to evacuate and watch and act notice for people in low lying areas of eastern parts of Chipping Norton.

Those in the following area are being told to prepare to evacuate due to predicted dangerous flooding:

• All properties in the following streets in Chipping Norton:
• Newbridge Road between Riverside Road and east to Georges River
• Riverside Road between Childs Road and Newbridge Road
• Davy Robinson Drive
• Rickard Road
• Arthur Street

You should monitor the situation and prepare to evacuate so that you can safely evacuate when instructed to do so by NSW SES. There's more detail on Facebook here .

More than 100 flights cancelled at Sydney Airport

The wild weather has not surprisingly caused issues at Sydney Airport with more than 100 flights cancelled through domestic arrivals and departures.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson urged passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.

Is public transport in Sydney affected by the weather?

• Sydney Trains and Ferries   asked commuters to take "extra care"   as surfaces can be slippery when wet
• Transport for NSW is advising to allow for extra travel time on the T1, T2, T3, T8 and T9 train lines due to weather damaging equipment at Redfern
• Transport for NSW says there are no significant delays on Sydney's bus network

Hundreds of sandbags at the ready in Gosford

Hundreds of sandbags are ready and waiting for collection at the NSW SES Gosford depot on the Central Coast in preparation for more rain to come.

Members of the community volunteered their time to help fill the bags today, along with those from the Terrigal Rugby Union Club.

Gosford has received more than 70 millimetres so far today, according to data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

BOM updates flood warning

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its Flood Watch which now includes major flooding on:

• Myall River
• Lower Hunter River
• Upper Nepean River
• Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River
• Georges and Woronora River
• Macquarie River to Bathurst

Click here for regular Flood Watch updates from the BOM .

Major delays on state's rail networks

Transport for NSW says there are "major delays" across the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink networks because of the heavy rain.

Passengers are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Buses may supplement some services.

If you do need to travel though, Transport for NSW advises you to allow plenty of extra time.

Flooding impacts Newell Highway

Flooding continues to impact the Newell Highway in the state's north, which remains closed between Boggabilla and Moree.

Motorists travelling north from Moree can take a diversion using the Carnarvon Highway and the Barwon Highway to Goondiwindi.

The southbound diversion is the same in reverse and is also suitable for all vehicles.

The alternate route between the two towns is about 2.5 hours long.

Hawkesbury SES commander says it's a 'waiting game' at the moment

By Millie Roberts

Jessica Kidd from the Sydney newsroom spoke to Kevin Jones from the Hawkesbury SES just then.

He said the volunteers were busily checking equipment and making sure everything was "good to go" as the unit prepared for rain in the Hawkesbury expected tonight.

"We're really at the moment just playing a bit of a waiting game, waiting for the rain to come," he said. "It seems to have not been as bad as they were predicting up on the north coast, but as it comes further south it looks like … there's still a chance that it's going to be a bit more intense."

Mr Jones said the local community is "definitely much more aware" on this occasion after going through "so many floods", which has helped with preparations today.

Power restored to hundreds of buildings in Sydney's CBD

Ausgrid says power has been restored to hundreds of businesses and homes after "significant rainfall" caused a major power outage.

It said 1,300 customers were affected after a substation flooded on Goulburn and Pitt streets.

Power has now been restored to more than 1,250 customers after the water was pumped offsite.  

It said the "bulk" of affected customers have their lights back on, but a small number may still be out at this point in time.