It’s a day to celebrate the nation that gave us Julia, Kylie and Naomi

March 1, 2026 — 5:00am

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Welsh Australians will today celebrate St David’s Day in a state that adopted the name NSW, representing one of the more optimistic acts of imperial branding. History suggests that when Captain Cook gazed upon the east coast in 1770, he deemed it “close enough” to the familiar, verdant landscape of home.

Cook was certainly not referring to the climate. While Wales is synonymous with rolling, lush hills, choral harmonies, and relentless rain, Sydney specialises in iconic harbour views, high-factor SPF, and shivering when the temperature dips below 20 degrees.

Nevertheless, the Welsh imprint on Australia is ubiquitous. A couple of hours north of Sydney, one finds the transplanted cities of Swansea and Cardiff – names moved from the Bristol Channel to a coastline that enjoys far more........

© The Sydney Morning Herald