What NSW searched for in 2024
For users, search queries can be the fastest way to get the information they need. For the curious data-watchers like us at nsw.gov.au, search queries also tell a story. Looking at the anonymous search data, we found that searches capture the moments, questions and milestones that matter most to the people of NSW — whether it’s planning a holiday, chasing up a birth certificate, or figuring out daylight saving (again).
As the trusted source of government information, nsw.gov.au has been the go-to for millions of people this year. So, let’s take a look back at what NSW searched for in 2024, the trends that shaped the year, and a few insights you might not have expected.
Getting answers from Google
Every month, over 1.8 million people found their way to nsw.gov.au via search engines. The data shows us what people care about: family plans, life admin, milestones, and day-to-day needs. From school holidays to the HSC timetable, searches reflect the rhythm of life in NSW.
Top Google searches
Here’s what topped the charts this year:
- NSW school holidays
- HSC timetable 2024
- NSW public holidays
- Daylight saving
- Vehicle registration
- Birth certificate NSW
- Hazard perception test
- Free seniors games
- Fines NSW
- DKT practice test
School’s out – and it shows
Once again, school holidays dominated the year. Families across the state planned their breaks with military precision — school holidays searches alone saw over 10 million impressions.
HSC done, L’s next
If you’re a Year 12 student, finishing the HSC is a big moment. And right after those final exams? The data tells a familiar story: searches for “driving test” and “hazard perception test” shot up in November, as thousands of students hit the roads (or at least tried to book a test!).
Daylight saving: still confusing us all
We’ve all been there: do we turn the clocks forward or back? Twice a year, daylight saving time sent search spikes across the state, proving it’s a tradition we just can’t seem to memorise.
Searching on-site
It’s not just Google. Over 1.5 million people used the search function on nsw.gov.au this year to track down what they needed — from life admin forms to job opportunities and government services.
Top 10 on-site searches
- Request a review (fines and penalties)
- Birth certificate
- Fines
- Practice test (driving)
- Change of name
- Marriage certificate
- Jobs
- Vehicle registration
- Driving test
- Contact us
Life moments captured in search trends
This year’s trends paint a picture of NSW residents tackling life’s big and small moments:
- Families locked in school holidays, HSC details and driving test bookings.
- Seniors discovered free online games after the Seniors Card site joined nsw.gov.au. Searches for games and activities became a regular top performer — proving you’re never too old for a brain teaser.
- Drivers looked for hazard tests, licence renewals and ways to request reviews for fines.
And let’s not forget name changes and marriage certificates — reminders that nsw.gov.au plays a part in life’s milestones too.
Surprising searches that caught our eye
Search trends can tell a quirky story, too. This year:
- After school holidays ended in January, “Penrith Beach” had a surprising spike, with locals searching for ways to soak up the summer heat without hitting the coast.
- Racing fans galloped to nsw.gov.au for all the details about the iconic Grafton XXXX July Racing Carnival. With over 134,000 clicks and 2.38 million impressions in April alone, this event captured the hearts of punters and racing enthusiasts alike. As one of Australia’s greatest country racing carnivals, it delivered five thrilling days of racing over 15 action-packed days, making it a standout moment in our year of search.Shape
More than just searches
These insights highlight how the people of NSW rely on nsw.gov.au. Not just for life’s practicalities, it’s where they come to get organised, make plans, and find answers.
This year, the OneCX program has continued to bring together content from across government, making it easier to find what you need, when you need it.
What’s next?
This year, we upgraded our site search engine to Google Vertex AI. We’re committed to making nsw.gov.au faster, smarter and easier to use as we move into 2025, and you’ll see us rolling out even more search enhancements with this new technology. With more content coming into one place, NSW residents will have a single, trusted source for everything from driving tests to government services.
Thank you for searching, clicking and collaborating with us this year. We’re looking forward to helping you even more in 2025.
Source: Google Analytics 360, Google GA4, Google Search Console, Search.io and SEMRUSH
