Why did New South Wales and Victoria have a rivalry?

The rivalry between New South Wales and Victoria can be traced back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. The two colonies originally comprised a single British colony, known as New South Wales. However, in the 1850s, an influx of gold miners to the region spurred a population boom, and the residents of the southeastern part of the colony began to agitate for political independence. In 1851, the British government acceded to their demands and created the separate Colony of Victoria.

From the outset, there was a certain amount of animosity between the two colonies, and this rivalry quickly grew into something of a national sport. Both colonies were competing for immigrants and resources, and this led to a number of disputes over land and water rights. The rivalry also manifested itself politically, with the two colonies often taking opposite sides in national debates.

One of the most significant manifestations of the rivalry was the development of the "border bubble" between the two colonies. This area, which was located on the border between New South Wales and Victoria, was notorious for its lawlessness and violence. The two colonies were constantly battling over control of the area, and it was not until the 1890s that the issue was finally resolved.

The rivalry between New South Wales and Victoria has softened somewhat in recent years, but it still retains some of its original intensity. The two states continue to compete in various economic, sporting and cultural domains.