The 1979 New South Wales Open, also known by its sponsored name Nabisco New South Wales Open, was a combined men's and women's tennis tournament played on outdoor grass courts at the White City Stadium in Sydney.

The men's event was part of the 1979 Colgate-Palmolive Grand Prix circuit while the women's event was part of the 1979 Colgate Series.

[3] It was the 87th edition of the event and was held from 17 December through 23 December 1979.

The singles titles were won by 14th-seeded Phil Dent and third-seeded Hana Mandlíková.

[4][5][6] Phil Dent defeated Hank Pfister 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 Hana Mandlíková defeated Bettina Bunge 6–3, 3–6, 6–3 Peter McNamara / Paul McNamee defeated Steve Docherty / Christopher Lewis 7–6, 6–3 Diane Desfor / Barbara Hallquist defeated Barbara Jordan / Kym Ruddell 4–6, 6–2, 6–2