Most people’s impression of Australian parks is the Blue Mountains, but in fact, there are as many as 225 national parks (in NSW) waiting for you to explore! Let’s take a look at the Top National Parks in Sydney and New South Wales!
The national parks in New South Wales are spread across tropical rainforests, inland deserts, coastal areas, and mountain regions. Many people think that national parks are located in remote areas, but there are some national parks near Sydney. For instance, the oldest national park in Australia, Royal National Park, Sydney Harbour National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, and Wollemi National Park.
Top National Parks in Sydney
Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park is located in the southeastern corner of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated 354 kilometres southwest of Sydney and covers an area of 6,900 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in Australia.
The park’s centrepiece is Mount Kosciuszko, which is the highest peak in Australia. The town of Cabramurra, located within the park, is the highest town in Australia in terms of elevation. Kosciuszko National Park offers rugged mountain trails as well as flat plains, making it a must-visit destination for skiing and hiking enthusiasts!
Royal National Park
Take a day trip to the ancient national park in southern Sydney, which has everything from beaches and tropical rainforests to beautiful trails. The Royal National Park, established in 1879, is one of the oldest national parks in the world.
It is only a little over half an hour’s drive from the city centre, yet it covers a vast area of 160 square kilometres. The park features rugged cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, forested lakes, and tropical rainforests, making it a haven of natural beauty.
If you’re interested in hiking, you can follow the coastal trails or venture through peaceful forests along the Hacking River. For those seeking some excitement, Garie Beach is a paradise for surfers. You can also rent kayaks and explore the 16-mile waterway from Bundeena to Otford.
Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains Park, which is listed as a world heritage site, is a must-visit place in Sydney. The national park is located approximately 100 kilometres west of Sydney and is one of the most famous attractions near the city.
You may have heard of the Three Sisters, the Echo Point, the jungles, the canyons, the waterfalls, and the rock formations, but do you know that the most beautiful moments in the Blue Mountains are during the early morning and evening? The mist and clouds linger and roll in the valleys influenced by atmospheric pressure. The cliffs transform into a colourful spectacle under the glow of the setting sun.
Don’t be disappointed if you are going on a rainy day. The mountains and forests in the rain also present a different scenery. If you stay overnight here, you may be able to experience its unique beauty firsthand.
Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park, including the Harbour Islands and its surroundings, was established in 1975. This park is not only home to iconic landmarks but also features secluded beaches, picturesque islands, and patches of precious local forests.
You can enjoy spectacular coastal swimming, picnicking, and hiking, or take a ferry to explore the harbour islands, discover ancient rock art, and explore buildings constructed by convicts. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race also takes place in this area.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park is located approximately 30 kilometres north of the city centre and is the second oldest national park in Australia, listed on the National Heritage Register.
You can do activities like camping, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts! The park’s popular attractions include Flint and Steel Beach and West Head, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Palm Beach across the water.
Bouddi National Park
Bouddi National Park is located near Gosford in northern Sydney, across Broken Bay. Walking along the Bouddi Coastal Walk in the park, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Central Coast from Putty Beach to MacMaster Beach. If you’re lucky, you may even spot migrating whales surfacing in the ocean.
While exploring the forest, you may come across a small trail leading to a beach. This is the Maitland Bay Track, situated between the mountains and the sea, and feels like another world. This area was once home to the ancient Darkinjung people, and their ancient cave paintings date back thousands of years. If you enjoy off-road activities, bring your mountain bike and hit the Strom Loop or Rocky Point Trail.
Dorrigo National Park
Dorrigo National Park is a renowned attraction in Australia and part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. Every blade of grass and every tree in this rainforest has existed and thrived since prehistoric times!
When you visit this park, you can explore various themed trails and witness the diverse vegetation and wildlife of the subtropical rainforest, including over 128 bird species. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the unique Australian lyrebirds.
Lane Cove National Park
Lane Cove National Park is located in the northern part of Sydney. Compared to the Blue Mountains and Royal National Park, it is smaller in size, but it is very close to the city centre and is a great place for family picnics and outings.
Many people rent kayaks to explore the park as Lane Cove River runs through it. However, hiking is a popular reason for many people to come here.
The park has two official hiking trails. The “Great North Walk” is the longest and most challenging, extending beyond the park and covering a one-way distance of approximately 10 kilometres within the park. The other trail, “Riverside Walking Track,” is relatively easy, covering a one-way distance of 5 kilometres from Delhi Road to Deburghs Bridge. Along the way, you can spot Australian native parrots, kookaburras, and white herons, and also observe ancient buildings where indigenous people once lived.
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