One of the best parts of New South Wales is the close proximity to an endless list of world-class national parks. With 252 national parks in NSW to choose from, there’s something out there for every type of outdoor enthusiast under the sun. From UNESCO World Heritage-listed enclaves of aboriginal dream time to vast outback moonscapes, we came up with a list of the top 10 best national parks in NSW to frolic in.
National Parks NSW
Sydney Harbor National Park
The best national park in NSW is not saved to last or hard to find, it is in-your-face, as with the Sydney Harbor National Park. The park was created to protect islands and foreshore areas fringing this iconic body of water where the Sydney Opera House’s white shell-like sails soar. Here you can stroll bush tracks or coastal treks, splash in swimming holes, gorge at a picnic table or take a selfie at the heritage Hornby Lighthouse on South Head. Due to its close proximity, this park is the best national park in Sydney and is perfect for a day trip.
The Blue Mountains
The World Heritage listed national park of the Blue Mountains, named because of the blue haze created by the oils of the never ending mass of eucalyptus trees, is a mere 65 km west of the Sydney’s CBD. The park is vast (over 1 million hectares) and majestic, where jaw-dropping scenery of deep gorges, gushing waterfalls and sacred aboriginal sites will leave you gob-smacked or abseiling down a cliff-face.
Kosciuszko National Park
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to the highest peak of the sun burnt country, Mount Kosciuszko soars to the heavens with a height of 2.228 km in Kosciuszko National Park. It is the largest national park of New South Wales where you can play in the snow during the winter months or climb through caves and mountain bike amidst eye-popping colourful spring wildflowers in the summer.
Barrington Tops National Park
World Heritage listed and forming a part of the “Gondwana Rainforests of Australia”, Barrington Tops National Park has warm temperate rainforests, sub-alpine woodlands, eucalyptus forests, grasslands and swamps cloaking the park’s weather worn volcanic rock formations. You can pitch a tent for some camping, spread out a picnic rug and take an easy bush walk or a leg-numbing hike, even fish for a rainbow trout in this paradise.
Lord Howe Island
Floating 660 km off the New South Wales coastline with a psychedelic crown of the world’s most southerly coral reef, Lord Howe Island’s dramatic jagged coastline will have you spellbound. You can get up close and personal with the local fish fraternity whilst snorkeling or circumnavigate Rabbit Island in a kayak. There is no mobile reception and bicycle is the preferred form of transport.
Tomaree National Park
This unique landscape carved out of acid volcanic rock rhyodacite, is the picture perfect backdrop to the coastal villages of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Boat Harbor and Anna Bay. Koalas doze in trees and spring wildflowers litter the Morna Point walk through the coastal angophora forest, whilst early morning surfers chase the waves.
Warrumbungle National Park
Australia’s only “Dark Sky Park” for the stargazers, this New South Wales national park has one of the best hiking tracks “The Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk” from which you can gawk at the iconic rocky vistas. It is the perfect spot for chill-out camping with modern facilities. There is the Warrumbungle Visitor Center to grab a star chart to play astronomer at night.
Mungo National Park
The embodiment of an ancient land, this is where archaeologists found the world’s oldest human cremations and dry depressions are the lasting footprint of what were once lakes teeming with life. Throw down the picnic rug or set up camp in a landscape of sculpted sand and clay. Sitting in the core of New South Wales’ Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, Mungo National Park is a walk back in time.
Mount Kaputar National Park
A dramatic vista created by volcanic explosions and nature’s corrosive winds, Mount Kaputar National Park is awash with carved lava terraces forming craggy narrow ridges and jagged cliff faces. Known for its “organ piping” rock formations, there are plenty of amazing lookout points along the walking trails. It’s also possible to be lazy and simply drive the scenic road with access to numerous picnic enclaves. If you want to play with the local wildlife, go during wet weather when the stunning pink slugs slide out and about.
Arakwal National Park
Bring the binoculars to spot migrating whales or birds fluttering overhead, a surfboard or a fishing rod plus a basket overloaded with picnic goodies when you go to Arakwal National Park, as this is a secluded beach haven for those wanting to escape city madness and gasping for a breath of fresh air. Moments from the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, there is 3 km of powdery white sand and dunes to play on.
For more information on the best national parks NSW, visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
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