NSW National Parks Guide 2025 | Cooee Tours Australia

Experience Australia's Most Diverse National Park Network

New South Wales boasts over 225 national parks covering more than 7 million hectares - from the snow-capped Australian Alps to pristine coastal beaches, ancient rainforests to rugged outback landscapes. As Australia's first state to establish a national park (Royal National Park in 1879), NSW offers unparalleled access to natural beauty just minutes from major cities.

Join Cooee Tours to discover these iconic landscapes with experienced guides who share insider knowledge and hidden gems.

Must-Visit NSW National Parks

Blue Mountains National Park

📍 90km west of Sydney

World Heritage Iconic Views

The iconic Blue Mountains feature dramatic cliff faces, eucalyptus forests creating the famous blue haze, and the legendary Three Sisters rock formation. One of Australia's most visited national parks.

Highlights: Three Sisters, Scenic World, Wentworth Falls, Leura Cascades, bushwalking trails, Aboriginal cultural sites

Kosciuszko National Park

📍 Snowy Mountains

Highest Peak Alpine Wilderness

Home to Australia's highest mountain (Mt Kosciuszko, 2,228m), this alpine park offers skiing in winter and spectacular wildflower meadows in summer. The headwaters of the Snowy River begin here.

Highlights: Mt Kosciuszko summit walk, Thredbo, Perisher ski fields, Snowy Hydro scheme, wildflowers, brumby horses

Royal National Park

📍 South of Sydney

World's 2nd Oldest Coastal Beauty

Established in 1879, Royal National Park is the world's second-oldest national park. Features stunning coastal cliffs, secluded beaches, and the famous Coast Track walking trail.

Highlights: Wedding Cake Rock, Figure 8 Pools, Coast Track, Wattamolla Beach, Aboriginal rock engravings

Lord Howe Island

📍 600km off NSW coast

World Heritage Island Paradise

A pristine volcanic island limited to 400 visitors at a time. Features unique endemic species, world-class diving, and the world's southernmost coral reef.

Highlights: Ball's Pyramid, Mt Gower climb, snorkelling, rare birdlife, pristine beaches, no cars

Dorrigo National Park

📍 Mid North Coast

World Heritage Rainforest

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, Dorrigo showcases ancient subtropical and cool-temperate rainforests with spectacular waterfalls and the famous Skywalk.

Highlights: Rainforest Skywalk, Dangar Falls, Crystal Shower Falls, lyrebirds, diverse birdlife, ancient trees

Mungo National Park

📍 Far West NSW

World Heritage Ancient Culture

Part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, Mungo contains archaeological evidence of human occupation dating back 50,000 years. The Walls of China landform is spectacular.

Highlights: Walls of China, ancient lake beds, Aboriginal heritage, Mungo Lady discovery site, stunning outback landscapes

Barrington Tops National Park

📍 Hunter Valley Region

World Heritage Sub-Antarctic Forest

A diverse wilderness area featuring sub-Antarctic beech forests, high-altitude plateaus, and pristine rivers. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.

Highlights: Antarctic beech forests, Gloucester Falls, platypus spotting, 4WD trails, wilderness camping

Myall Lakes National Park

📍 Mid North Coast

Coastal Lakes Water Activities

NSW's largest coastal lake system features pristine freshwater lakes, white sandy beaches, and diverse ecosystems perfect for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Highlights: Bombah Broadwater, Mungo Brush, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, secluded beaches

Why Explore NSW National Parks?

Incredible Diversity: Experience alpine mountains, coastal cliffs, rainforests, and outback in one state
Easy Access: Many parks are within 1-2 hours of Sydney and major regional centres
World Heritage Sites: NSW contains multiple UNESCO World Heritage Areas
Year-Round Activities: Skiing in winter, bushwalking in spring, beach activities in summer, autumn colours
Aboriginal Heritage: Learn about 60,000+ years of Indigenous connection to Country
Unique Wildlife: Spot koalas, wombats, wallabies, lyrebirds, and over 1,000 native plant species
Adventure for All Levels: From wheelchair-accessible walks to challenging multi-day hikes

Sydney's Urban National Parks

Sydney is unique in having national parks within its metropolitan area. Visitors can easily access Sydney Harbour National Park, Lane Cove National Park, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for bushwalking, swimming, and Aboriginal rock art - all within 30 minutes of the CBD.

Plan Your NSW National Parks Adventure

Best time to visit: Spring (September-November) for wildflowers and mild weather; Autumn (March-May) for comfortable temperatures; Winter (June-August) for snow sports in Kosciuszko

What to bring: Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, camera, national parks pass

Getting there: Most major parks accessible by car from Sydney, Newcastle, or regional centres. Public transport available to Blue Mountains and Royal National Park.

Cooee Tours offers expertly guided day trips and multi-day adventures to NSW's most spectacular national parks. Our local guides ensure you experience the best each park has to offer, from hidden waterfalls to the finest wildlife spotting locations.

Book Your NSW National Parks Tour

National Parks Pass Information

Most NSW national parks require a vehicle entry fee or parks pass. Consider purchasing an annual All Parks Pass for unlimited access to over 225 parks. Fees support conservation, facilities maintenance, and visitor services.