The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service protects 6.6 million hectares of land in New South Wales – that's around 8.3% of the state. These areas are critical to conserving the State's biodiversity.

Jump on a ferry from Circular Quay to Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour and join a tour of this fascinating, 150-year old fortified island museum. Follow it up with lunch or coffee at the island café. And don't forget your camera – you'll get sensational 360-degree views of the city and the harbour!

You can help protect and conserve the environment by volunteering with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Just go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
volunteers/ and follow the links to the national park closest to you.

What was life like in early Sydney? Find out at one of the oldest surviving buildings from the original colonial settlement at Sydney Cove. The cottage now houses a fascinating free exhibition on the building’s history and early Sydney, as well as the Sydney Harbour National Park Information Centre. Read More

Sydney: Naturally Stunning

You don't have to go far to discover Sydney's natural wonders!

This World Youth Day, Sydney is your gateway to a spectacular natural experience.

Stewardship of the Earth's resources begins with an appreciation of the environment and Sydney is a great place to see the natural environment in all its splendour. It's a city of national parks, with beautiful sheltered bays, scenic coastal areas, and World Heritage bushland... all right on the doorstep.

Don't know where to start? Here's a taste of just some of the awesome experiences that await you in beautiful Sydney and surrounds –

• Sydney Harbour National Park
  Take your pick of majestic views, tours back in time and picnics with a difference in one of the parks hugging beautiful Sydney Harbour – hike the Manly Scenic Walkway, join a tour of historic Fort Denison, picnic at one of the harbour islands, or take in the sweeping views of Sydney from North or South Head. Read More
• Blue Mountains National Park
  Jump on a train out to the Blue Mountains and soak up the stunning views of this dramatic World Heritage landscape from lookouts around Govett's Leap (Blackheath), Echo Point (Katoomba) and Wentworth Falls. Or don your walking boots for a real bush experience on one of the many tracks that make this place a bushwalker's paradise! Read More
• Royal National Park
  Head to the world's second oldest national park for some unforgettable experiences. Take in the magnificent views from the cliff-top Coast Track, where ancient rock is pounded by the mighty Tasman sea. Go for a cool, rainforest experience on the Forest Island loop walk. Catch a wave at beautiful Garie Beach or hire a row boat at historic Audley for a paddle up Kangaroo Creek. Read More
• Lane Cove National Park
  Escape to this haven for an outdoor experience just a stone's throw from the CDB. Head out for a refreshing wander along the Riverside Walk, get out on the river in a row boat, or just relax with a picnic on the river foreshore. If you've got time to stay, check out the award-winning, eco-friendly Lane Cove River Tourist Park. Read More
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  Discover the winding creeks, sheltered beaches and hidden coves of this National Heritage listed park in Sydney's north. Visit West Head for some of Sydney's best water views, relax with a picnic at Bobbin Head, enjoy stunning coastal scenery from historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Palm Beach, or board a ferry from Palm Beach to The Basin and see Aboriginal rock art on The Basin Track. Read More

If you've got some travel time up your sleeve, there are some seriously amazing experiences and destinations around New South Wales just waiting to be discovered.

Find out what really goes on behind the scenery on a national parks Discovery tour.

Watch the bush come alive after dark on a nocturnal spotlight adventure, learn about Aboriginal culture and art, or head out on a guided forest walk with a specialist Discovery ranger.

Our tours are as diverse as the habitats we explore and will leave you with a unique and unforgettable experience. Find out what's on in Sydney and around the State.