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 cafe. 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.
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
Ready for more? Nature's calling...
With over 780 national parks and reserves around NSW, you could spend a lifetime exploring. To get you started, here are some amazing destinations north, south and west of Sydney...
You'll be amazed by the extraordinary diversity of experiences and landscapes in the national parks heading north from Sydney's rainforests, ancient volcanoes, rugged wilderness, dramatic waterfalls and gorges, long sandy beaches, roaring white water rivers, Aboriginal and historic places, breathtaking views, the question is, where do you start? Here's a snapshot.
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Dorrigo National Park
An hour's drive west of Coffs Harbour
Walk among the treetops and experience the wonder of this World Heritage-listed rainforest at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk, an hour's drive west of Coffs Harbour. Or get your feet moving back at ground level on one of the park's excellent waterfall tracks. Read More -
Arakoon State Conservation Area
3km east of South West Rocks
Feel the goosebumps rise as you wander through the ambient ruins of Trial Bay Gaol, built in 1886 as a public works prison and later a WWI internment camp. Revel in your freedom afterwards with lunch in one of the pleasant picnic areas or sandy beaches nearby. Read More -
Cape Byron State Conservation Area
2km east of Byron Bay
Wind your way along the magnificent cliff-top walking track and see if you can spot turtles, dolphins and humpback whales from this most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Tours run at the lighthouse, which has stood sentinel here for more than a century. Read More
Whether it's sand or snow that rocks your boat, the south coast and snowy mountains of NSW will truly awaken your senses. Secluded beaches and twisting lakes climb upland to the great Mount Kosciuszko, with its winter snowfields and summer alpine walks. Here's a taste of what's on offer.
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Yarrangobilly Caves
70km south-east of Tumut on the Snowy Mountains Highway
Visit nature's sculpture rooms inside the Snowy Mountains. Follow-up a guided or self-guided tour of the caves with a dip in the 27°C thermal pool! Read More -
Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
120km south-west of Sydney
Escape to the cool splendour of the rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Wander along the elevated boardwalk and follow the track to the Upper Falls, keeping an eye out for superb lyrebirds in the undergrowth. Read More -
Kosciuszko National Park
100km west of Cooma on Kosciuszko Road and Alpine Way
Get your ski boots ready for the adrenalin rush of the NSW snow fields. Snow sports are the big attraction here in winter and this season is looking very promising! Read More
Looking for a really unique experience? Head into central and outback NSW. Ancient landscapes offer up wide plains and dramatic rocky spurs, open desert, sparkling lakes and dry, sandy riverbanks. These regions are rich with Aboriginal and post-colonial heritage, from Aboriginal rock art and cultural sites to bushranger haunts and old goldmining areas. So get your explorer's hat on.
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Mungo National Park
110km north-east of Mildura via Buronga along the Arumpo Road
Be wowed by Mungo's other-worldly Walls of China, a 33km long crescent of dramatic sand and clay formations, sculpted by time and erosion. This park sits within the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes area, a time capsule of human occupation stretching back over 40,000 years. Read More -
Hill End Historic Site
85km north of Bathurst via Sofala or 72km via Hargraves
Take a journey back in time on a self-guided tour of this historic, living village with its intact goldrush streetscapes and buildings dating back to the early goldmining days of the 19th century. Read More -
Warrumbungle National Park
35km west of Coonabarabran
One of the state's most popular national parks, this dramatic landscape of rocky spires and domes, deep gorges and forested ridges offers up a range of excellent outdoor experiences, from walking trails and picnics to camping and tours. Read More - The opportunities really are endless. Want to see more...?
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