NSW residents have been going through it with the weather this winter but that doesn’t mean you need to be holed up inside. Even with the winter chill in the air, there are some national parks around the state that offer snowy landscapes, magnificent scenery, bush camping, and excellent stargazing, worth getting out for. Winter is also an excellent time to plan your visit with the promise of far fewer crowds and pleasant temps, ideal for ticking off challenging hikes without the scorching sun to contend with. Head outdoors and work up a sweat at these 3 beautiful national parks around NSW that are secretly better in winter.
P.S. Always check for road closures and weather conditions before you head out.
1. Blue Mountains National Park
Located just a short 90-minute drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is an accessible escape not far from the city providing visitors with a combination of stunning rock formations, sweeping vistas, lookouts, some of Australia’s best walking tracks, and plenty of stunning waterfalls. It is famously the most visited national park in NSW so winter is your best bet if you want to enjoy the site without the crowds, especially as the tourist season ramps up in spring. Highlights you should to your itinerary if visiting include Scenic World, home to the world’s steepest railway, a magnificent clifftop walk, and the famous Grand Canyon Track. Read more about the Blue Mountains National Park here.
2. Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park is the largest in NSW and the biggest alpine park in Australia and it’s a veritable wonderland in winter. With picturesque glacial lakes, snowcapped mountains, alpine resorts, and deep gorges, Kosciuszko is the centrepiece of some of Australia’s most stunning winter landscapes. It is also home to Australia’s highest peak and the famous Snowy River in the Snowy Mountains region. If you’re visiting, enjoy a warm winter swim in the wonderful Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, one of the most popular tourist attractions in NSW that is even more picturesque in the snow cover, hike the surprisingly easy to climb Mt Kosciuszko and explore ancient caves in the area. Unlike other parks on this list, winter is peak season here and this is the place you should visit when you want more winter. Check out all the must-visit highlights of Kosciuszko National Park here.
3. Barrington Tops National Park
Barrington Tops National Park’s lovely walks, overnight hikes, camping sites, winding drives, and waterfalls are made all the better in winter. Expect blissful walking tracks, bush camping, and some truly wonderful stargazing if you’re able to spend the night. Popular for its high elevation and cool climate, the national park forms part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. It also snows at higher altitudes in the park if you’re hoping to see snow near Sydney. If you want to find some warmth and comfort, there are plenty of camping sites dotted around the park where you can set up camp for the evening with facilities including picnic and barbecue areas, cycling trails, and more. Plan your visit here.