Want to know about all the stunning national parks and reserves in New South Wales? Well, we’ll be here all day, since there are almost 900 of them across the state. That’s a fair few, and whilst it might seem a daunting number, many of them aren’t far from Sydney, including one one of the oldest in the world—Royal National Park.
These national parks are all enchanting in their own right, given protected status because of their landscapes, ecosystems, native flora and fauna and their cultural significance. Some have waterfalls, while others are on the way to or from charming towns around Sydney. You can have breathtaking encounters with wildlife here, embark on epic coastal walks, or even settle in for a night of glamping.
Many of these national parks are near Sydney, just a short train, bus or car ride from the city, offering us the opportunity to relax and appreciate the natural world with minimal effort—whilst we’ve picked out a few select ones further than 200km away that are well worth the extra effort. For each park, we’ve given inspiration on the best things to do, and camping and accommodation options if a day trip isn’t enough. Ready to satisfy your wanderlust?
Be sure to check the NSW National Parks website for local alerts before travelling as well as necessary visitor info such as parking fees and restrictions.
1. Sydney Harbour National Park
Not all national parks are far off into the wild! Protecting the islands and foreshore of Sydney Harbour, east of the Harbour Bridge, this national park is perfect for a day trip.
🤷♀️ What to do: Walk Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay, go swimming at Collins Flat Beach, scuba dive at North Head, or learn about aboriginal culture on a tour of the islands in Sydney Harbour.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 5-10 km
2. Lane Cove National Park
Recently named amongst Australia’s most liveable suburbs, Lane Cove is home to a national park in Sydney you really ought to have on your list.
🤷♀️ What to do: Ride the Pennant Hills West Pymble fire trail, volunteer with the Lane Cove National Park bushcare group, have a picnic at Bakers Flat picnic areaor at any of the other eleven picnic areas in Lane Cove National Park.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 15 km
🛏️ Camping and accommodation
3. Malabar Headland National Park
Cliff tops and sweeping scenery dominates this park in Sydney’s east; whilst it’s close to the airport, you’ll feel a world away on the windswept headland.
🤷♀️ What to do: Go birdwatching and spot the (seasonal) wildflowers along the Western Escarpment walking track, or join the Friends of Malabar Headland group to help take care of our beautiful backyard. It’s an excellent vantage point in whale-watching season, too.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 15 km
4. Garigal National Park
Further towards the edge of Sydney, Garigal National Park is a peaceful spot to reconnect with the natural world.
🤷♀️ What to do: Have a picnic and paddle downriver at Davidson Park picnic area and boat ramp, ride a horse or bike along the Cascades trail and spot the beautiful little waterfalls that give the trail its name.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 21 km
5. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
On your way to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, make sure to swing by the gorgeous wildflower garden at the southern end of the park.
🤷♀️ What to do: Go on a guided bushwalk, visit the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, hire a small boat from Empire Marina, or visit one of the Aboriginal art sites in the national park.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 30 km
🛏️ Camping
📝 More info: Read our full visitor guide or visit the website
6. Berowra Valley National Park
Another of the national parks clustered to the north of Sydney, Berowra Valley boasts 70km of hiking trails upon which to stretch your legs.
🤷♀️ What to do: Check out the scenic views along the Place of Winds interpretive trail or at Barnett’s lookout, or challenge yourself to complete the 27 kilometre Great North walk.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 30 km
7. Georges River National Park
Found just to the south of Sydney, this park is centred on the Georges River, which eventually feeds into Botany Bay.
🤷♀️ What to do: Go birdwatching and encounter wildlife on the Yeramba Lagoon loop track, enjoy a picnic at Cattle Duffers Flat, or a spot of boating from Fitzpatrick Park.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 30 km
8. Royal National Park
The third-oldest national park in the world lies on Sydney’s doorstep, with a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy.
🤷♀️ What to do: Take the bike out for a spin, have a surf at Garrie Beach, or improve your fitness among so many other activities to experience in this historic NSW national park.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 35 km
🛏️ Camping and accommodation
📝 More info: Read our full visitor guide or see the website
9. Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Gaze back across Botany Bay to Sydney from this coastal national park, which you can reach via the T4 line to Cronulla.
🤷♀️ What to do: Visit La Perouse Museum and learn about the explorer’s first contact with aborigines, cross a 130-year-old wooden bridge on the Bare Island Fort guided tour, or go for a swim and snorkel at Congwong Beach.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 35 km
10. Heathcote National Park
Princes Highway separates Heathcote from Royal National Park, raising the chance of two national parks in one trip if you can find some overnight accommodation.
🤷♀️ What to do: Cycle, swim or walk your way around Heathcote National Park, which offers great views, wildflowers and birdwatching too.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 45 km
🛏️ Camping
11. Scheyville National Park
Back to the northeast corner of Sydney we go, for historic buildings and some family-friendly walking tracks.
🤷♀️ What to do: Go birdwatching and encounter wildlife on the Longneck Lagoon walking track, explore 12 km of trails on horseback, or turn back in time to post-WWII with the Migrant Heritage walk.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 60 km
12. Cattai National Park
North of Scheyville and nestled alongside the Hawkesbury River, Cattai National Park offers BBQ and camping spots for a comfortable stay in the wild.
🤷♀️ What to do: Stroll through remnant rainforest and diverse woodland on the Mitchell Park walking tracks before relaxing with a spot of fishing at the Mitchell Park picnic area.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 65 km
🛏️ Camping
13. Marramarra National Park
It’s easy to take to the water at Marramarra National Park, and when dusk falls, keep your eyes peeled for fireflies.
🤷♀️ What to do: See the scenic Hawkesbury River by following the Canoelands Ridge walking track, or take the mountain bike bush along the Coba Ridge to Collingridge Point walking track.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 70 km
🛏️ Camping
14. Popran National Park
Pop up to Popran in the springtime, and you’ll find glorious bushwalks through the enchanting spring blooms.
🤷♀️ What to do: Find the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Pool, explore the 248 trail on horseback or on a mountain bike, or go on a guided kayak adventure.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 70 km
📝 More info: Read our full visitor guide or see the website
15. Dharawal National Park
Ecalyptus trees, swimming holes, and waterfalls dominate this lovely national park to the south of Sydney.
🤷♀️ What to do: Wind through the traditional country of the Aboriginal Dharawal people on the Minerva Pool walking track, chase Maddens Falls, and have a BBQ while you’re there.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 70 km
16. Blue Mountains National Park
The most-visited of all NSW national parks, with a whopping 6.4 million visitors in 2022, Blue Mountains National Park remains a huge draw for Sydneysiders. Catch the train from Central Station to start exploring if you don’t have a car.
🤷♀️ What to do: Wander round the idyllic mountain towns of Katoomba, Blackheath, and Leura, join the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail, and of course, catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters. It’s also one of the best places to see snow near Sydney when the winter chill arrives.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 80 km
🛏️ Camping
📝 More info: See our full visitor guide here, or visit the website
17. Brisbane Water National Park
Don’t let the name fool you: it’s over 800km from Brisbane, but within easy reach of Sydney for a nature adventure you won’t soon forget.
🤷♀️ What to do: Get the camera out at Warrah lookout, see rock art at the Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place, and count the number of waterfalls you can discover—some are hard to find. A hunt for the magical waterfall and infinity pool is a day well spent, we reckon.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 85 km
18. Yengo National Park
Come for the walking trails, stay for the gorgeous sunsets.
🤷♀️ What to do: Take the 4WD into the bush, go a little slower by bike, or enjoy the views at Finchley lookout.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 85 km
🛏️ Camping and accommodation
19. Dharug National Park
There are plenty of camping facilities around this national park, so you can easily turn a day trip into a long weekend if the mood takes you!
🤷♀️ What to do: Go on Wollombi Aboriginal culture tour and camp, visit convict sites along the Old Great North Road bike ride, or challenge yourself on the Dubbo Gully loop trail.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 90 km
🛏️ Camping
20. Wyrrabalong National Park
One of the state’s coastal national parks, Wyrrabalong sits between the South Pacific and Tuggerah Lake with splendid views across both.
🤷♀️ What to do: Take care of nature and volunteer, tick off the lookouts along the Red Gum trail, and fire up the barbie at Bateau Bay Beach picnic area. Nearby coastal town Long Jetty is often called ‘Newtown by the sea’, so Sydneysiders might find a home away from home here.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 92 kms
🛏️ Camping and Accommodation
21. Bouddi National Park
A (comparatively) small national park to the north of Sydney, Bouddi boasts coastal views aplenty.
🤷♀️ What to do: Who doesn’t want to volunteer and help out the community at a place called Lobster Beach? Alternatively, go for a gentle walk on Strom loop and make sure to take your camera, or learn more about the area on a Bouddi guided Aboriginal heritage tour.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 93 km
🛏️ Camping
📝 More info: Read our full visitor guide here, or see the park website
22. Thirlmere Lakes National Park
A spooky option, is this one. Known for being one of the rare places to hunt for glowing mushrooms, Thirlmere Lakes National Park is also a stone’s throw from Australia’s most haunted town.
🤷♀️ What to do: Go walking, swimming, or take the 4WD out for a drive on the Greater Blue Mountains – Wollondilly trail .
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 100 km
23. Macquarie Pass National Park
Stop off the Illawarra Highway to find a truly outstanding slice of nature, reachable on a day trip from the city.
🤷♀️ What to do: Adventure in pristine forests with Scones in the forest South Coast walking tours, and don’t stop chasing waterfalls either.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 100 km
24. Nattai National Park
You’ll find all the highs (spectacular lookouts) and lows (caves) of NSW in this charming park.
🤷♀️ What to do: Walking, sightseeing, birdwatching and wildlife encounters—all the reasons you need to get outdoors and explore.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 120 km
25. Budderoo National Park
Explore the ancient Minnamurra Rainforest whilst hiking to swimming holes and waterfalls.
🤷♀️ What to do: Take a dip at Nellies Glen or the Blue Pool, and hike to Jamberoo Lookout for sweeping views across the land.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 130 km
📝 More info: See our full visitor guide here, or check the website.
26. Seven Mile Beach National Park
Curving alongside Berrys Bay, this national park is best paired with a visit to the charming town of Berry.
🤷♀️ What to do: Surf and swim, enjoy a picnic or a barbie, or walk either south or north along the Sand Track walk.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 140 km
27. Bangadilly National Park
A jewel of the Southern Highlands, and nearby to lovely pitstops such as Bowral, Berrima, and Mittagong, Bangadilly needs to be on your bucket list.
🤷♀️ What to do: Navigate the Mount Penang (unmarked) loop walk to reach the summit and take in the spectacular views.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 140 km
28. Conjola National Park
An underrated spot with turquoise lakes and verdant forests, Conjola is stretching the limits of a day trip but is well worth your while.
🤷♀️ What to do: If you’re visiting in springtime, look for wildflower meadows, or strike out for nearby coastal towns such as Milton and Ulladulla. With Conjola Lake and the ocean nearby, it’s a prime spot for water sports too.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 200 km
📝 More info: Check out our visitor guide, or visit the website.
29. Wollemi National Park
Wollemi National Park is hiding an amazing secret: the only living Wollemi pines found anywhere on Earth, making some of the rarest trees in the world.
🤷♀️ What to do: Whilst the Wollemi pines are critically endangered and thus protected from public access, there’s another big draw in this national park: the spectacular Glow Worm Tunnel. Elsewhere, you can join a guided kayak tour, visit the ghost town of Newnes, or head up to Pagoda Lookout.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 230 km
🛏️ Camping
📝 More info: Read about the pines here, or visit the website.
30. Barrington Tops National Park
One of NSW’s national parks that’s even more incredible come winter, Barrington Tops still shines all year round.
🤷♀️ What to do: You’ll want your hiking boots for this one, as Barrington Tops is home to numerous walking tracks and lookouts, around places like Careys Peak, Devils Hole, and Gloucester Falls.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 270 km
🛏️ Camping
31. Kosciuszko National Park
We couldn’t leave out the biggest national park in Australia, could we?
🤷♀️ What to do: Visit the northern end of the park to see the Yarrangobilly area and its social media-famous thermal pool. Keen hikers can tackle a new, four-day walking trail that will take in 55km of jaw-dropping scenery, or climb Australia’s highest peak. Oh, and check out the skiing options around Thredbo and Perisher when the snow falls.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 420 km
📝 More info: See our full visitor guide here, or visit the website.
32. Warrumbungle National Park
Australia’s first designated Dark Sky park is the first of these national parks we’d suggest is best visited at night.
🤷♀️ What to do: In a word? Stargazing. See the Milky Way and hundreds of constellations when night falls, thanks to the high altitude and lack of light pollution. During the daylight hours, walks through the bushland and rock formations will be just as enjoyable.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 450 km
🛏️ Camping
📝 More info: See our guide here, or check the website.
33. Cuttaburra National Park (opening 2025)
We’re reaching the far corners of New South Wales now, but Cuttaburra is about to become the state’s newest national park, so it’s worth pencilling in a pilgrimage.
🤷♀️ What to do: With 109 different species of birds, birdwatching will be one of the biggest draws to the park. Elsewhere, driving tours through the outback will help visitors appreciate this vast, spectacular land.
🚗 Distance from Sydney: 920 km
📝 More info: Read our news story here, or see the website.
Camping and accommodation options will be updated after the park opens.