These are the 10 national parks travellers just can’t get enough of.
NSW’s national parks just had their biggest year on record. In the 2024–25 financial year, 65.5 million visits were made to the state’s network of around 900 parks and reserves – smashing the previous record of 60 million set back in 2018.
The numbers behind the numbers are equally striking. Of those 65.5 million visits, 37 million happened outside Greater Sydney. And for the first time, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service tracked international visitation – finding that 72 per cent of overseas tourists to NSW visited at least one national park, generating 4.6 million visits on their own.
Before we dive into the list, we want to say upfront that visitors should always be mindful of the impact they have on our national parks. Stick to the marked tracks to avoid erosion, avoid unofficial lookouts, take your rubbish with you, respect closures and cultural sites and visit midweek or early in the day wherever possible.
So, where is everyone actually going? Here are the 10 most visited parks in NSW, and what keeps drawing people back.
1. Blue Mountains National Park – 7.8 million visits
The Blue Mountains is NSW’s most visited national park. (Credit: R Brand / DCCEEW)
It’s not even close. The Blue Mountains attracted more visitors than any other national park in the state, and it’s easy to understand why. World Heritage-listed, impossibly scenic and just 90 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, it offers something for everyone – from the Scenic World boardwalk to wilderness treks through the Grand Cliff Top Walk and beyond. The Three Sisters remain one of the most photographed spots in the country. Take time to soak in the magic of these ancient rainforest gullies and the kind of views that make you stop mid-step and just stand there.
2. Royal National Park – 4.9 million visits
Royal National Park is the world’s second-oldest national park. (Credit: J Spencer / DCCEEW)
The world’s second-oldest national park sits just 30 kilometres south of Sydney and feels like a secret the city keeps badly. Royal draws nearly five million visitors a year for its coastal cliff-top walks, sheltered swimming beaches and wildflower displays that explode into colour each spring. The Coast Track – a 26-kilometre multi-day walk from Bundeena to Otford – is one of the finest coastal walks in Australia, full stop.
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3. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – 4.3 million visits
Ku-ring-gai Chase is a park of two personalities. (Credit: P Ogden / DCCEEW)
Explore Barrenjoey Lighthouse. (Credit: D Parsons / DCCEEW)
On Sydney’s northern fringe, Ku-ring-gai Chase protects one of the largest collections of Aboriginal rock engravings in NSW alongside the stunning waterways of the Hawkesbury River. It’s a park of two personalities: quiet forest trails and sandstone plateau walks on one hand, and popular boating, kayaking and picnicking spots on the other.
4. Lane Cove National Park – 2.4 million visits
Lane Cove River is perfect for kayakers. (Credit: D Parsons / DCCEEW)
A green ribbon running through Sydney’s inner north, Lane Cove punches well above its size. The river walking and cycling trails draw a loyal local crowd year-round, and the calm flatwater is perfect for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders wanting to escape the harbour chop.
5. Kosciuszko National Park – 2.4 million visits
Kosciuszko National Park isn’t only a winter destination. (Credit: D Parsons / DCCEEW)
The only park in the top five that isn’t on Sydney’s doorstep, Kosciuszko is a two-season destination in the Snowy Mountains, drawing visitors for skiing and snowboarding in winter and alpine wildflower walks, including to Australia’s highest suspension bridge, in summer. At 2.4 million visits, it’s proof that Australians will travel for the right landscape.
6. Sydney Harbour National Park – 2.2 million visits
2.2 million people visited Sydney Harbour National Park. (Credit: J Spencer / DCCEEW)
One of the most unusual parks in NSW, Sydney Harbour National Park is scattered across dozens of separate headlands, bushland reserves and islands around the harbour. It protects historic fortifications, quiet coves and some of the most coveted camping spots in the country – Cockatoo Island and the Quarantine Station among them. Over 2.2 million people found their way in last year, which makes sense: it’s everywhere, and it’s free.
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7. Brisbane Water National Park – 2.1 million visits
Visit Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park. (Credit: J Spencer / DCCEEW)
On the Central Coast, Brisbane Water is best known for two things: its spectacular wildflower season in spring, when the heathland erupts with colour, and its extensive network of Aboriginal rock engravings at Bulgandry and elsewhere. The park’s estuaries and inlets are popular with kayakers and fishing enthusiasts, and the Bouddi Peninsula walking track passes through the southern edge of the park on its way to some very fine coastal views.
8. Morton National Park – 1.9 million visits
If you’ve been to the Blue Mountains but not Morton, this is the one to add to the list. (Credit: J Spencer / DCCEEW)
Morton is one of NSW’s largest and most underrated parks – a vast sandstone wilderness in the Southern Highlands that rewards those willing to go looking. Deep slot canyons, hidden waterfalls and the spectacular Fitzroy Falls are the drawcards, alongside some of the best remote camping in the state. If you’ve been to the Blue Mountains but not Morton, this is the one to add to the list.
9. Bouddi National Park – 1.6 million visits
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is one of the country’s best walks. (Credit: J Spencer / DCCEEW)
A compact coastal gem between Gosford and Broken Bay, Bouddi rewards the effort it takes to get there. The multi-day Bouddi Coastal Walk links a series of beaches and headlands above a protected marine park, offering some of the best snorkelling on the NSW coast. Little Beach – only accessible on foot – is the kind of place that earns its name.
10. Glenrock State Conservation Area – 1.5 million visits
Discover Burwood Beach. (Credit: N Adamson / DCCEEW)
Rounding out the top 10 is a Newcastle favourite that many Sydneysiders haven’t heard of. Glenrock is a rugged coastal conservation area offering world-class mountain biking trails, a surf beach, and one of the few protected coastal areas in NSW where dogs are permitted.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
