Nature and parks

Must do

canyons and escarpments east of Newnes, Blue Mountains

There are some amazing natural attractions in New South Wales. From the coast to the country you’re spoilt for choice. All over this state you can meander at your own pace and discover a whole world of extraordinary natural wonders. With close to 900 NSW national parks, forests and reserves, the State features the most diverse nature experiences in Australia ranging from rainforests, marine parks, a city within a national park, outback landscapes, mountains, islands and World-heritage listed areas.

Key places to go

The State is home to six of Australia’s World Heritage-listed areas including the Greater Blue Mountains, Willandra Lakes, Lord Howe Island and Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, and offers a 'Best of' Australian natural wonders for the visitor – home to the highest mountain peak, the site of the oldest human remains in the world, Australia’s famous beaches such as Bondi or Manly, the world’s oldest surviving plant species and the world’s second largest canyon.

And you'll find there are plenty of ways to explore these beautiful environments. Take a nature tour to learn about native animal habitats, go abseiling or kayaking, cycling, hiking or bushwalking. Try your hand at surfing, fishing, boating or scuba diving. Camp overnight in a hidden valley, or even a Sydney Harbour island, or watch a sparkling waterfall at sunset or sit back and enjoy the sight of mesmeric natural formations.

Gallery

Abercrombie Caves, near Bathurst

Underground Abercrombie Caves and cavern, Trunkey Creek, Central NSW
Aerial view of Kirribilli and Sydney Harbour

Aerial view of Kirribilli and Sydney Harbour. Image Hamilton Lund
Minnamurra Rainforest, Wollongong

Bridge in Minnamurra Rainforest, Wollongong. Image Nick Rains
Border Ranges National park

Border Loop Lookout, Border Ranges National park. Image Hamilton Lund
canyons and escarpments, Blue Mountains

Aerial view of canyons and escarpments east of Newnes, Blue Mountains. Image Hamilton Lund
Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island

Children snorkelling in rockpools, Lord Howe Island. Image Grahame McConnell
Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay

Fleet of Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay boats, South Coast. Image Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay
Fairy seals, Montague Island

Fairy seals, Montague Island, Eurobodalla, South Coast. Image Arthur Mostead; National Parks and Wildlife Services
Fort Denison with Sydney skyline

Fort Denison with Sydney skyline at sunset. Image Hamilton Lund
Near Protestors Falls, Nightcap NP

woman on bridge near Protestors Falls, Nightcap National Park (near Nimbin - Mullumbimby), Northern Rivers. Image Hamilton Lund
Mt Tomah
Kangaroos at Murramarang Resort

Family feeding the kangaroos on Mill beach at Murramarang Resort in South Durras. Image James Pipino
Kayak, Two Mile Lake, Myall Lakes NP

Kayaking on Two Mile Lake, Myall Lakes National Park, Great Lakes area, Mid-North Coast. Image Don Fuchs
Kayaking, Booderee National Park

Kayaking at Murrays Beach at Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay, South Coast. Image James Pipino
Rough waters of the Kiama coastline

Rough waters of the Kiama coastline. Image Alpesh Parshotam
Alpine Way, Snowy Mountains

Refreshing mountain stream along the touring route, Alpine Way, Snowy Mountains. Image Don Fuchs
Sawn Rocks, Mount Kaputar National Park
One Track for All Walk, Ulladulla

One Track for All Walk, Ulladulla
Siding Spring Observatory, Coonabarabran

Siding Spring Observatory in the Warrumbungle National Park
Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island

Snorkelling on Lord Howe Island. Image Gary Bell
View from Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island

View from Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island. Image Ian Hutton
Whale breaching at Byron Bay

Whale at Byron Bay, Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse in far distance.

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Great nature based experiences in Sydney

Goulburn River National Park Mudgee Area, Country NSW, Mudgee
Entrance to the Goulburn River National Park has bush camping, bushwalking, wildlife. This is a wonderful spot for swimming, liloing over small rapids...
www.npws.nsw.gov.au

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Sunset Tour Macksville, Nambucca Heads, North Coast
Nambucca Kayaks pick customers up from Macksville in a courtesy bus and drive to Gumma Dock where the guided tour sets off into the setting sun. Enjoy...
www.nambuccakayaks.com.au

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Half Day or less.

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Lady Denman Heritage Complex Jervis Bay & Shoalhaven, South Coast, Huskisson
The Lady Denman Heritage Complex is located on 10 hectares and houses a Museum with significant maritime history, Laddie Timbery's Aboriginal Art...
www.ladydenman.asn.au

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Reef Fishing - Five Hours Merimbula, South Coast
On the local reefs around Merimbula you can expect to catch Snapper, Morwong, Jack-ass Morwong (Deep Sea Bream), Trevally, Nannygai, Leatherjacket, no...
www.merimbulamarina.com

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Half Day or less.

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Bongil Bongil National Park Coffs Harbour Area, North Coast, Sawtell
Unspoilt beaches, littoral rainforest and fascinating estuaries offer an ideal setting for family activities. Canoeing is the best way to explore Bonv...
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov

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Khancoban Pondage Tumbarumba Area, Snowy Mountains, Khancoban
Khancoban pondage is three kilometres in length, a part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme and is used extensively for recreation. There is a cemented boa...
www.visittumbashire.com.a

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Pelican Feeding at The Entrance Central Coast, North Coast, The Entrance
The pelican feeding in The Entrance Memorial Park is a highlight of any visit to the Central Coast. A new amphitheatre, overlooking The Entrance chan...
www.cctourism.com.au

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Mimosa Rocks National Park Merimbula & Sapphire Coast, South Coast, Bermagui
Mimosa Rocks National Park is located 20 kilometres south of Bermagui, 4 kilometres north of Tathra, 22 kilometres north-east of Bega and 413 kilometr...
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov

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Jindabyne Horse Trekking Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains
Jindabyne Horse Trekking catering for all one hour rides and half hour rides. This tour takes place overlooking Jindabyne and offers breathtaking view...

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Half Day or less.

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Waterways Wildlife Park Tamworth Area, Country NSW, Gunnedah
Located seven kilometres from Gunnedah on the Mullaley Road, Waterways Wildlife Park has many different varieties of wildlife. Get up close and person...

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