Naturescapes magazine - NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

FREE
EDITION 1
NATURESCAPES
INSPIRED BY NSW NATIONAL PARKS
Outback – 17
The wide open spaces of the Outback bring experiences like no
other. It’s a mysterious, soulful place steeped in history and culture,
where humans have walked for thousands of years.
Country NSW – 25
Come and explore the diverse habitats protected here, some of our
greatest forests, home to amazing bird and animal life. Great for
enjoying easy or challenging walks – and the awesome night sky.
Snowy Mountains – 35
You really are on the top of Australia in this alpine wonderland, which
offers activity and adventure all year round. There are snow sports in
winter, and over summer enjoy wildflowers, hiking, cycling, kayaking
or touring by car.
South Coast – 43
The South Coast embraces a wealth of national parks, places where
whales, dolphins, seals and penguins find sanctuary. Come and
explore this special place, content in the knowledge that this is how it
will ever be.
Sydney & Surrounds – 55
Be amazed – explore vast green spaces that enchant Australia’s
largest city, walk in native forest alongside Sydney Harbour, and
wonder at the spectacular World Heritage Blue Mountains that
protect wilderness on Sydney’s doorstep.
North Coast – 69
Nature reigns in World Heritage rainforests and along golden
beaches. Take time to listen to the waves, the gentle rain falling on the
tallest trees, and the song of myriad birds in the vast forests.
SYDNEY
DISCOVER HISTORY
& CULTURE
04
INFORMATION FOR
TRAVELLERS WITH
A DISABILITY
04
GREAT THINGS TO DO
IN NATIONAL PARKS
05
ANNUAL PASS
08
DISCOVERY WALKS,
TALKS AND TOURS
08
CAMPING IN
NSW NATIONAL PARKS
13
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 89
PHOTOGRAPHY: Opening page: I. Oeland/OEH. Page 3 Top: Murray Vanderveer/
OEH; Bottom: L. Boyd/OEH. Page 4 Top H. Lund/courtesy Destination NSW;
Bottom left to right: J. Yurosek/OEH; D. Finnegan/OEH. Page 5: All: D. Finnegan/
OEH. Page 6: Top; A. Richards/OEH; Bottom: D. Finnegan/OEH. Page 7: Top Left
and Right: D. Finnegan/OEH. Bottom Courtesy Destination NSW. Page 8: Top
to Bottom: J. Yurasek/OEH; D. Finnegan/OEH; I. Oeland/OEH. Page 9 Top: J.
Yurasek/OEH; Bottom: D. Finnegan/OEH. Page 16: D. Finnegan/OEH.
Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal People of NSW and pay our respects to
the Elders past and present.
When visiting a park or reserve, please take a minute to recognise Aboriginal people’s
relationship with the land, acknowledge the ongoing connection of Aboriginal people
to their Country and recognise your own responsibility to travel thoughtfully.
Aboriginal Discovery Ranger, Clark Island Sydney Harbour National Park
welcome
I am pleased to introduce the first
edition of Naturescapes magazine.
It is filled with inspirational itineraries
in NSW national parks, perfect for
family getaways or for travellers with
a little more time to explore and
unwind. We’ve profiled many of the
great places to stay and a wonderful
collection of things to see and do.
You’ll be amazed at just how much is
on offer; from picnics on an island in
Sydney Harbour to a bush-tucker tour
with an Aboriginal guide on the north
coast or waking up to the sound of
seals from a lighthouse cottage
on spectacular Montague Island.
I recently launched
the first phase of a
new visitor-friendly
website, which
contains all the
information you’ll
need to plan
your next visit
or holiday in a
NSW national park.
I encourage you to
go online and see the
changes we’ve made
at www.nationalparks.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for the
nsw.gov.au. We’re
Environment and Heritage Robyn Parker at the opening
also on Facebook
of Dharawal National Park.
so you can share your
adventures with family and friends.
new functionality into the website
to make planning and booking your
The National Parks and Wildlife
visit even easier and we’ll be adding
Service will continue to incorporate
new content to keep you inspired
along the way.
Dharawal National Park
We have also developed an iPad
application, which is ready to
download from the iPad App
Store. It’s called the Naturescapes
Collection. This year it profiles the
best accommodation options in
and around our national parks and
makes it easy to book your favourite
instantly. There is truly a wonderful
array of experiences to be enjoyed
in NSW national parks. We look
forward to welcoming you soon.
The Hon. Robyn Parker MP
Minister for the Environment
Minister for Heritage
3
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
Discover
History and
Culture
The
best way
to enjoy
your parks
National parks protect
more than nature – they
also embrace many
Aboriginal cultural
landscapes and post
settlement sites. Local
park offices can give
information on this –
or join an Aboriginal
Discovery ranger on a
walk, talk or tour. For
more information visit
nationalparks.nsw.gov.
au/whats-on
Hill End Historic Site
travellers with a disability
NSW National Parks aims to give all visitors a
unique and wonderful experience, regardless
of individual ability levels.
Many parks feature tracks that are
accessible to people in a wheelchair or with
reduced mobility. Good examples are the
Dorrigo skywalk, the Minnamurra Rainforest
Centre, and the Warrumbungles. The Fairfax
Heritage Track in the Blue Mountains is great
for all levels of ability, and if you need a rest
there are plenty of benches along the way.
Within this guide you’ll find the wheelchair
accessible symbol used, and park offices
can provide more information on individual
parks. People with vision or hearing
impairment are welcome to bring a trained
assistance animal to all areas that are open
to the public.
“With two in our group using wheelchairs,
it can be difficult to find activities for us all
to enjoy. But what a day we had at Dorrigo
National Park! We all visited the interactive
display and Rainforest Shop. Heading out
along the Skywalk was a breeze, we could all
enjoy this spectacular view and experience
first hand the delights of the rainforest. And
it was easy to pull the chairs up to the picnic
table where we could enjoy the cheeky
birdlife. Highly recommended.” Sharon,
Merrylands NSW.
Bouddi National Park
4
Greattothings
do in
national parks
Camping in River Red Gums
Fort Denison
National parks are
many things to many
people – some want
activity and challenge,
some are content
to simply stroll and
quietly enjoy the
natural environment.
5
Heritage Walk
The upshot is that everyone is welcome
to visit, discover and explore, at their own
speed, any one of more than 850 parks and
reserves across the State.
You might like to do some research before
deciding what activities you’ll most enjoy.
Check out www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
for ideas on different organised activities
you can join.
National parks don’t just conserve nature
and wildlife, they also protect abundant
Aboriginal and European heritage. You
can join a Discovery tour to learn more, or
explore post-settlement history at sites such
as Hill End and the Old Great North Road.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
Keen to get moving? Walking is great,
whether you’re out for a short nature stroll or
a five-day hike, national park walking tracks
provide all kinds of exploring opportunities.
Different environments, from eucalypt
forests to heathlands, rainforests to malee
… sites and activities comprising lookouts,
swimming, wildflowers, Aboriginal sites and
more. Less mobile visitors may look for the
access symbol in this guide, indicating that
wheelchair accessible walks are available.
Royal National Park
GUIDED TOURS
There are around 200 licensed tour and
recreation operators who provide an
array for wonderful experiences in NSW
national parks.
For those who want to get out and enjoy
our parks with an experienced guide who
can provide all the right equipment and
explain all you need to know, visit our
website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
We have highlighted some of our most
experienced operators who have achieved
advanced eco-tourism accreditation.
WALKING
There are many opportunities to go with a
professional guide on a walking adventure
in NSW national parks.
For guided walks in the Blue Mountains
contact Tread Lightly Eco Tours on
4788 1229 or visit www.treadlightly.com.au.
Auswalk also run guided bushwalks in the
Blue Mountains, Sydney and Kosciuszko,
details on (03) 5356 4971 or visit
www.auswalk.com.au. Nature Bound
Australia also offers different tours
around the State, (07) 3254 1911 or
visit www.natureboundaustralia.com.
Short walks are available in our outback
parks with Sunraysia Discovery Tours,
(03) 5023 5937 or
www.sunraysiadiscoverytours.com.au
Nielsen Park Cyclists
CYCLING
VEHICLE TOURING
Cyclists will find anything from easy, flat
cruising to more challenging mountain trails.
Check out National Park’s cycling page on
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/cycling and
discover the best cycling options in our parks.
Vehicle touring is also popular, for both
conventional cars and four wheel drives.
Head out on your own, or join a guided tour
with Australian Wild Escapes. Contact them
on 1300 792 213 or visit
www.australianwildescapes.com.au
6
Fishing
Kayaking
GO FISH
Skiing, kayaking,
caving and more
Kosciuszko National Park offers some of
Australia’s best skiing over winter, and
activities continue over the warmer months.
Adventures such as kayaking, whitewater
rafting, horseriding and caving can be enjoyed
with tour operators, visit www.nationalparks.
nsw.gov.au/snowymountains for details. Or, just
head out to explore on your bike or in your car.
Many coastal areas and other rivers offer
kayaking, a brilliant, low impact way to
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Our parks offer spectacular
settings to take a
photograph, or bring
out your inner artists by
creating your own sketch or
painting. The late afternoon
filtering through the trees,
sunrises, sunsets, birds
and flowers … you’ll never
run out of subjects.
explore our waterways. Bundeena Kayaks
will get you started in the Royal National
Park, contact them on (02) 9544 5294, or
visit www.bundeenakayaks.com.au. Life’s
An Adventure, in the Sydney region, offers
kayaking along with activities including hiking
and mountain biking – (02) 9913 8939 or
www.lifesanadventure.com.au.
Great adventures can be had in caves, with
many world class caves protected in our
national parks. Take the caving challenge
and head to Jenolan or Yarrangobilly Caves
for a guided adventure tour.
Our coastal parks offer more than just
beaches – try exploring a lighthouse, these
heritage icons sit perched on rugged
headlands, often surrounded by national
parks and great coastal walks. Check out
places such as Cape Byron, Montague
Island and Sugarloaf for great lighthouse
accommodation.
Wild About Whales
The NSW coast offers great whale watching
during the migration season. Whales are often
easily seen from land and our parks abound
with spectacular viewing points. Find out
more and watch the annual whale migration
on www.wildaboutwhales.com.au
Murray van der Veer Photography
can take you on a photographic
journey where you can enjoy learning
more about capturing that elusive
perfect photo. Contact 0414 332 777
or [email protected].
Commercial photographers should
visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
commercial/ApplyingForPermission.htm
before setting out.
7
There are many great places to fish in
national parks. Marine reserves are often
adjacent to parks, and while they don’t
exclude recreational fishing, ensure you
check the zoning restrictions. You’ll need
to carry a NSW fishing licence; contact the
Department of Primary Industries NSW on
1300 550 474, www.licence.nsw.gov.au or
your local fishing shop to apply.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
Annual
Passes
Make a difference today by helping to fund
conservation projects and visitor facilities.
An annual pass is not only great value for
money; it also allows you
to support valuable on-park projects.
For more information on a pass to suit
your needs, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.
gov.au/annualpasses, call 13000 72757 or
email [email protected].
You can also grab one at most National Park
offices.
14
Multi
Parks
Pass
VOID
14
All Parks
Pass
Your Multi Parks Pass entitles you to motor vehicle entry
to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service managed
lands excluding Kosciuszko National Park and remains
valid until the date shown.
VOID
Please note: entry to parks may be
restricted at certain times due to safety,
conservation or operational requirements.
Multi Parks Pass
Plan your next visit to a NSW
national park with
nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or
phone 1300 361 967
All Parks Pass
Discovery
Walks, Talks
and Tours
Ranger, Sydney Harbour National Park
The Discovery program features an amazing
variety of entertaining and informative tours
and activities led by specialist rangers, who
help to reveal even more on your park visit.
The tours are for everyone – whether you’re
5 or 95, you can join in and discover the
secrets and unexpected delights of the
landscape and its inhabitants.
Your All P
NSW Nat
and rema
Discovery offers experiences such as
tours of Montague Island, the Cape Byron
Sustainability Walk and learning about bush
tucker with one of our Aboriginal Discovery
rangers. Find out about bush medicines,
enjoy breathtaking scenery and encounter
amazing wildlife.
Tours are more frequent over school holidays
but are available all year round. For more
information visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
whats-on
Long nosed Potoroo
8
Please note: en
restricted at cert
conservation or
Meet our Travel Writers
PAUL CHAI
BEN STUBBS
Paul Chai writes about a wide range of topics
for publications like The Sun-Herald's Sunday
Life, Encore magazine and lifestyle website
DailyLife.com.au. He is also
foreign correspondent for
Los Angeles-based film
bible Variety reporting on the
Australian film and television
industry. Previously, he
was the assistant editor of
Travel + Leisure Australia
and before that he worked in
London for Variety and The
Financial Times.
Ben Stubbs is an Australian travel writer and
photographer. He spent his childhood exploring
the mountains of the Kosciuszko National Park
and fishing and diving along
the south coast. He is a
regular contributor to the
Sydney Morning Herald's
Traveller section, where
he often writes about his
adventures in NSW’s
national parks.
99%
23
fantastic
journeys
Outback Journey 1
0
125
Broken Hill, White Cliffs,
Paroo-Darling National Park
(Arrowbar and Mandalay areas),
White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Sturt
National Park, Cameron Corner.
500 Kilometres
1
9
UNTAMED RIVER
COUNTRY
250
TIBOOBURRA
BOURKE
99%
6 7
WHITE
CLIFFS
2
8
4
WILCANNIA
SA
Join Paul on this journey
around corner country – where
NSW, Queensland and South
Australia meet.
COBAR
TO DUBBO
BROKEN HILL
3
This Journey is found on page 19
0
6 Mutawintji HS
125
7 Mutawintji
NP
5 8
Paroo-Darling NP
250
9 Sturt NP
500 Kilometres
GRIFFITH
9
TIBOOBURRA
VIC
WAGG
Outback Journey 2
BOURKE
DENILIQUIN
Red Earth and
Ancient Tales
Broken Hill, Kinchega National
Park (Menindee Lakes, Lake SA
Cawndilla), Mungo National Park.
Side trip: Broken Hill-Mutawintji
National Park
1
2
8
6 7
4
ALBURY
COBAR
TO DUBBO
BROKEN HILL
3 MENINDEE
Surreal landscapes, vast lands,
ancient history and spiritual
POONCARIE
Sand dunes of Mungo National Park
5
wonders – see it all through
Paul’s eyes.
GRIFFITH
This Journey is found on page 21
VIC
3 Kinchega NP
6 Mutawintji HS
5 Mungo NP
7 Mutawintji NP
WAGG
DENILIQUIN
ALBURY
9
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
MOREE
TIBOOBURRA
0
25
BOURKE 50
¬
«
Country NSW Journey 1
Yanga-Murray
Valley National
Park
BROKEN HILL
¬
«
332
1
TIBOOBURRA
¬
«
¬
«
NSW
114
4
3
3
NSW
Balranald, Yanga National Park,
Mathoura, Murray Valley
National Park (Edward River
and Gulpa Creek).
125
Country
250
¬
«16 Journey
PORT
NSW
TAMWORTH 2
26
5
MACQUARIE
¬
«55
27
DENILIQUIN
24
¬
«
36
ALBURY 37
VIC
¬
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30
2¬
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11
1
1
¬
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23
2
3
24 Murray Valley NP
37 Woomargama NP
35
3
4
found
12
¬
«
DUBBO
CABRAMURRA
In true bushman style, Ben goes
on a fast paced exploration of the
COOMA
great Kosciuszko
National Park.
This Journey is found on page 37
2
17
COOMA
KHANCOBAN
JINDABYNE
THREDBO
VIC
18
34
1 Kosciuszko NP
2 Tallaganda NP
20
2¬
«0
28
DENILIQUIN
24
2
COOMA
JINDABYNE
3
30
VIC
THREDBO
VIC
1 Kosciuszko NP
EDEN Journey is found on page 39
This
2 Tallaganda NP
25
50
EDEN
50
100 Kilomet
100 Kilometres
South Coast
Explorer
14
!
KOSCIUSZKO
0
EDEN
NSW
1
Follow Ben as he meanders
around NSW largest national park
uncovering some of the best cultural
and natural experiences on offer.
25
SYDNEY
CANBERRA
ACT
Light to Light Walk
This Journey is found on page 45
!
EDEN
SOUTH COAST Journey 2
Ben and his dad take on this
beautiful walk – are they up to
the challenge?
BATEMANS BAY
COOMA
91%
26
¬
«66
CANBERRA
TUMUT
SOUTH COAST Journey 1
NSW
¬
«55
¬
«
NP, start of Round Mountain trail
2 (Western edge of Kosciuszko),
Jagundal Wilderness Area, Dershko’s
NSWHut, Mt Jagundal, Jindabyne,
Thredbo, Thredbo Village, Dead
!
Horse
Gap walk, Mt Kosciuszko.
0
33
SCONE
36
ALBURY 37
BEGA
Ben Boyd National Park, Davidson
Whaling Station, Green Cape
Light Station, Saltwater Creek
campground, Boyd’s Tower.
SYDNEY
WOLLONGONG
NSW
NSW
Canberra, Morton National Park
(Yarrunga Creek, Fitzroy Falls),
Budderoo National Park (Minnamurra
Rainforest Centre), SevenGOULBURN
Mile Beach
National Park, Huskisson, Jervis Bay
National Park.
10
8
8
GOULBURN
32
27
TO CANBERRA
Follow Ben and his friend as they
explore some of the best national
parks of the South Coast.
5
21
27
This Journey is found on page 47
33 South East Forest NP 3 Ben Boyd NP
14 Davidson Whaling Station 30 Nadgee NR
8 Budderoo NP
ACT
ACT
25
SOUTH COAST Journey 4
Wollongong
Adventure
Montague Island
15
SYDNEY
19
WOLLONGONG
NSW
MOSS VALE
Ben and his wife go on an
exhilarating adventureGOULBURN
– join them
in the excitement.
9
8
12
32 Seven Mile Beach NP
27 Morton NP
31
7
23
4
29
BATEMANS BAY
28
2
Canberra, Deua National Park,
Narooma, Montague Island
Nature Reserve.
COOMA
BATEMANS BAY
17
Join Ben and a group of journalists18
34
as they explore this remarkable
island and you’ll realise why it’s
so special.
26
15
TO CANBERRA
COOMA
17
NAROOMA
BEGA
This Journey is found on
page 51
24
27
26
18
6
This Journey is found on page 49
27 Morton NP
19 Illawarra Escarpment SCA
8 Budderoo NP
12
9 Bushrangers Bay
20
15 Deua NP
BEGA
EDEN
18 Gulaga
NP
33
14
3
31
ACT
7 21 J ervis Bay NP
4
28
29
11 13
SOUTH COAST Journey 3
Sydney, Moss Vale, Kangaroo
Valley, Morton National Park,
Shellharbour, Bushrangers Bay
Aquatic Reserve, Wollongong,
Stanwell Tops, Royal National Park
and Heathcote National Park.
7
4
23
28
PO
MA
MUDGEE
Tumut, Northern
BATEMANS
BAYpart of Kosciuszko
ADAMINABY
26
2
5
SYDNEY
3 Beni SCA1
271 Pilliga Forest NP
10
«0
¬
«1
34
3¬
«3 ¬
23 Mount Kaputar NP 32 Warrumbungle NP
WOLLONGONG
36
3¬
«5
¬
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Awesome VIC
11 13
SYDNEY
Kosciuszko
15
¬
«
TAMWORTH
NEWCASTLE
Snowy Mountains Journey 2
29
YARRANGOBILLY
¬
«88
COONABARABRAN
GOULBURN
23
4
CANBERRA
ARMIDALE
ORANGE
WAGGA WAGGA
ACT
1
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22
38
3¬
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25
27
2¬
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332
1
on page 32
20
GRIFFITH
31
7
ACT
Snowy Mountains
Journey 1
¬
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¬
«
¬
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«
33
32
112
2
21
2
1
116
6 CO
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NARRABRI
32 as they
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and his family
«66 Paul
5
NSWand
journey
around
iconic forests
CANBERRA
ancientBATEMANS
mountains
in the heart
BAY 21
of NSW.!
¬
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¬
«
118
8
28
2
7
4
¬
«22
¬
«
29
2
8
MOREE
BOURKE
EDEN
9 Cocoparra NP
Adaminaby, Gang Gang mountain,
Gavels Ridge, Nungar Plain, Gavels
Hut, Thredbo, Kosciuszko Express,
Yarrangobilly Caves.
2
WOLLONGONG
SCONE
Warrumbungles
115
¬
«5
MUDGEE
«
This Journey is ¬
TUMUT
QLD
Kilometres
19
COOMA
38 Yanga NP
Alpine Horse
Riding and Cycling
Adventure
500
GOULBURN
BROKEN HILL
WAGGA WAGGA
This Journey is found on page 27
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¬
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ARMIDALE
31
3
0
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National
WOLLONGONG
36
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BROKEN
HILL
«5 Park.
HAY
BALRANAUD
27
2¬
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Narrabri, Pilliga (SaltNEWCASTLE
Caves and
10
17
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¬
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ORANGESalt
Walk), Pilliga Forest
25
2
¬
«4 ¬ Discovery Centre (Baradine).9
8 SYDNEY Kaputar
10
1
¬
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trip: Narrabri-Mount
¬
«11
1
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38
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33
32
112
2
21
2
1
116
6 COFFS
HARBOUR
13
1¬
«3
GRIFFITH 9
9
Paul and his family find out there’s
never a dull moment when exploring
this part of NSW.
¬
«
29
2
8
100 Kilometres
23
2
3
BROKEN HILL
¬
«
199
1
17 Eurobodalla NP
26 Montague Island
24
6
10
30
39
13
37
SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS Journey 1
29
SYDNEY
AND SURROUNDS Journey 2
BATHURST
Exploring
the
Blue Mountains
Nature in the Big City
NORTHBRIDGE
Wentworth Falls, National Pass
track, Leura, Prince Henry Cliff
Walk, Tallawalla Lookout, Echo
Point - Three Sisters, Katoomba,
Blackheath, Evans Lookout, Grand
Canyon walk, Govetts Leap.
Thought you knew the Blue
Mountains? Think again as you
follow Ben and his wife on these
CROWS NEST
great trails.
Sydney Harbour National Park (Bradleys Head, Clifton Gardens, Chowder
Bay, Georges
Royal National Park – coastal walk (from Bundeena to
12 Head),25
Big Marley Beach, Little Marley Beach, Wattamolla Beach, North Era Beach,
2
32Beach, Otford Train 21
South Era
Station).
SYDNEY
16
BLACKHEATH
4
18
CAMMERAY
10
5
20
JOURNEY PART 1
23
16 Hartley HS
18 Jenolan KCR
20 Kanangra-Boyd NP
1
22
This Journey is found on page28
599
WENTWORTH
FALLS
ECHO POINT
This Journey is found on page 57
Discover or30
re-discover the natural side 26
to Australia’s largest
city with
Ben and his
Dobroyd
Head
friends on these great walks. 14
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
LEURA
KATOOMBA
BALMORAL
15
36
19
33 6
38
5 Blue Mountains NP
17 31
27 35
0
25
CREMORNE
50
34
MIDDLE
7 SYDNEY
HARBOUR
11
Middle Head
34
SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS Journey 3
North of the HarbouR
24
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
MOSMAN
100 Kilometres
Manly, Q Station, Spit Bridge, Garigal National
Park.
NEUTRAL
BAY –
SYDNEY
Ben and his wife goNORTH
on a different
type of adventure
an experience they’ll never forget!
Neutral
This Journey is found on page 61
Seaforth
McMahons
Point
ve
Kurraba
Point
Balgowlah
Milsons
Point
North
Sydney
Manly
Watso
Bay Wh
Taronga
Zoo
NOWRA
Nielsen Park
Kirribilli
14
oat Island
PORT
JACKSON
Clifton gardens
Bay
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
The Spit
dney Harbour N.P.)
Reserve
Bradleys Head
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
Dobroyd Head
Fort
(SydneyDenison
Harbour N.P.)
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
Balmain
East
H
BALMORAL
34
34 Sydney Harbour NP
Q Station
M
AR IDD
B LE
O
U
R
BUNDEENA
North Head
Clark Island
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
(Sydney Harbour
31N.P.)SYDNEY
Middle Head
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
Cirqular
Quay
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
MOSMAN
ROYAL
COASTAL
WALK
Rose Bay
Darling
Harbour
RMONT
JA PO
C R
K T
SO
N
Clifton gardens
(King St Wharf)
Pyrmont
Bay
NSW
Darling
LILYVALE
NSW
Watsons
RUSHCUTTERS
Bay Wharf
BAY
Taronga Zoo
Harbour
(Aquarium)
Double
Bay
40
WATSONS
BAY
S
ydney Harbour
NP
Bradleys Head
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
13
37
KINGS CROSS
Shark Island
Cave Adventures
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
Goulburn, Wombeyan Caves Karst
Conservation Reserve, GoulburnTaralga-Oberon road to Jenolan
Caves Karst Conservation
Reserve,
Rose Bay
Katoomba,
Blue Mountains National
Double
Bay
Park, Wollemi National Park
ROSE BAY
(Deep Pass).
Rediscover your adventurous nature
as you go exploring these ancient
caves with Ben and
a friend.
WOOLLAHARA
WOMBEYAN CAVES
DOVER
3
20HEIGHTS
39 Wollemi NP
38
17 31
18 Jenolan KCR
5 Blue Mountains NP
25
50
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
0
25
50
36
21
19
100 Kilometres
SYDNEY
19
11
33 356
27
27 35
0
25
30
26
22
18 Find a5different
WOMBEYAN CAVES
side to 14
Sydney
24
22 of our 28 9
as Ben visits some
SYDNEY
PARRAMATTA
GOULBURN
best-loved parks.
34
10 3
20
This Journey is found on page 65
7 SYDNEY
23
38
15
1
GOULBURN
20 Kanangra-Boyd NP
11
16 Wollemi National Park
25
12 (Deep Pass)
Kamay-Botany
National Park,
2
Ku-ring-gai
Chase National
21 Park,
32
KATOOMBA JENOLAN CAVES4
Lane
Cove National Park.
JENOLAN CAVES
5
WOOLLAHARA
NEWCASTLE
SYDNEY
This Journey is found on page 63
1
Heritage and
Nature in Sydney
NEWCASTLE
18
NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE
29
DARLINGHURST
39
KATOOMBA
ROSE BAY
29
SYDNEY
AND SURROUNDS Journey 5
BATHURST
BATHURST
Clark Island
40
39
13
37
To Bundeena
OTFORD
31 Royal National Park
VAUCLUSE
SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
Journey 4
ST
Shark Island
(Sydney Harbour N.P.)
ROYAL
NATIONAL
PARK
South Head
E
EBE
VAUCLUSE
JOURNEY PART 2
Garden Island
100 Kilometres
25 Marramarra NP
21 Ku-ring-gai Chase NP
22 Lane Cove NP
19 Kamay Botany Bay
66
NSW
KEMPSEY
60
58
3
NEWCASTLE
Here you can relax or be as active
as you want; tag along with Ben
and be inspired.
30
42
SYDNEY
7
34
50
33
63
11 13
3 Barrington Tops NP/SCA40
38 Myall
NP
BYRON
52Lakes
QLD
59
30 Lake Macquarie SCA 42 Popran
2 NP
14
LISMORE
44
BALLINA
NORTH COAST Journey 3
5
NORTH COAST Journey
5
60
58
46
Byron Bay, Cape Byron State
48 Head
Conservation Area, Broken
17
Nature Reserve.
62
57
4
64
27
34
30 24
54
29 NORTH
36
43
49
33
10
BALLINA
51
16
20
63
18
GRAFTON
23
5
ARMIDALE Follow the footsteps of Ben and his
friends on the challenging,
39 Coastal Walk
yet striking Yuraygir
– have they got what it takes?
3
47
67
15
47
37 COFFS HARBOUR
66
1
26
KEMPSEY
58
60
25
31
QLD
TAREE
50
34
32
15 Coffs Coast RP
45
PORT MACQUARIE
63
40
59
6
40
43
Byron Bay, Nightcap National Park, 49
64
McLean, Grafton, Dorrigo, Dorrigo
27
57
NP, Dorrigo Plateau,4Platypus
Flat,
NEWCASTLE
Nymboi-Binderay National
24 Park.
56
12
38
North
Coast
SINGLETON
Adventure QLD
30
ARMIDALE
SYDNEY
NSW
41
23
48
65
on page 85
41 Nymboi-Binderay NP
KEMPSEY
1 23 Dorrigo NP
26
46
55
32 60
25
31
PORT MACQUARIE
22
17
TAREE
58
26
25
31
61
19
19
45
TAREE
6
38
43
SYDNEY
37 COFFS
39
66
15 Coffs Coast RP
60
15
5
COFFS HARBOUR
NSW
40 Nightcap NP
49
Ben introduces us to the rich
64
27
57
SINGLETON
4
NEWCASTLE
Aboriginal history and natural
24
56
treasures that this part of 30
NSW
54
29
36
offers.
21 42
found
9
15 47
23
ARMIDALE
KEMPSEY
35
Sydney, Bouddi National
Park,
Newcastle, Tomaree National Park,
SINGLETON
Crowdy Bay National
Park.
GRAFTON 67
41
GRAFTON
9
This Journey
is found on page 81
8
28
LISMORE
BALLINA
The magic of one of54
our most
29 World36
magnificent
Heritage Areas
– cycle, drive, walk and go rafting
with
65 brother.
42 and his
21 Ben
This Journey is
BYRON
BAY
38
49
NEWCASTLE
8
19 Crowdy Bay NP
38 Myall Lakes NP
49 Tomaree
NP
8
8 Bouddi NP
SYDNEY
12
25
31 MACQUARIE
PORT
33
LISMORE
44
32
26
7
46 Sea Acres NP
SYDNEY
1
66 Islands MP 37 Muttonbird Island
KEMPSEY47 Solitary
60
46
53
62
Beauty and History
18
in the North Coast
3
37 COFFS HARBOUR
67 Yuraygir NP
NSW
1
1 Arakoon NP
60 Willi Willi NP
NORTH COAST Journey 8
15
Yuraygir National Park: Angourie,
41
Lake Arragen, Sandon River, Illaroo,
SYDNEY
Boorkoom campground, Wooli,
Red Rock.
NSW
PORT MACQUARIE
58
COAST Journey 7
ARMIDALE
This Journey
is found on page 83
37 COFFS HARBO
60
66 Yarriabini
61 NP
BALLINA
GRAFTON 67
65 the Trail of the
On
8Coastal Emu
58
14
11 13
40
BYRON
52
59
2 Arakwal NP
14 Cape Byron
SCA
2 14 BAY
10 Broken Head
NR 53 Victoria Park NR
LISMORE
10
44
NEWCASTLE
56
21 42
9
53
7
BYRON
BAY
2
LISMORE
50
QLD
PORT MACQUARIE
6
38
SINGLETON
19
47
KEMPSEY
NORTH COAST Journey 6 55
22
61fails to
This iconic destination never
18 quickly finds
TAREE
deliver,
as
Ben
out. 45
3
55
5
66
35
26
25
31
The Natural Beauty
of Byron Bay
This Journey is found on page 79
23
This Journey is found on page 77
15 Coffs Coast RP
NSW
35
4 Blue Gum Hills 30 L
ake Macquarie
NP
SCA
15
NORTH COAST
Journey 4
ARMIDALE
37 Muttonbird Island NR 5 Bongil Bongil NP
LD
GRAFTON 67
62
KEMPSEY
BALL
28
SYDNEY
Ben finds out there is so much
more to the Mid-North Coast than
glorious beaches, the options are
sure to entice you.
37 COFFS HARBOUR
12 Bundjalung NP
53
12
NSW
15
This Journey is found on page 75
ARMIDALE
11 13
40
59 52 BY
2 14
LISMORE
10
9
Port Macquarie, Sea Acres National
Park, Gladstone, Arakoon National
Park, Port Macquarie.
GRAFTON
How lucky we are to have such
amazing wildlife at our doorstep –
check it out.
51
16
6 20
Mid-North
Coast Magic
12
Evans Head, Bundjalung National
Park, Coffs Harbour, Muttonbird
Island Nature Reserve, Repton
(Tuckers Rocks), Bongil Bongil
National Park.
45
63 55
41
10
53
Coffs Coast
and Beyond
This Journey is found on page 73
BAY
33
NEWCASTLE
24
30
Time for some active fun with
Ben and his brother, followed by
relaxing sailing on the beautiful
Central Coast of NSW.
51
16
20
This Journey is found on page 71
44
4
Newcastle, Blue Gum Hills Regional
Park (Tree Top Adventure Park),
Glenrock State Conservation Area,
Gosford, Brisbane Water National
Park (Broad Water, Green Point,
Paddys Channel).
38
SINGLETON
QLD
7
34
50
NORTH COAST Journey 2SINGLETON
Central Coast
and Newcastle
TAREE
TAREE
35
PORT MACQUARIE
22
Sydney to Myall
Lakes
Sydney, Popran National Park,
Glenworth Valley, Newcastle,
Myall Lakes National Park,
Barrington Tops National Park.
25
31
18
3
32
26
46
NORTH COAST Journey 1
1
1
PORT MACQU
Camping
in NSW
national parks
Setting out for the weekend, or the week, with
the family to find a secluded campsite can be a
fantastic way to experience the Australia bush –
billy tea, sausages cooked on the fire and early
morning swims straight out of the tent.
Camping in NSW national parks allows you to
explore some of the best of our natural wonders.
To ensure you have a great time there are a few
things to remember:
• Avoid the ants’ nests, swamps and slopes!
Camp in designated national parks
campgrounds where you’ll find more facilities
and helpful National Park information on the
area you’re in. It’s also a good idea to avoid
low or poorly drained areas in case it rains.
• Always be careful with open fires,
especially in high-value conservation areas
and make sure it is completely out before
you leave or go to bed.
• Find out where and when relevant fire
bans are in place.
• Don’t forget to check if firewood is available
before you arrive, otherwise you could be
eating Vegemite sandwiches all week!
• Consider using a fuel stove instead of
lighting your own, it’s easier to manage
and just in case you’re not Bear Grylls it’ll
ensure you can cook dinner and heat water.
• Check the fresh water situation before you
arrive and if there are no potable sources
make sure you bring enough for your trip.
• Don’t feed the animals – aside from it
being bad for their health and habits,
you might just lose a finger if you get too
close to that cute-looking monitor lizard!
• Use rubbish bins provided or, if you’re in a
remote area, take all rubbish away with you
so people can continue to enjoy the camping
opportunities in NSW national parks.
• Try to leave the environment as you found
it. Please don’t disturb animal habitats,
Aboriginal sites or native plants.
• And finally, don’t forget to zip up your tent
so you don’t have any unwelcome visitors!
• For more information on camping in
national parks, visit www.nationalparks.
nsw.gov.au/stay
13
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
Your national parks
at a glance
National Parks and Reserves Vehicle
in this Visitor Guide
FacilitiesEntry Fee
Camping
Fee LEVELS
Outback
Kinchega National Park
Mungo National Park
Mutawintji National Park
Paroo-Darling National Park
Sturt National Park
Yanga National Park
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$72
$72
2
$72
1
Country NSW
Hill End Historic Site
Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area
Mount Kaputar National Park
Murray Valley National Park
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Pilliga Nature Reserve
Warrumbungle National Park
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve (**)
Yanga National Park
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
2, 3
1
2
1, 2, 3
$7
1
Snowy MountainS
Kosciuszko National Park
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$27 winter season1
$16 outside winter season
South Coast
Ben Boyd National Park
Budderoo National Park
Jervis Bay National Park
Mimosa Rocks National Park
Montague Island Nature Reserve
Morton National Park
Murramarang National Park
South East Forest National Park
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$73
$11
3
$3 and $7
$7
1, 3
3, 4
1
Sydney and Surrounds
Blue Mountains National Park
Garigal National Park
Heathcote National Park (*)
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Lane Cove National Park
Royal National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$7
1, 3
$7
2
$7
$114
$7special
$11
2, 4
varying
14
National Parks and Reserves Vehicle
in this Visitor Guide
FacilitiesEntry Fee
Camping
Fee LEVELS
North Coast
Arakoon National Park
Barrington Tops National Park
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park
Bongil Bongil National Park
Bouddi National Park
Brisbane Water National Park
Bundjalung National Park
Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Crowdy Bay National Park
Dorrigo National Park
Glenrock State Conservation Area
Hat Head National Park
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Myall Lakes National Park
Nightcap National Park
Nymboi-Binderay National Park
Popran National Park
Tomaree National Park
Sea Acres National Park
Yuraygir National Park
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
$#!)+*2048pw5gh'eCAB:
special
1,2,3
$7
3, 4
$7
$7
$72,3
$72
$73
2
$71,3
Camping Fee Levels
Camping Fee Levels per NightAdult
Child
1
FreeFree
2
$5$3
3
$10$5
4
$14$7
Symbols
*Accommodation
eBoat ramp
'Canoeing
)Camping area
+Caravan site
5Cycling
BDiving/Snorkelling
pDogs on a leash allowed
CFishing
wHorse riding
4Kiosk
2Lookout
0Picnic area
#Public transport
ASwimming
8Walking tracks
!Wheelchair access
gCar touring
h4WD
$Information centre
:Adventure recreation
:World heritage
Please Note
( *) Most of Heathcote National Park lies within the Sydney region but it is included in a Journey under the South Coast region
(**) Most of Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve lies within the Country NSW region but it is included in a Journey under the Sydney
and Surrounds region
For more information on these and many other great national parks and reserves in NSW please visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks
15
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU
The Mangroves, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park