New South Wales is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill seekers. With an abundance of NSW national parks, there’s no shortage of activities to do, sights to see, and memories to make. From stunning coastal views and hikes to cascading waterfalls in lush rainforests – there’s much more to see across NSW.
Must-See NSW National Parks
No matter which direction you head, you’ll be sure to find amazing national parks in New South Wales. Let’s take a look at some of the parks we’ve rounded up.
Bouddi National Park
Strap on your shoelaces because Bouddi National Park is perfect for the avid hiker thanks to the 8km walking track. Located on the Central Coast, the tracks of this pristine national park boast coastal views that stretch for kilometres. For those packing sleeping bags and tents, Bouddi National Park has camping grounds you can stay overnight and enjoy the majestic milky way bursting across the night sky. About an hour north of Sydney, you can easily rent your vehicle of choice from our Sydney Airport location and be on your way to adventure!
Blue Mountains
Possibly one of the best-known national parks in New South Wales, the Blue Mountains are formed in a rugged and dense landscape. It features a trio of sisters (known collectively as The Three Sisters) that receive visitors all year round. There’s the medieval-inspired Ruined Castle hike, the Katoomba Falls, and the Grand Cayon walk. Besides sightseeing and hiking trails, adventurers can abseil, explore majestic caves and stay overnight in nearby cosy hotels and motels. To reach the Blue Mountains, start your journey with East Coast Car Rentals at our Sydney Airport car hire location so you can travel with ease and comfort.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Are you in the middle of a sweltering Australian summer? Cool off in the tranquil waters of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The turquoise ocean will have you believing you’ve teleported to an island on the Mediterranean. For this adventure, all you need is a bathing suit and a vehicle of transport as you can find Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park 25 kilometres north of Sydney. Following a swim in Resolute Beach, head to West Head lookout for postcard views of Pittwater and Barrenjoey Head. With one camping spot in this national park, you can best believe it gets busy, so be sure to book your spot in advance if you’re hoping to stay overnight in these national parks in New South Wales.
Mungo National Park
If you’re looking for a surreal, otherworldly adventure, Mungo National Park should be at the top of your list. As a UNESCO World-Heritage-listed site, there’s much more this park can boast despite the absence of the quintessential Australian eucalyptus trees. Here, rock formations and dune formations take precedence over mountain and bay views. From the naturally formed trails of The Walls of China to Mungo Lake (the location for ground-breaking archaeological findings), there’s much and more to explore in this national park.
Morton National Park
Interested in a bushwalk? Head down to Morton National Park, a decent drive down south past Wollongong, where hiking trails are aplenty. Morton National Park’s landscape is dense and brimming with eucalyptus trees and views of hidden valleys and deep gorges. Cascading down the park is Fitzroy Falls, one of the most exciting sights in southern NSW, the perfect place to throw down a picnic blanket and dine outdoors with this unique sight. For more water adventures, paddle through the rivers spilling across the park.
Jervis Bay National Park
If you’re looking for a one-day car rental, the perfect place to drive off to is Jervis Bay National Park. Hyams Beach is on par with the Whitsundays thanks to its pristinely white sands, clear blue waters and whale watching events. Jervis Bay National Park is rich in Aboriginal history and only three hours away from Sydney, making this day’s adventure worthwhile!