New South Wales is a land of natural beauty. Among its most prized treasures are its national parks, each offering a wealth of experiences for campervan travellers.
The Blue Mountains National Park, located just a few hours from Sydney, is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush eucalyptus forests, and cascading waterfalls. Catering for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, the park offers numerous hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities. One of the park's highlights is the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, which holds great significance for the local Indigenous people. And for a thrilling experience, hop aboard the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world.
The Royal National Park, located south of Sydney, is a paradise for those seeking the tranquillity of nature. The sandy beaches and rainforest gullies are perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure. The Coast Track offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the opportunity to spot whales during migration season. And the famous Wedding Cake Rock, a striking white sandstone formation, is definitely worth a snap!
Kosciuszko National Park is a true masterpiece of nature. Located in the Snowy Mountains, this park is home to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. In the winter, the park is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, while in the summer, it offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and camping. No matter the season, the park is a testament to the breathtaking beauty of the Australian landscape.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) requires an entry permit for 45 of its 893 national parks and reserves. The prettiest, most popular parks tend to fall within that list; be prepared to pay at some point.
Thankfully, entry permits range from a reasonable $8 to $12 per vehicle—the precise price depends on the park. Some parks have self-registration boxes that require exact change, while others use on-site ticket machines that accept card payments.
Currently, 11 NSW national parks let you purchase digital day passes online. NPWS plans to roll the system out to all its remaining reserves soon.
If you plan on visiting multiple fee-collecting national parks, it might be worth getting an annual Multi Parks Pass. Costing $65, the pass allows unlimited entry into all NSW national parks except Kosciuszko. NPWS has implemented a digital annual park pass system—you no longer need to wait for a sticker to arrive in the mail.
Booderee National Park, once known as Jervis Bay National Park, is managed by Parks Australia, with entry fees starting from $4 per adult or $13 per vehicle. Entry passes can be purchased online or at the entrance to the park.
Australian seniors and concession card holders are entitled to discounts on all park passes in NSW.
In addition to entry permits, travellers need to pay camping fees should they wish to overnight inside a national park. Prices range from $6 to $45, depending on the campsite and the number of occupants.
The best spots book out well in advance, especially during peak periods like school holidays. Reserve online ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
There’s nowhere better to go chasing waterfalls in NSW than this. Thundering cascades aside, the scenic inland drive passes quaint riverfront towns and jaw-dropping national parks. Venture into New England for moody tall tree forests or Dorrigo for waterfalls and dripping rainforest trails.
Nestled amid dramatic tree-studded mountains, this sweeping river-cut valley unfurls in a lush carpet of green. Hiking, cycling, and paddling let you admire the splendid setting while its laidback townsite oozes with rural charm.
Savour a slice of country life in this tranquil food-producing zone. But don’t come expecting the outback—this fertile, high-altitude region comes blanketed in emerald green. World-class paddock-to-plate restaurants, technicoloured flower farms, and quaint rural towns abound.
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