New South Wales’ natural beauty is drawing record crowds, with 65.5 million visits to national parks recorded in the last financial year – the highest in history – highlighting the growing appeal of nature-based tourism across the state.
Managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the network of nearly 900 parks and reserves continues to play a vital role not only in recreation but also in driving economic growth and supporting communities.
A Major Boost to the Economy and Jobs
National parks are contributing an estimated $19.5 billion annually to the NSW economy while supporting around 62,000 jobs, particularly across regional areas. With 37 million visits occurring outside Greater Sydney, local businesses and tourism operators are seeing significant benefits from increased visitor activity.
The growing popularity of these destinations has reinforced their role as both environmental and economic assets, offering accessible outdoor experiences for families while sustaining livelihoods across the state.
Investment to Meet Growing Demand
In response to the surge in visitors, the NSW Government has invested more than $352 million into upgrading park infrastructure. This includes improvements to walking trails, campgrounds, lookouts and visitor facilities, ensuring that parks can accommodate increasing demand while maintaining quality experiences.
Most Visited National Parks in NSW
Among the top-performing destinations, Blue Mountains National Park leads with 7.8 million visits, followed by Royal National Park with 4.9 million and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park attracting 4.3 million visitors.
Other popular locations include Kosciuszko National Park, Sydney Harbour National Park and Lane Cove National Park, each drawing millions of visitors annually and showcasing the diversity of landscapes across the state.
A Favourite for Families and Visitors
National parks remain one of the most affordable ways for families to spend time together, with 12.5 million visits made by children. The introduction of international visitor data also highlights their global appeal, with 72 per cent of overseas tourists to NSW visiting at least one park, generating 4.6 million visits.
Regions such as Greater Sydney recorded 28 million visits, while the South Coast saw 7.5 million, both setting new records and reinforcing the widespread popularity of outdoor experiences.
High Satisfaction and Growing Appeal
Visitor satisfaction remains strong, with nearly nine in ten people reporting positive experiences, reflecting the quality of facilities and the connection these spaces provide to nature and wellbeing.
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe described national parks as one of the state’s most valued public assets, while Tourism Minister Steve Kamper emphasised their importance in attracting global visitors and supporting regional economies.
A Strong Future for Nature Tourism
With visitation surpassing the previous record of 60 million set in 2018, NSW’s national parks are entering a new phase of growth. As more people seek outdoor experiences, the focus remains on balancing accessibility with sustainability.
From iconic landscapes to hidden regional gems, these parks continue to offer meaningful experiences – strengthening communities, supporting jobs and connecting people with the natural environment like never before.
