Recreational use

Crown land offers a variety of recreational opportunities for everyone. Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, surfing, off-road driving, diving, fossicking, or fishing, there are plenty of options to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

Crown land recreational sites are overseen either by direct management or in collaboration with Crown land managers for community use.

Revenue from activities like camping fees and leases is reinvested to improve trails, amenities, and conservation efforts. Some income also supports broader recreational infrastructure across Crown lands.

Our parks and reserves protect unique landscapes across the state, offering diverse natural wonders and recreational opportunities. From the rocky bushland of the World Heritage Greater Blue Mountains area to coastal and marine parklands, these spaces are preserved for their ecological significance and beauty. They provide a sanctuary for wildlife and a place for visitors to connect with nature through hiking, bird watching, and enjoying serene landscapes.

NSW boasts 18 state parks, mostly around coastal or inland waters, and bushland, offering unique experiences and facilities ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.

Crown land features numerous camping sites, ranging from basic to deluxe accommodations. Enjoy a night under the stars in one of our well-maintained campgrounds. We work closely with Crown land managers, including various local councils, committees and Reflections Holiday Parks, to manage these sites and ensure they are well-maintained and accessible for all visitors.

Explore a range of caravan and camping sites, including those on Crown land, through visitnsw.com.

Hiking and bushwalking

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the wide range of tracks and trails managed by NSW Crown Land. From easy walks to challenging hikes, there's something for every level of adventurer. Some to consider:

Hume and Hovell Track

Find your feet as you cross forests, alpine streams, geological wonders and rolling farmlands along the Hume and Hovell Track. If a long-distance walk is calling you, the entire 426 km trail takes from 18 to 26 days to complete. Walk it all in one go, plan a day trip or complete the track section by section, as life allows. Learn more about the Hume and Hovell Track.

Six Foot Track

This historic and challenging 45 km, 3-day hike winds through Kanangra-Boyd National Park from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. The track includes well-maintained service tracks and explores Nellie’s Glen, Megalong Valley, Cox’s River, and Black Range. There are well-established and popular campsites along the way. Learn more about the Six Foot Track and the nearby Jenolan Caves.

Great North Walk

This 260 km, long-distance trail stretches from Sydney to Newcastle and passes through spectacular landscapes from urban to national parks, state forests and Crown land. Learn more about the Great North Walk.

Bridle Track Reserves

The Bridle Track 4WD trail from Bathurst to Hill End follows the course of the Macquarie and Turon Rivers where there are 13 very popular Crown camping reserves. Learn more about the Bridle Track.

Bidjigal Reserve

This reserve has forests, creeks, and walking tracks, providing a peaceful place to hike. Learn more about the Bidjigal Reserve.

Abrahams Bosom

Tracks like Coomies Walk and Wreck Walk lead to remote beaches, scenic lookouts, and the 1928 shipwreck of the S.S. Merimbula, making it an ideal adventure for families and children. Learn more about the Abrahams Bosom Tracks.

Maps for the Hume and Hovell Walking Track, The Great North Walk, Six Foot Track and The Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail can be purchased from our DPHI Shopify Store. If severe weather is expected or there are bushfires in the area, trails will be closed to walkers.

For those who love adventure, Crown land offers designated areas for 4WD and off-road driving. Make sure to follow the rules and stay on marked trails to protect the environment.

Damage prevention

Avoid damaging roads, tracks, trails, drainage structures, infrastructure, or the natural environment. Do not create new trails or "bush bash" with any vehicle. Don’t stray off formed roads to "find mud" and avoid driving in wet weather conditions to prevent unnecessary damage to the track and environment.

Environmental impact

Off-road vehicular activities can contribute to soil erosion, increased beach erosion, and deterioration of state fire trails. They can lead to the destruction of natural vegetation and habitat, encourage the spread of invasive and non-native species, and the cause the destruction of cultural heritage items. Additionally, they can increase illegal activities on public land, such as illegal dumping, because of newly created tracks.

Responsible practices

For guidance, the Department encourages users to familiarise themselves with the 4WD NSW & ACT Inc Code of Conduct, endorsed and supported by multiple NSW Government agencies. Make sure your motor vehicle is registered, obey all signposted notices and directions from authorised officers, stay on formed vehicle tracks only and avoid driving in wet weather conditions to prevent unnecessary damage to the track and environment. Report any suspicious activity and unacceptable behaviour.

Understanding where you can 4WD or take your bike off-road matters – it’s the responsible thing to do! From outback off-roading to 4WD beach driving, regional NSW has an abundance of approved terrain and trails to explore. Go to visitnsw.com to find them.

Visiting Crown land wetlands in NSW offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and enjoy activities such as bird watching, walking, cycling, and simply appreciating the natural beauty and biodiversity of these areas.

Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands

Located in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area near Leeton, these wetlands are of international importance and are Ramsar listed. They offer bird watching, walking, and cycling among the wetland and woodland ecosystems. You can spot a variety of waterbirds such as egrets, ibises, pelicans, and herons.

Campbell's Wetland

Situated in Griffith, this beautiful wetland is home to numerous bird species and other wildlife.

Nericon Wetland

Also located in Griffith, this wetland is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It supports a diverse range of bird species and other wildlife.

Narrabri Lake: Transformed from swamp land into a recreational playground, this lake in NSW’s Northwest is perfect for swimmers, canoeists, picnickers, and windsurfers. It also features a 3 km walking and cycling trail. The lake is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Urunga Wetlands

This remarkable community space on the north coast of NSW has undergone extensive remediation and parkland work, transforming it from a once barren and toxic wasteland into a flourishing wetland habitat. The site features a 150 m boardwalk that allows visitors to walk over the wetland and a 450 m walking track surrounding the park. It offers opportunities for bird watching, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The wetlands are now home to 123 different bird species, including Magpie Geese, Australasian Darters, and Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.

Crown land and waterways provide excellent fishing, canoeing, and boating in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Most water-adjacent Crown reserves are managed by local councils, with fishing regulated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Fisheries NSW, and boating by Transport for NSW (Maritime). Remember to follow safety and regulatory guidelines. For more on managing coastal Crown land, see the Coastal Crown land guidelines.

Ocean pools are a significant feature of New South Wales, with around 100 along the coast from Yamba to Bermagui. These pools offer a safe and enjoyable way to experience the ocean.

Crown land in NSW also features a beautiful 880,000 hectare coastline with many beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Many beaches are patrolled by lifesaving clubs, ensuring visitor safety with trained personnel and rescue equipment.

NSW is home to some of the best surfing spots in Australia, our surfing reserves are perfect for catching waves and enjoying the ocean:

• Crescent Head
• Lennox Head
• Angourie
• Merewether
• Manly-Freshwater
• Norah Head
• North Narrabeen
• Maroubra
• Cronulla
• Bondi
• Cabarita (Bogangar).

Fossicking is a popular activity on Crown land, allowing enthusiasts to search for minerals, gemstones, and fossils. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of the land while potentially discovering hidden treasures. Remember to follow all guidelines and obtain any necessary permits before fossicking.

Showgrounds on Crown land in NSW host a variety of activities and events, ranging from small gatherings to major events attracting thousands of visitors. Mostly managed by Crown land managers, these facilities often include grandstands, arenas, racetracks, pavilions, parking areas, amenities blocks, and sheds. Showgrounds also can provide a convenient accommodation option for budget travellers, offering amenities that vary by location.

Crown land across NSW hosts a variety of events and markets, from farmers' markets to music festivals, that bring people together and highlight local culture. These occasions allow locals and visitors to connect, support businesses, and enjoy what Crown land has to offer. Find out more about applying for a short-term licence to hold events and markets on Crown land.