New South Wales (NSW) is home to some of the most iconic and diverse spaces in Australia that are reserved for recreational activities such as camping, surfing, hiking and sport.
We manage the state’s parks and reserves, multiple caravan and camping sites, and surfing and dive sites and more with other government agencies and local committees.
Recreation spaces
Our parks and reserves protect unique landscapes around the state. These range from rocky bushland and the natural wonders of the World Heritage Greater Blue Mountains Area to vast recreational parklands on the foreshore and marine wonderlands such as Long Reef and Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserves off our coastline.
State parks
There are 18 state parks in NSW, most of which are located around coastal or inland water and surrounded by bushland.
State parks offer unique visitor experiences, a diverse range of recreation and family friendly facilities and activities, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Accommodation options range from basic to deluxe.
Bellinger Heads – North Coast
With a superb year-round climate; a laidback, humble and relaxed atmosphere; and marvellous beaches, the towns of Urunga and Mylestom are two of the region’s lesser-known jewels.
For more information, visit:
Belmont Wetlands – Hunter Region
Belmont Wetlands State Park comprises 7 coastal wetlands where you can enjoy horse riding, four-wheel driving, walking, swimming and bird watching. The park features the largest single open-water wetland in Lake Macquarie. There are many walking tracks for all levels of fitness. The wetlands are home to numerous bird species, with three bird hides in the southern area of the park, on the Airshaft Peninsula.
Burrinjuck Waters – South-west NSW
Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park is set on 75 acres on the shores of Lake Burrinjuck and the Murrumbidgee River. It is a great place to go freshwater fishing, water skiing, kayaking and other water adventures. There are some great walks, including the famous Hume and Hovell walking track. Don’t forget tennis and volleyball or frisbee golf and the native wildlife.
Coffs Coast – North Coast
The Coffs Coast State Park is surrounded by beautiful beaches, foreshores, estuaries and wetlands which are perfect for surfing, swimming, diving, fishing and boating. The surrounding area has much to offer, from world heritage rainforests to a marine national park.
Copeton Waters – North Coast
Copeton Holiday and Recreation Park offers a fantastic opportunity to use and enjoy Lake Copeton, an inland water catchment 3 times the capacity of Sydney Harbour. Set on 900 hectares of rural bushland on the western slopes of the New England Ranges, this park offers a unique day trip or holiday experience
Grabine Lakeside – Central West
Grabine Holiday and Recreation Park is located on the banks of Wyangala Dam in Central NSW, which is fed by the Lachlan and Abercrombie Rivers. The dam – 2.5 times the volume of Sydney Harbour – offers 42 km of waterways with boat ramps and access points.
Harrington Beach – North Coast
The Harrington Beach State Park is a 431-hectare site that stretches from Harrington to the picturesque fishing village of Crowdy Head. It features a caravan park, lighthouse and boat harbour. The foreshores of the coastal beaches and estuary provide an array of year-round recreation and tourism opportunities, while the protected tracts of rainforests and other significant native vegetation provide habitat for many species of native animals and plants.
Lake Burrendong – Central West
Lake Burrendong offers year-round attractions for fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, bushwalkers, campers and picnickers. Located only an hour between Dubbo and Orange, on the western shore of Burrendong Dam, the park is a fantastic base to stay awhile and explore the local area.
Lake Glenbawn – Central West
Set on the banks of Glenbawn Dam in a rural backdrop, the Lake Glenbawn Holiday and Recreation Park offers a wonderful diversity of bushland, wildlife and adventure.
Lake Keepit – Central West
Lake Keepit Holiday and Recreation Park is located about 40 minutes from Tamworth and around 25 minutes from Gunnedah. It is dog friendly, with a lot of space to walk and play with your dog. There is also a water park, skate park and BMX riding. Or you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounds. Lake Keepit is ideal for fishing, water sports and other activities.
Living Desert – Far West
Living Desert displays all the breathtaking beauty that the NSW outback has to offer. The 3-hour walk through the park’s winding paths takes you through the stunning sculpture symposium and the plant and animal sanctuary. The cultural walk trail allows visitors to learn about local Aboriginal heritage and the importance of preservation.
Manning Entrance – Mid North Coast
The Manning Entrance State Park is on the NSW Mid North Coast, has a caravan park and basic camping ground. Great for fishing and swimming, there is also a skate park and sports field. Enjoy walking around this area and see the native flora and fauna or visit the historic air strip.
Narrabeen Lagoon State Park – Northern Beaches
The creation of the Narrabeen Lagoon State Park reflects the significance of the lagoon and surrounding public lands to the people of NSW. Enjoy bushwalking and water sports in an area rich with wildlife or take the walking and cycling trail around the entire lagoon.
Wyangala Waters – Central West and Orana
Wyangala Waters Holiday and Recreation Park is located in NSW’s Central West and Orana region, only 30 minutes from Cowra. It is a tranquil place to unwind, set on the banks of scenic Wyangala Dam.
Crown reserves
Crown reserves are land set aside on behalf of the community for a wide range of public purposes including environmental and heritage protection, recreation and sport, open space, community halls, special events and government services.
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 & Hovell Track. If a long-distance walk is calling you, the entire 426km 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 Walking Track: This historic and challenging 45km, 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 long-distance trail stretches from Sydney to Newcastle and passes through 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.
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
Maps for the Hume & Hovell Walking Track, The Great North Walk, Six Foot Track and The Clarence Canoe & 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.
To find out about what’s happening on Crown land, visit Tracks and trails upgrades and development.
There are over 260 caravan parks, camping areas, and tourist accommodation sites located on some of the most beautiful Crown land.
To make it easier for you to find the perfect spot, you can explore a range of caravan and camping sites, including those on Crown land, through VisitNSW.com.
The ex-HMAS Adelaide dive site is located approximately 1.8 km off Avoca Beach, near Terrigal on the Central Coast. It is an ideal place for experienced divers.
Before diving on the site, you will need to apply for an entry permit and book a mooring.
To find out more and make a booking, please visit: Ex-HMAS Adelaide dive site
Surfing reserves are areas protected for use by the general public and surfing community. These sites have an environmental, cultural or historical significance in Australian surf culture. This recognition also helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting our precious coastal environment.
We've partnered with the National Surfing Reserves (NSR) Organisation to make sure the sites are protected for generations to come.
There are 24 protected sites along Australia's 37,000 km of coastline. Some of the most popular sites in NSW include:
- Angourie National Surfing Reserve, on the north coast near Yamba, was the first legally protected National Surfing Reserve in NSW. Angourie is legendary among the surfing community for its breaks and natural beauty.
- Crescent Head National Surfing Reserve stretches across 3.5 km of spectacular coastline north of Port Macquarie. Crescent Head became a well-worn trail for surfers following World War II and is known as a breeding ground for longboard surfing in Australia.
- Lennox National Surfing Reserve is just north of Ballina on the north coast and includes the world-famous Lennox Point. The breaks at Lennox have been surfed by thousands of people since the late 1950s, when surfing gained popularity throughout NSW.
- Cronulla Beaches National Surfing Reserve is one of southern Sydney’s premier surf spots. It’s home to a number of former world champion surfers, as well as other influential figures in Australian surfing.
- Merewether Beaches National Surfing Reserve is one of Newcastle's iconic surfing beaches. The 2 km of spectacular coastline stretch from Dixon Park in the north to Burwood Beach in the south.
- Killalea National Surfing Reserve covers The Farm and Mystics beaches within the Killalea State Park, near Shellharbour on the south coast. The state park is 250 hectares and includes some of the best surfing beaches on this coast.
- North Narrabeen National Surfing Reserve is a popular surfing beach on Sydney's northern coastline. The 1-km shoreline includes part of the Narrabeen Lagoon, which plays a role in the natural process of the unique breaks.
For more than 180 years, lighthouses have served an important purpose in providing safe maritime navigation along the NSW coastline, warning ships of headlands, bars and reefs.
During the 19th century, trade via shipping was an essential part of establishing early European settlers in Australia. Shipwrecks became a frequent event in some dangerous coastal locations. To address this, colonial authorities began to build lighthouses along the coastline. Many of these lighthouses remain functional and continue to provide safe navigation to ships, despite significant advancements in technology.
Because of their historical significance, location and architectural values, the lighthouses are also tourist attractions. Our role is to maintain the lighthouse lands and buildings. NSW Roads and Maritime Services maintain the lights to ensure the safety of our boating community.
We manage 14 lighthouses across the state:
- Burrewarra Point Lighthouse
- Warden Head Lighthouse
- Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse
- Kiama Lighthouse
- Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse
- Wollongong Head Lighthouse
- Norah Head Lighthouse
- Nobbys Head Lighthouse
- Crowdy Head Lighthouse
- Tacking Point Lighthouse
- Clarence River Lighthouse
- Evans Head Beacon
- Richmond River Lighthouse
- Fingal Head Lighthouse
For more information on lighthouses in NSW, visit Roads and Maritime Services.
Across the state, water is held in many hundreds of dams for a variety of purposes including major irrigation, agriculture, domestic supply and public recreation. Storages can also provide a valuable resource during flood times by holding back water, delaying and reducing flood peaks downstream.
We are responsible for a number of small dams across NSW. These include Bethungra, Bargo and De Burgh in the south of the state, West Gosford on the Central Coast, Burraga, Gallymont and Junction Reefs in the central west and Moore Creek and Sheba dams in the north west.