'Record numbers': The 10 most popular national parks in NSW revealed
Australia is home to some of the best national parks in the world - with plenty of them in NSW just near Sydney.
In the last year, National Parks across NSW have recorded their highest ever visitation, with 65.5 million visits over the last year.
In response to this rise in popularity Labor Government has invested more than $352 million in national park visitor infrastructure, including new and upgraded trails, campgrounds, lookouts and other visitor facilities.
If you're keen to get out and enjoy nature, here are the top ten most visited NSW National Parks.
10. Glenrock State Conservation area
Just five kilometres south of Newcastle CBD, this park is a hit with locals - especially those who love biking.
Other than its extensive network of mountain bike trails, visitors also enjoy walking through the last surviving pocket of coastal rainforest in the region, or surfing at Burwood Beach.
9. Bouddi National Park
This Central Coast gem is just 90 minutes from Sydney, with a variety of hikes and beaches to enjoy.
Walk the Bouddi Coastal Walk (often cited as one of the best in the state), go whale watching from the cliffs, or camp right on the sand at Putty Beach.
Maitland Beach was named as one of the country's best secret beaches by Lonely Planet, as it can only be reached by a short but steep bushwalk.
8. Morton National Park
Found in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven region near Nowra, this is a seriously underrated national park.
Fitzroy Falls is a classic visiting point, or challenge yourself with the steep climb up Pigeon House Mountain for 360-degree views.
It's worth the trip, as it feels more remote and wild than the parks closer to Sydney.
7. Brisbane Water National Park
Near Gosford, on the Central Coast of NSW, there are tons of options for all fitness levels in this park.
If it's your first visit, head to Somersby Falls (especially if it's recently rained), and walk the Girrakool loop to see ancient Aboriginal engravings.
It's a great day-trip destination for families, with easy-to-access waterfalls, lookouts, and peaceful creeks.
6. Sydney Harbour National Park
This national park is spread out over various islands and foreshore pockets around Sydney Harbour.
On the south side, you can walk the Hermitage Foreshore Track between Rose Bay and Vaucluse, ending with lunch at Watson's Bay.
Or head to the north side, and walk from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral, swimming in private coves along the way.
A picnic on Shark Island also makes for a great day trip, too.
5. Kosciuszko National Park
This national park is found in the Snowy Mountains region in the state's southwest.
It's a classic winter destination, but it has great hiking options year-round if you're not into skiing or snowboarding.
The alpine wildflowers that come out in summer are amazing.
4. Lane Cove National Park
This massive park is found in Sydney's northern suburbs, stretching from East Ryde to Pennant Hills.
You can rent a rowboat or canoe from the Lane Cove Boatshed, cycle the park roads, or walk the Heritage track to see historic sites.
It's the ultimate city escape - close to everything but feels like you're in the middle of nowhere.
3. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Just north of Sydney, this park encompasses the city's headlands and the point where the Hawkesbury River meets the sea.
There are some great beaches dotted along the coast, most only accessible by boat or hiking trail.
Ku-ring-gai is a beautiful mix of coastline, rainforests, bush, and lookouts.
Whether you're boating, camping, hiking, or just picnicking, it's a calm and 'untouched' place - despite technically being in the Sydney metro area.
