National parks and protected areas

Learn about the NSW national parks system, how parks are managed, fire management in parks and licences for commercial activities in parks and reserves.

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A brush tailed rock wallaby eating carrots

Recovering from the 2019-20 fires

The 2019-20 bushfire season is the most widespread and extreme that NSW has ever experienced. Our most recent estimates indicate that more than 5.3 million hectares (6.7%) of New South Wales has been impacted by the bushfires. This includes extensive damage in our national parks, with more than 2.7 million hectares of national park estate affected.

NSW national parks and nature reserves

NSW has over 870 national parks and nature reserves. From outback walking tracks and coastal lookouts to picturesque campgrounds and beaches, you’ll never run out of things to do in NSW national parks.

Before visiting a national park, please check the latest advice about closures and safety alerts.

Types of protected areas

Parks, reserves and protected areas within the national parks system cover a diverse range of environments that we manage for conservation.

Park management

Find plans of management, pest management strategies, and other information about how we manage parks.

Park policies

Our park management policies cover many issues and situations. These policies are designed to protect native plants, animals and ecosystems while meeting the needs of visitors.

Establishing new parks

Learn how we acquire land to establish new parks and how you can offer or propose land for new parks.

Fire management in national parks

Learn how fires start, what affect fire has on plants and animals and the ways we manage the impact of fire in national parks and reserves.

Commercial activities in parks

You require a licence to operate commercial tours or to undertake commercial filming and photography in NSW national parks.

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