You can also plan your bushwalking adventure and learn more about the area before the trip using the Google Street View Trekker for many of our NSW walking tracks. If you have any questions about a walk contact the local park office.
Walking in national parks provides a great opportunity for solitude and self-reliant exploration. It’s a great opportunity to re-set the brain and re-energise. Science is showing that nature-based activity is both physically and mentally rewarding.
Best of all, there’s something for each level of ability. There are plenty of short, relaxing walks, and multi-day treks or hikes along our coast and rainforests. Walking tracks are maintained at different grades, so there’s a track for you regardless of your level of experience.
The government recognises the need for community participation to identify ways to improve tracks, track safety and the overall visitor experience. I encourage the community to report any track issues and to provide ideas for improvement to the NPWS.
We also ask all walkers to ensure that native plant, animal communities and heritage sites are disturbed as little as possible. Parks and reserves offer protection to endangered wildlife, while conservation and research programs target particular Australian native plants, animals and ecosystems under threat. Many programs, especially those for pests and weeds, involve community volunteers and contribute enormously to the restoration of native habitats.
In our national parks kids can get among nature and join the WilderQuest gang on an adventure of discovery of their very own. More and more research links childhood experience of nature with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits. Events run during school holidays, including exploring underwater life, becoming a bug detective and learning how to find bush tucker in the forest. These tours are engaging, exciting, educational, and above all, fun for kids.
With school holidays coming up and the arrival of autumn’s weather, it’s the perfect time for families to pack a picnic and set out on a relaxing walk. The NPWS and its visitors have shortlisted some of the best nature walks in NSW including a selection of short and easy walks for families.
To plan your nature walk or to see the complete list of best walks, visit Best Nature Walks. Don’t forget to share your experiences on Facebook or get the latest information by subscribing at the Naturescapes e-newsletter.