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Welcome to Explore - the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS)
tourism & partnerships newsletter.
Explore showcases NPWS's sustainable tourism activities, profiles successful tourism products and partnerships, communicates happenings and events, tourism and visitor trends and general visitor news.
As a recipient of Explore, you join stakeholders in the NSW tourism, conservation, hospitality, property, transport, visitation and recreation industries, the NSW Government as well as staff of the Department of Environment and Climate Change - as NPWS is part of the larger Department.
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In this issue we celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Mutawintji handback, find out what corporate volunteers have been up to in Sydney Harbour and get the latest on a new cultural tourism training program. We also hear from our new Environment Minister, see what's cooking for our harbour islands, and find out which national park site has been recognised with a UNESCO Heritage Award.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Explore in late January 2009. |
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the right environment for tourism
The NSW national park system represents one of our most important assets to be protected, conserved and shared, and it’s exciting to be involved once more with the State’s Environment portfolio.
This month I had the opportunity to open the Qantas Sustainable Tourism seminar in Sydney. I was enthusiastic to support this initiative as it highlights and shares the significant work being done by the tourism industry towards sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. Importantly, the seminar recognised that reducing carbon emissions, saving water and encouraging best practice operations through appropriate accreditation schemes are all part of the sustainability equation.
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The NPWS is also working to achieve sustainability in its operations through initiatives such as converting local and regional offices to solar power, installing rainwater tanks in visitor precincts and reducing the size of its vehicle fleet.
Given the serious challenge we face from climate change, it is critical that we make every effort to support and encourage industries, including the tourism industry, to become more sustainable. I congratulate Qantas for its leadership on this issue.
It is not just the responsibility of our industries to take action. Individuals can make a real difference. We also know that those who experience nature will be more likely to value conservation and take action. For this reason, the Government is firmly committed to continuing its efforts to make our parks more accessible to more people.
Protecting and conserving the unique natural and cultural values of our parks remains our priority. And by exploring and developing ways to encourage more people to experience our nature and cultural heritage we will, as my predecessor the Hon. Verity Firth MP said, ensure that our national parks remain relevant to the community and continue to build a constituency of support for conservation.
Many of our favourite parks were originally reserved for their value to the community as a place for social gatherings and recreation. Parts of Sydney Harbour National Park like Nielsen Park and Shark and Rodd Islands are examples of such places. I was therefore very pleased to visit Shark Island earlier this month to announce on behalf of the Premier plans for Sydney Harbour’s islands to be showcased during a major new festival called Crave Sydney in October next year.
The exciting new Island Hopping program will be part of a collaboration with the Sydney Morning Herald’s Sydney International Food Festival, Sculpture by the Sea, and the City of Sydney’s Art and About to create a series of new public events and art installations on our harbour islands.
It’s a great opportunity to highlight the natural beauty and important historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage on our islands, in a fun and festive atmosphere. I hope you will join with me next year to enjoy and support the best of Sydney’s cultural festivals on arguably the world’s best harbour.
Carmel Tebbutt, MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment
Minister for Commerce
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festivals to converge on harbour islands
Fort Denison and Shark, Clark, Rodd and Goat Islands will be showcased through an exciting Island Hopping program that will form part of the new Crave Sydney festival in October next year.
The event will be a collaboration with the Sydney Morning Herald's Sydney International Food Festival, Sculpture by the Sea, and the City of Sydney's Art and About.
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"Island Hopping will transform Sydney's iconic but largely unexplored Sydney Harbour islands," said Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, who made the announcement to a gathering on Shark Island on 11 October.
"This [event] will bring together our art and food culture in an iconic Sydney location, creating fun and meaningful experiences for visitors to share each weekend."
Ms Tebbutt said Island Hopping would also help to reveal the unique history of each island and encourage visitors to return.
The event forms part of the Government's new approach to the way we use our National Parks, to give people a greater opportunity to experience their natural beauty.
"Making our biggest natural assets more accessible to the community and showcasing their beauty will be a key focus for the Government," said Ms Tebbutt.
"Everyone should be able to enjoy the Sydney Harbour islands, which include some of Australia's most significant historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage," she said.
With over two million visitors a year, Sydney Harbour National Park is reinvigorating public sites such as Fort Denison and Nielsen Park to ensure their conservation and provide better experiences and facilities for visitors.
Stay tuned for NPWS’s Island Hopping taster event in early 2009. |
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landmark handback a cause for celebration
A decade after the landmark handback of Mutawintji lands to their Traditional Owners, celebrations were again underway at Mutawintji National Park in September to mark the tenth anniversary of this historic occasion.
On 4 September 1998, after a long campaign by local Aboriginal communities for involvement in the protection and management of cultural places and access rights to Country for hunting and gathering, Mutawintji lands comprising the National Park, Nature Reserve and Historic Site were handed back to the Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council.
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The lands were subsequently leased back to the Government and are now jointly managed by NPWS and the local Aboriginal Community under the Mutawintji National Park Board of Management.
The Mutawintji handback and joint management was the first of its kind in NSW and set a precedent for reconciliation and cooperation.
The Board of Management has since been working to strengthen relationships with community groups, develop a Plan of Management and a Governance Empowerment Kit, as well as plans for upgrades to visitor and staff facilities.
Over 350 visitors got into the swing of the anniversary celebrations at Mutawintji National Park on 6 September this year, experiencing a traditional Welcome to Country, bush tucker tastings, lantern making, cultural tours of the historic and significant sites, live performances and a 'yarn tent', where Traditional Owners shared knowledge of Barkandji language and culture.
For thousands of years Mutawintji, located in the State's far west, was one of the most important Aboriginal spiritual meeting places in Australia. Today, Aboriginal people from around the region still gather here for cultural purposes and to hold meetings.
Mutawintji Historic Site, within the national park, contains one of the best collections of Aboriginal rock art in NSW. Visitors can access the site on seasonal guided tours with the Traditional Owners.
For more info on Mutawintji National Park, Nature Reserve and Historic Site, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au |
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corporate volunteers revive middle head
Groups of volunteers from Sydney's 'big end of town' have been trading open plan for open space through a corporate volunteering partnership between NPWS and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.
Volunteers from some of Sydney's biggest organisations, including Westpac, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Brambles, Google, ANZ, Goldman Sachs JBWere, Quiksilver and American Express have been hard at work at Middle Head in Sydney Harbour National Park uncovering important military heritage and removing invasive weeds such as lantana, privet, onion weed, asparagus fern, boneseed, whiskey grass and African olive, with the latter being taken to Taronga Zoo to feed the chimpanzees and giraffes.
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Through the experience, volunteers learn about the work of NPWS and the Foundation while engaging in teambuilding, bushland regeneration and cultural heritage preservation. Teams are duly rewarded for their efforts with lunch and a tour of the Inner and Outer Forts at Middle Head.
The organisations' financial contributions to the Foundation are reinvested on-site to undertake bush regeneration and conservation works, including protection for threatened species. The positive results of these programs are already visible.
The Foundation has been a philanthropic partner of NPWS for over 35 years. For more info, visit www.fnpw.org.au
For info on becoming involved with corporate volunteering in our national parks, contact Judy Lewis at the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife on 02 9221 1949 or email: jlewis@fnpw.org.au
For info on other national park volunteering opportunities, phone 02 9585 6155 or email: simon.stroud@environment.nsw.gov.au
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historic track a pass with distinction
The National Pass in the Blue Mountains, one of Australia's oldest and most spectacular walking tracks, has been recognised with a UNESCO Award of Distinction for its outstanding restoration.
The Award was announced in Bangkok on 1 September at the 2008 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation, which recognise the efforts of organisations and private individuals that have successfully restored and conserved structures and buildings of heritage value.
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Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, the 2.5km National Pass - which runs between Wentworth Falls and the Valley of the Waters in the Blue Mountains - includes more than 600 stepping stones and 1,261 steps, some of which have been cut into the bedrock to form the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia.
The restoration of the track and the enhancement of the natural landscape through which it passes took five years to complete and required specialist restoration teams and craftsmen.
Large blocks of sandstone, some weighing up to 700kg were air lifted by helicopter to the area, before being carved by stone masons and hand winched to their final destination.
"It is hard to imagine how the original creators of this track managed to build such an amazing feat from scratch with the limited tools and technology available at the time," said Blue Mountains Regional Manager, Geoff Luscombe.
"Even with all the tools and technology available today, the work was still painstakingly slow and labour intensive."
Thousands of visitors walk the National Pass each year, taking in the natural beauty of the World Heritage Blue Mountains landscape. The maintenance and conservation of the Pass will ensure that its significant heritage values remain intact, while visitor safety and enjoyment is enhanced.
For more info on the National Pass and Blue Mountains National Park, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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did you know?
It's no secret that Sydney Harbour is the place to be on New Year's Eve. Nor is it a secret that some of the best vantage points for viewing the spectacular fireworks displays are in Sydney Harbour National Park, such as Bradleys Head and Nielsen Park.
But did you know that the premier seats in the house - the harbour islands - are also open to the public on New Year's Eve? |
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Tickets go on sale 1 December for NYE on Shark Island, Clark Island and Goat Island. Gather your friends, family or colleagues, pack a picnic and bring in 2009 in unique style on Sydney Harbour!
Tickets for the islands are limited, so don't miss out. For more info, phone 02 9247 5033. Fort Denison, in the centre of Sydney Harbour, is also offering a NYE package to remember with tickets including complimentary valet parking & free shuttle bus to the wharf, water transport to and from the island, canapés and a four course celebration dinner, a range of beverages, live entertainment and the world's best view of the world's best fireworks. Tickets are on sale now from TE Catering, phone 02 9361 5208 or email: enquiries@tecatering.com.au
For more info on the islands of Sydney Harbour National Park, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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smooth operators
The tour operators in our national parks play a significant role in helping people to access, learn about and enjoy our natural environment.
This issue, we profile a multi-award winning operator bringing the ecology and unique nature of Jervis Bay Marine Park to the attention of south coast visitors. |
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Dolphin Watch Cruises - Jervis Bay
Home to a plethora of wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Little Penguins, Fur Seals and Humpback Whales, Jervis Bay provides some of the best marine wildlife watching along the east coast of Australia.
Who: Dolphin Watch Cruises is Jervis Bay's original cruising company, conducting dolphin and whale watching cruises in the Bay for over 18 years.
Operated by Matt and Lisa Cross, the Dual Advanced Ecotourism Accredited business has won numerous awards, including 17 South Coast Tourism Awards and six NSW Tourism Awards, including Best Tour Operator in the South Coast Region for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
Product: Dolphin Watch Cruises offer clients a "non commercial" nature-based opportunity to see whales, dolphins and other wildlife at play in calm, unspoilt and protected waters.
Cruises take place on board "The Spirit of Jervis Bay", a 17 metre triple-deck catamaran specifically designed for dolphin and whale watching. More than just wildlife watching, each cruise provides a chance for Dolphin Watch staff to educate the community on how to behave in the presence of wildlife and how to care for their marine environment.
To further promote eco-tourism values, the Dolphin Watch will stop mid-cruise to collect plastics polluting the waters of the marine park. Dolphin Watch also offers any client who does not see a whale or dolphin a complimentary return cruise. Participants: Matt and Lisa and their team of 12 guides are specialists on the topic of Jervis Bay marine life and geography and maintain strong partnerships with NPWS and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community.
Guest commentators include members of the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA).
November is a great time to visit Jervis Bay and experience a Dolphin Watch Cruise. During November, Humpback mothers and their calves come inside Jervis Bay waters to nurse, rest and play. This "sheltered water whale watching" does not happen anywhere else in NSW and is not to be missed!
For more info on Dolphin Watch Cruises + tours, visit www.dolphinwatch.com.au
For more info on Jervis Bay Marine Park, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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cultural tourism training opens new doors
Twenty representatives from the Githabul community in northern NSW have been participating in a collaborative training program developed by NPWS and TAFE NSW.
The pilot education program combines the NSW Environmental Trust-funded Aboriginal Tour Guide Training Manual 2007 with integrated accredited TAFE subjects from Certificates I, II and III in Tourism.
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It aims to empower local Aboriginal communities through the building of capacity and opportunities to develop and deliver Aboriginal cultural experiences on NPWS estate and co-managed parks.
The Githabul participants successfully completed Certificates I and II in Tourism earlier this year.
Course facilitators Jody Orcher, NPWS Aboriginal Education Officer, and Pam Touma, Aboriginal Coordinator, TAFE NSW Brookvale Campus, are enthusiastic about the opportunity.
"The Githabul people were great to work with and they welcomed us to their Country. They have a lot to offer and with future training and mentoring this is a community who will succeed," said Ms Touma.
"All people on the course had a great time and learnt a lot," said Githabul representative Jennifer Williams.
"We are really looking forward to developing a Githabul Discovery program and one day a Githabul tourism business in the area," she said.
The group is currently undertaking the Certificate III in Tourism.
Githabul people are the native title holders for ten parks around Kyogle in the Northern Rivers region.
For more info, phone Jody H. Orcher, NPWS Aboriginal Education Officer, on 02 9585 6883 or email: Jody.Orcher@environment.nsw.gov.au |
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green cauldron officially on the boil
New South Wales' Green Cauldron, taking in the stunning coast and World Heritage rainforests in the north of the State, was officially announced as part of the National Landscapes program on 6 October.
Federal Minister for Tourism the Hon. Martin Ferguson MP, and Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts the Hon. Peter Garrett MP made the announcement in the village of Uki, at the foot of Mt Warning, the peak that stands sentinel over the Green Cauldron landscape. |
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The Green Cauldron, which stretches from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast and west to the Great Dividing Range, was included in the program because of the area's unique and distinctive natural and cultural experiences, including an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, subtropical rainforests and the world's second largest shield volcano erosion crater.
The National Landscapes program is a collaboration between Tourism Australia, Parks Australia and the States and Territories to promote the best of Australia's unique, iconic environments to 'Experience Seekers' from around the world.
"Attaining National Landscapes status means this special region will benefit from increased exposure in Tourism Australia's significant global marketing initiatives," said Minister Ferguson.
Minister Garrett said, "The iconic locations included in the National Landscapes program provide Australia and the world with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our stunning scenery, diversity and rich heritage.
"Many people from all over the world visit Australia specifically to experience our stunning network of national parks which will play a vital role in the future health of our tourism.
"The National Landscapes program demonstrates how properly managing and taking care of our environmental and cultural assets can bring enormous long-term economic benefit to these regions and the broader economy."
Of the eight National Landscapes so far included in the program, four are in New South Wales and take in our spectacular national parks.
In addition to the Green Cauldron, NSW's National Landscapes include the Australian Alps, Australia's Coastal Wilderness and the Greater Blue Mountains.
For more info on the National Landscapes program, visit www.tourism.australia.com |
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natural venues for inspiring events
The impressive landscapes and diverse terrain of Sydney's national parks set the scene recently for two significant nature-based events, the Great Australian Bushwalk and the Oxfam Trailwalker.
Sydneysiders braved torrential rains on Sunday 14 September to participate in the NSW showcase event of the 2008 Great Australian Bushwalk, a free annual community event that gives people a chance to try bushwalking with Australia's leading bushwalking groups.
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Organised by the National Parks Association of NSW, this year's signature event saw walkers set out on a 2.5 hour ramble through Sydney Harbour National Park, hugging the harbour foreshore and
taking in the stunning natural scenery between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral.
Sydney Harbour National Park also featured on the itinerary of another bushwalk just two weeks earlier, when more than 1500 participants in the Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney passed through part of the park on the final leg of their journey, completing an epic 100km in less than 48 hours.
500 teams of four took to the bush on 29 August to compete in the challenge, arguably one of the world's toughest team travel events.
The event offered participants stunning scenery and spectacular views as they traversed the beautiful trails, lush forest paths and rugged bush tracks of Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal national parks before finishing up in Mosman.
Starting in 1981 as a military exercise for the elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong, Oxfam Trailwalker is now an international event, taking place annually in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan and the United Kingdom. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Sydney event.
This year's Trailwalker participants raised more than $2.5 million that will assist Oxfam to continue their valuable work in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
NPWS was pleased to support the NPA and Oxfam in the delivery of these exciting events in our national parks.
For more info on the Great Australian Bushwalk, visit www.greataustralianbushwalk.org.au
For more info on the Oxfam Trailwalker, visit www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker
Our national parks will be serving up inspiring and challenging topographies for more upcoming events, including:
XPD - A high country trekking, mountain biking and kayaking expedition in Kosciuszko National Park - November 2008. Visit www.xpd.com.au
Kathmandu Adventure Series - Sprint adventure races with mountain biking, trail running/trekking and kayaking in Blue Mountains National Park in January 2009 and Royal National Park in June 2009. Visit www.maxadventure.com.au
The Alps Epic - An iconic mountain bike stage race including cross-country, endurance and time-trial racing stages over five days in the Snowy Mountains in March 2009. Visit www.alpsepic.com.au
WildEndurance - A 100km trekking challenge through the Blue Mountains over 48 hours in May 2009, raising funds for The Wilderness Society. Visit www.wildendurance.com.au
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looking for a special getaway?
Yarrangobilly Caves House
Experience the comfortable isolation of picturesque Yarrangobilly Valley in your own carefully restored self-contained wing of the award-winning Caves House.
Enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone era - parts of Caves House date back to 1901 and the building is comfortably furnished in a style that reflects the period. |
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Each wing offers self-contained heritage accommodation, including a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, family/lounge room, verandah and outdoor barbeque area. The east wing can accommodate up to nine people while the west wing can accommodate up to seven people.
A great attraction of Caves House is the range of activities in the surrounding area, including guided and self-guided tours of the stunning Yarrangobilly Caves, a natural thermal bathing pool, great picnic facilities and a number of short walks.
Yarrangobilly Caves House is located at the northern end of Kosciuszko National Park, 6.5 km off the Snowy Mountains Highway, 77km from Tumut and 109km from Cooma. For more info + bookings, phone 02 6947 7025. |
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beacons draw attention to bush safety
Bushwalkers in the Blue Mountains are being reminded to plan ahead through a new bush safety initiative launched on 3 October.
Think Before You TREK is a joint venture between NPWS, the NSW Police and Benbro Electronics that aims to provide bushwalkers in the Blue Mountains with a free loaned Personal Locator Beacon for their trip.
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"Every year around 130 bushwalkers get lost and/or require rescuing in the Blue Mountains. Most walkers are found within 24 hours, but occasionally a weekend adventure can turn to tragedy," said Minister Carmel Tebbutt, who launched the initiative with Mt Everest climber and survivor Lincoln Hall.
"Between 2004 and 2007, 200 search and rescue operations had to be mounted. These searches can be long and dangerous and of course harrowing for loved ones waiting for word of a hiker's welfare," she said.
The Blue Mountains National Park covers over a quarter of a million hectares of land and has Australia's largest network of walking tracks, covering over 250 kilometres. Much of the park is remote and difficult to access, except via foot, making it extremely attractive to bushwalkers from all over the world.
Ms Tebbutt said the Blue Mountains had experienced two tragic bushwalking deaths in the past three years and it was these deaths that prompted Benbro Director John Bennett to contact the NSW Police Force and offer to donate 20 Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) on the condition they be loaned to registered bushwalkers for free.
"This is about saving lives and making bushwalking a safer pastime for professionals and amateurs in Australia's busiest National Park," said Ms Tebbutt.
Think before you TREK promotes the benefits of planning ahead for bushwalking trips by using an easy-to-remember acronym:
T - Take adequate supplies of food, water, navigation and first aid equipment.
R - Register your planned route and tell friends and family when you expect to return.
E - Emergency beacons (PLBs) are available free of charge from the NSW Police Force and NPWS.
K - Keep to your planned route and follow the map and walking trails.
The PLBs are available for loan from the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre at Blackheath, and after hours at the Katoomba or Springwood Police Stations.
For more info on the initiative, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/crime_prevention/programs/trek
For more info on Blue Mountains National Park, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au |
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parks in the press
Island paradises, unique nature stays and an indulgent dining experience are some of the NSW national parks experiences profiled recently in the media.
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- The Weekend Australian Magazine, 13-14 September
"Sydney Platinum - Garrison to Gourmet" - The Fort Denison Cheese and Wine Experience makes the cut as one of Sydney's top 20 unique experiences. Visit www.sydney.com/platinum
- ABC South East NSW, 29 September
"Overnight in Paradise" - Bill Brown travels with NPWS Discovery Ranger Mark Westwood to Montague Island off Narooma on the far south coast. View the short film at www.abc.net/local/videos/2008/09/29/2376892.htm?site=southeastnsw
- Sydney Weekender, Channel 7, 4 October
Outdoor adventure and peaceful homestead escapes are highlights of a trip to the nature and surrounds of Barrington Tops National Park; while a trip to Lord Howe Island explores the exquisite nature and island life of this World Heritage-listed area and marine park. Visit www.visitnsw.com/October_2008_p3258.aspx
- Daily Telegraph, 16 October
"Light up your life" - NPWS's Cape Byron, Smoky Cape, Sugarloaf
Point and Greencape lighthouse accommodations feature as getaways with a difference.
- Sydney Morning Herald, Good Weekend, 18 October
"52 Weekends Away" - Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages in Myall Lakes National Park and Q Station at Sydney's North Head are profiled in this special edition on the best short breaks in Australia and NZ.
- Sun Herald, 19 October
Weekender "Blessed if you do, blessed if you don't" - It's a tough choice between action and relaxation at EcoPoint Murramarang Resort in Murramarang National Park on the south coast.
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congratulations to...
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Cottages in Myall Lakes National Park have been shortlisted as a finalist in the Australian Property Institute NSW Excellence in Property Awards. The nomination recognises NPWS's commitment to protecting and conserving the historical character and integrity of the lighthouse precinct, while providing for a unique holiday experience. The awards will be presented in late October. For more info, visit www.srla.com.au
Smoky Cape Lighthouse B&B and Cottages in Hat Head National Park won the Unique Accommodation category of the 2008 CountryLink Mid North Coast Tourism Awards in August. The business was also a finalist in the Heritage and Cultural Tourism category. Congratulations to lessees Wendy & Pat Halverson. Smoky Cape is now a finalist in the state awards. For more info, visit www.smokycapelighthouse.com
Multi-award winning Montague Island Tours has received further accolades for its unique ecotourism experiences at Montague Island Nature Reserve, on the State's far south coast, by taking out the Award for Ecotourism at the 2008 South Coast Awards for Tourism Excellence. MIT is now a finalist in the state awards. Visit www.montagueisland.com.au
Good luck to all our parks and operators selected as finalists in the 2008 NSW Tourism Awards. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 20 November - stay tuned! For more info, visit http://corporate.tourism.nsw.gov.au/NSW_Tourism_Awards_p605.aspx
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the last word
The State's first ever Master Events Calendar was launched on 16 October. The calendar, developed by Events NSW, is a framework of events held in NSW, built around five annually recurring 'anchor' events. These include Vivacity, the Autumn Racing Carnival, Vivid Sydney, Crave Sydney - of which the new Island Hopping program will be a part - and the Australian Open Golf Championships. The calendar is set to maximise NSW's tourism opportunities to increase the number of interstate and international visitors to the State. Events will cover the whole of Sydney and NSW; a specific regional events plan is under development. For more info, visit www.eventsnsw.com.au |
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| about national parks & wildlife service |
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about national parks & wildlife service |
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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sits within the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC).
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With some 1,500 staff across NSW, NPWS's core business is to conserve, protect and manage more than 780 parks and reserves - including parks in four National Landscapes, four World Heritage Areas and 10 National Heritage List places; and six marine parks, including Lord Howe Island. |
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NPWS's "patch" ranges from Eden in the south, to Tweed Heads/Byron Bay in the north and from Lord Howe Island in the east to Tibooburra in the far west.
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NPWS protects 6.6 million hectares or 8.3 per cent of the state's land mass.
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NSW parks currently attract more than 22 million visits per annum.
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NPWS administers more than 2,000 leases, licences, easements and contracts with the private sector and local government bodies. |
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Under the NSW Government's State Plan, launched by NSW Premier Iemma in November 2006, NPWS has a mandate to increase visitation to NSW national parks, reserves and marine parks by 20% by 2016. |
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Banner image of Mt Warning © Tourism NSW
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Disclaimer | The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only and is, as far as the Department of Environment and Climate Change is aware, correct at the time of publishing. The Department accepts no
responsibility for any loss or damage incurred as a result of reliance on any information contained in this publication.
Privacy Policy |
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For further information please contact Dina Bullivant on
T | 02 9585 6878 or E | npwstourism.newsletter@environment.nsw.gov.au
The electronic version of Explore is also available online at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/explore
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