For visitors, the awards highlight the exceptional quality and diversity of the experiences on offer right here in NSW's national parks. Planning your next getaway or looking for a great new nature experience? Look no further...

• Montague Island Tours - No ordinary nature tour, this multi-award winning eco-tourism experience offers half-day and overnight adventures to magnificent Montague Island off Narooma on the far south coast. The tours offer a unique exploration of this breathtaking nature reserve, its historic lighthouse complex and amazing wild inhabitants - including scores of Australian and New Zealand fur seals and NSW's largest Little Penguin colony.
  
  NSW National Parks and Conservation Volunteers Australia have teamed up to offer Overnight Conservation Tours through CVA's Naturewise program, giving visitors a chance to take part in important wildlife conservation and research activities on the island, with accommodation in the heritage-listed lighthouse keepers' cottages.
  
  Montague Island Conservation Tours was awarded Australia's best Ecotourism experience for the second year running at the Australian Tourism Awards. For more info, visit the Montague Island Tours website.
  
  
• Lane Cove River Tourist Park - A perfect escape for the climate-conscious visitor, Lane Cove River Tourist Park offers a unique and environmentally sustainable nature experience just 10 kilometres from the heart of the Sydney CBD.
  
  The park, located in Lane Cove National Park in Sydney's northern suburbs, offers 28 fully serviced eco-cabins and more than 300 caravan, campervan and tent sites, as well as a range of nature-based activities and experiences such as native wildlife walks and opportunities for visitors to join in bush regeneration and conservation activities.
  
  The park generates its own solar power, uses recycled materials for building and maintenance, practices on-site water harvesting and recycling and employs a range of measures to reduce the park's carbon footprint, such as the use of electric vehicles. Visitors can also offset their stay through a carbon credit scheme.
  
  Lane Cove River Tourist Park was awarded Australia's best Tourist and Caravan Park. For more info, visit the Lane Cove River Tourist Park website.
  
  
• Greater Blue Mountains Drive - The national parks of the Blue Mountains are the star attraction along the award-winning Greater Blue Mountains Drive, a comprehensive touring route that links the vast and spectacular World Heritage landscape to the important tourism regions that surround it.
  
  Covering 1200 km of major connecting roads, the Drive links Sydney with its World Heritage backyard and beyond to the diverse landscapes and experiences of inland New South Wales. It includes a series of 18 unique Discovery Trails branching off the main route that provide opportunities to explore the majestic landscapes of the Greater Blue Mountains - including the Blue Mountains National Park, and the activities in and around them, such as popular walking trails and local attractions.
  
  The Greater Blue Mountains Drive, a joint initiative of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Blue Mountains Tourism Limited, local Councils and regional tourism organisations, was this year named Australia's best New Tourism Development.
  
  For more info, visit the Greater Blue Mountains Drive website.

The creation of the Centre has been a community effort, with many local people sharing their stories to inspire the displays. And the building itself is a stunning example of sustainable design and technology, employing solar power, rainwater storage, recycled materials and special design features to maximise energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.

The Pilliga has long attracted bird lovers for its abundance of woodland birds and a bird route through the forest offers visitors the chance to spot some of the 230 plus recorded bird species, including barking owls and turquoise parrots.

The Sandstone Caves of the Pilliga are a special place for the Gamilaroi Aboriginal people, and are best experienced on an Aboriginal Discovery guided tour.

Next time you're planning a trip to the area, don't miss the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre - it's a great starting point for an exploration of the region, and an excellent doorway to this vast, ancient and unique landscape.

Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre is located in the town of Baradine, between Coonabarabran and Narrabri. The Centre is open everyday and entry is free.

For more info, call the Discovery Centre on 02 6843 4000.

How did you become a Chase Alive volunteer?

There was I, up at 33,000 feet in an Ansett flight from Sydney to Brisbane when I saw in the inflight magazine a small ad seeking people to volunteer their time to work with National Parks. They were especially seeking folks who would staff the Kalkari Visitor Centre on weekdays.

I had not so long completed an Associate Diploma in Recreation and was working part time with the Senior Adult Unit in health promotion to keep the mature adults in our community fit and healthy, so the chance to enhance people's enjoyment of our splendid bushland was appealing.

When was that?

That was the year 1990 and in 2009 I am still rostered on to be at the front desk at Kalkari in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park!

Tell us about a day in your life as a Chase Alive volunteer.

Each day at Kalkari is unpredictable. There is the surprise of locals bringing in 'wildlife specimens' to be identified; backpackers from overseas, all shiny faced with perspiration after a climb up the hill, seeking information; and English visitors who seem to have come straight from the airport because they just have to see a kangaroo!

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

It's always a pleasure to work with like-minded people, and our shared love of the Australian bush is the basis of the bond of the Chase Alive volunteers.

As we meet and greet all who come through the front door - the smiling grandparents with their young charges, the noisy school children on excursions, the excited tourists - we are conscious of the fact that we are the public face of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

More than 450 Chase Alive volunteers have helped to deliver the National Parks Discovery Walks Talks and Tours Program in parks in Sydney's north over the past 20 years, as well as staffing Ku-ring-gai's Kalkari Discovery Centre 364 days a year and participating in important conservation projects such as threatened species monitoring and bush regeneration.

As a fitting tribute to the invaluable contribution of the Chase Alive volunteers, its 20th birthday will be officially celebrated during this year's National Volunteer Week between 11-17 May. For info on what's happening, call Kalkari on 02 9472 8949.

To find out how you can get involved as a volunteer in a national park or reserve near you, visit our website or call your local NPWS office.

All tours afford cyclists spectacular views, scenery and experiences, including waterfalls, lookouts, valleys, rivers and an abundance of wildlife. Selected tours also offer the opportunity to take day trip options, including canoeing, horse riding and food tasting.

And don't think that a cycle tour means you will be roughing it - Back Pedal Cycle Tours are fully supported - you'll be able to enjoy your morning coffee and you'll also be treated to some great meals along the way. In case the cycling does get too much for you or your crew, there is always a seat in the support bus.

Back Pedal Cycle Tours prides itself on sharing a supportive, friendly and informal atmosphere, allowing you to really relax and enjoy the riding, camping and the spectacular scenery - it's your holiday after all!

For more information visit the Back Pedal Cycle Tours website.

An exciting new feature on the NSW National Parks Discovery Walks, Talks and Tours program for 2009 is Starry, Starry Night, a fantastic evening tour that explores the essentials of astronomy, Aboriginal astronomy and even nocturnal Australian wildlife through storytelling and star-gazing with expert guides.

National Parks provide the perfect dark night skies for star-gazing, so it is only natural they play a starring role in this universal celebration of astronomy and its contributions to both ancient and modern society and culture.

Starry, Starry Night Discovery Tours will be held throughout the year, with plenty happening during school holidays. Keep an eye out for special events and activities, including Moon Madness during the Winter School Holidays and the Great International Star Count during the October School Holidays.

To find star tours and other Discovery walks, talks and tours in a park near you, visit our website or phone 1300 361 967.

WIN a Family Discovery pass for 2 adults and 2 children, worth up to $50! To enter the draw, send us an email with your full name, address and phone number. Entries close on 6 May 2009. Terms and conditions apply.

Get set for an amazing experience! Tours include return helicopter flights to the island with Precision Helicopters - including some stunning views of the Coffs Coast on the way - followed by a fully guided 1 hour tour of the island with a NSW National Parks Discovery ranger.

Visitors will explore the rugged beauty of the island and its lighthouse keepers' quarters which, at almost 130 years old, are the oldest buildings in the Coffs Harbour area. They'll also get a chance to observe the island's majestic sea bird lodgers, such as crested terns, silver gulls and sea eagles.

Located 8 kilometres offshore, the iconic South Solitary Island lighthouse has provided navigation for vessels since 1880.

Tours will take place between 4 - 12 July. Places are limited and bookings are essential. To find out more, phone the Coffs Coast Visitor Information Centre on 1300 369 070 or visit the Precision Helicopters website.

WIN two tickets to South Solitary Island, including return flights and a 1 hour guided tour, valued at up to $500! To enter the draw, send us an email with your full name, address and phone number. Entries close on 6 May 2009. Terms and conditions apply.

Sydney Harbour National Park

The short walk - Hermitage Foreshore Track
1.5 kilometres, easy
Enjoy views up Sydney Harbour, past Shark Island to the Harbour Bridge on this leisurely walk through a strip of protected bushland that winds along the western edge of Vaucluse. Starting in Nielsen Park and finishing at Bayview Hill Road, the walk offers opportunities to swim or stop for a coffee, fish along the shoreline or extend your wanderings around the many shady paths of Nielsen Park.

The long walk - Manly Scenic Walkway
9.5 kilometres, medium difficulty
Going past areas of bushland and exclusive waterfront houses, this north side walk from the Spit Bridge to Manly (or vice versa) is the best way to get a complete 'harbour experience'! It hugs the harbour shoreline, taking in beaches, Aboriginal sites, community parks, forests, scrublands, pockets of subtropical rainforest and sweeping views of the harbour! Click here to download the PDF brochure for the walk.

For info on the full range of walks around Sydney Harbour National Park and in parks around the state, visit our website.

• New campground opens in Oxley's gorge country
  A new camping area deep within the gorge country of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park near Armidale is offering visitors the chance to experience real bush camping...with a few added creature comforts.
  
  The Halls Peak camping area, located on the Chandler River, has been used for bush camping for a while but recent upgrades have put in place better facilities for visitors, including thirteen camp sites with pit fires, toilets and two day-use areas with picnic tables and wood-fired BBQs.
  
  The area caters for self-reliant visitors looking to experience the seclusion of remote camping in an idyllic and peaceful setting with opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing or just relaxing.
  
  Major works have enhanced the access road to the campground, but the road is still steep and challenging and is suitable only for high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles with low range, and experienced drivers.
  
  Bookings are essential - for more info on Halls Peak or to book your site, contact the NPWS Armidale office on 02 6738 9100 or visit our website. Vehicle entrance and camping fees apply.
  
  
• NSW Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Supershow
  Don't miss this 9 day 'great outdoors' extravaganza at Rosehill Racecourse from 18-26 April. Be sure to visit the NPWS stand and pick up your free copy of the 2009 Guide to NSW National Parks - it's packed full of info on where to go, what to see, and of course, the best spots to pitch a tent!
  
  
• Planning your next camping or caravan adventure?
  You'll find all sorts of camping opportunities in NSW's national parks. Some offer all the creature comforts, while others are set in remote bushland clearings without any facilities. Click here to search for your next great camping or caravan adventure.
  

• Marvel at nature's underground limestone gallery on a tour of spectacular Wombeyan Caves in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve.
  
  
• Trek the rocky heights of the Warrumbungles' Breadknife and Grand High Tops walk for rewarding panoramic views in Warrumbungle National Park.
  
  
• Admire canyons and stone arches along the Bungoona Walk as you climb to the summit and spy Queensland from Australia's largest granite rock in Bald Rock National Park.
  
  
• Join a Ngiyampaa Aboriginal Discovery Ranger for a tour of the extraordinary rock art galleries of Mount Grenfell Historic Site and learn about their significance to today's Traditional Owners.
  
  
• Gain new perspective on the sweeping sandstone cliffs and dramatic canyons of Blue Mountains National Park on a guided rock climbing or abseiling adventure.
  

In an effort to encourage workers to 'unlock' some this accumulated leave and use it to holiday in Australia, the federal government has launched No Leave, No Life, a program aiming to equip employers and employees with the means to take on the work/life battle, such as information on managing leave and inspirational ideas for Aussie holidays and experiences.

NSW's national parks offer countless opportunities to escape, unwind and recharge - whether it's for a few hours, a few days or longer. Enjoying a park picnic or a camping trip are great ways to reconnect with yourself and with family and friends without breaking the bank. There are also excellent off-peak and mid-week deals to be had in our unique park accommodations, which range from beach cabins to outback homesteads to lighthouse cottages.

ENJOY 10% off the price of your mid-week stay at the spectacular Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages or beachfront Mildenhall Cottage in NSW's iconic Byron Bay State Conservation Area. Present your current NSW National Park Annual Pass number and receive a further 10% off! Offer available Mondays to Fridays between April and June 2009. Contact Byron Bay Professionals on 02 6685 6552 for more info. Terms and conditions apply.

There's lots more coming up around the state this Autumn - here's a snapshot. For updates on events, activities and tours in parks near you, visit our website or contact your local park office.

4-19 April	2009 National Trust Heritage Festival NPWS parks and sites around the state are hosting tours and activities as part of this year's National Trust Heritage Festival, an annual event that celebrates our environmental, cultural and built heritage. From astronomy nights to historical tours, there's plenty happening in our parks.
10-26 April	Discovery Walks Talks and Tours - Easter School Holiday Program Take the family on a NSW National Parks Discovery tour this Easter. A huge range of fun and affordable activities - including Starry, Starry Night tours - are on offer around the state over the school holiday period. Read this issue's Discovery story and find out how you can go in the draw to win tickets!
18 April	Quarantine Station Community Open Day - Sydney Harbour National Park Explore the fascinating history of North Head’s Q Station through a range of fun and interactive tours and activities for kids and adults at this great Heritage Festival community event. Many activities on Community Day are free, with an optional gold coin donation that, along with a portion of the funds raised on the day, will go to Bear Cottage, NSW’s first children’s hospice. Find out more.
18-26 April	NSW Caravan Camping 4WD & Holiday Supershow - Rosehill Racecourse Don't miss this mega-show for the camping, caravan and outdoor enthusiast! Visit the NSW National Parks stand for info on great national park camping and holiday opportunities and pick up your free 2009 Guide. Find out more.
2-3 May	WildEndurance - Blue Mountains Looking for a personal challenge with even greater reward? WildEndurance is a 48 hour, 100km team trek through the spectacular Blue Mountains World Heritage Area that raises much needed funds for The Wilderness Society. Why not gather together a group of friends or colleagues and take on this exciting event - find out more.
4-12 July	South Solitary Island Tours - Coffs Coast A rare opportunity to visit the beautiful South Solitary Island off the Coffs Coast. This unique experience includes return helicopter flights and a guided tour of the island. Read the full story and find out how you can go in the draw to win tickets!
13-24 July	Discovery Walks Talks and Tours - Winter School Holiday Program Discovery walks, talks and tours run year-round in our national parks but school holidays are particularly exciting, with plenty of fun and affordable activities for the kids on offer in parks around the state - including Starry, Starry Night tours. Keep an eye on our website for updates on what's coming up in a park near you.

Big thanks to Winnie from Earlwood, who sent through her Visitor's Choice! In last issue's survey, you said you'd like to share photos as well as tips and experiences so next issue, we'll be launching Postcards from the park - an opportunity for you to share your favourite photo that you've taken in a NSW national park and tell us about the experience that goes with it!

Share with us your favourite photo that you’ve taken in a NSW national park and you could win a one-year NSW National Parks All Parks Pass, valued at $190! To enter, email us a jpeg of your photo, along with a 75 word description and your full name, address and phone number. Terms and conditions apply.