Free national park entry Australia Day 2009
National parks throughout NSW will be offering free entry on 26 January this year to help families and their friends have the perfect Australia Day.
Our state has a world class national park system, with stunning scenery, relaxing picnic areas and an amazing array of wildlife and cultural heritage found nowhere else in the world - what better way to celebrate Australia Day than to enjoy a break in our unique national parks?
Because Australia Day is about celebrating what makes Australia great, the NSW Government is making entry free to NSW national parks on the day, so why not take the opportunity to gather your family and friends and experience the real wonder of our natural environment in a national park near you?
What's on in your parks
As part of this unique opportunity, we are making some special offers available to park visitors on Australia day. These include :
- Discovery 'taster' activities at selected parks including indigenous games and bush tucker tasting with Aboriginal Discovery Rangers at Lane Cove National Park and Royal National Park
- guided bushwalks in selected parks including Lane Cove National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- guided heritage walks and water activities at Lane Cove National Park
- displays and sausage sizzles at selected parks
- 50% discount on mountain bike hire at Royal National Park and great discounts on group bookings for rowboats, canoes and other boats
- regular free shuttle buses operating throughout the day between Sutherland railway station and the popular picnic locations in Royal National Park
- the National Parks Caravan on Wheels in the car park at Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park - look for the Wanda sign and the giant goanna. There will be free activities for children throughout the day, such as learning about habitats, treasure hunts, walks, threatened species games and many more.
- free entry to the Laperouse Museum in Botany Bay National Park. The museum and visitor centre stands on the landing site of the the First Fleet in January 1788, followed just days later by the French explorer Comte de Laperouse. The museum has exhibitions on Australian history and La Perouse community heritage. While you’re there, find out about the range of guided Discovery tours of the park and Bare Island Fort.
- For a really unique Australia Day experience, watch the action on and above Sydney Harbour from the historic island of Fort Denison. See the Ferrython start at the island, then sit back and enjoy the Awesome Forces flyovers, tall ship race, dressed boat displays and much more! This is an exclusive event with limited numbers. Tickets cost $150 and include return transfer from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour and a gourmet barbeque lunch on Fort Denison. For more information visit Captain Cook Cruises or phone 02 9206 1111.
Parks around Sydney
Some Sydney parks usually run at capacity on Australia Day, but there are many other areas that provide excellent outdoor settings. So while Royal, Georges River, Botany Bay and Ku-ring-gai Chase national parks are likely to be crowded, there are many other great places to visit.
You could consider visiting:
- Thirlmere Lakes National Park - swim or canoe in one of the park's five freshwater lakes and enjoy a peaceful picnic under the trees of the surrounding forest.
- Cattai National Park - offers picturesque picnic opportunities by the Hawkesbury River and the historic Cattai Farm to explore. The nearby Mitchell Park offers an extensive network of walking tracks and picnic areas beside scenic Cattai Creek.
- Bents Basin State Conservation Area - a popular picnic spot and a great location for water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing.
- Blue Mountains National Park - spot some of the resident eastern grey kangaroos at the Euroka camping and picnic spot near Glenbrook.
- Rouse Hill Regional Park - this great family location provides opportunities for picnics and barbecues, and tracks for cycling and walking and adventure play equipment for the kids.
- Lane Cove National Park - take a boat out on the picturesque Lane Cove River, explore the bushland on a walk or bike ride, or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic or barbecue in one of the park's thirty-five picnic sites.
- Berowra Valley Regional Park - an area of natural bushland in a deep gorge, this park offers walking tracks, scenic lookouts and great opportunities for a relaxing day by Berowra Creek at Crosslands Reserve.
Parks around the state
Further afield, other great parks to visit on Australia Day include:
- Ben Boyd National Park - enjoy a family picnic a Haycock Point in this dramatic park on the far south coast.
- Bournda National Park - there are ample opportunities for family fun at this park, with its salt and freshwater lakes, a lagoon, a creek and beaches.
- Budderoo National Park - take the family for a rainforest experience at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, where you can walk through the rainforest along an elevated boardwalk and enjoy lunch beside the Upper Falls.
- Crowdy Bay National Park - explore the beautiful beaches north and south of Diamond Head at low tide or enjoy a fascinating headland walks.
- Hat Head National Park - enjoy the superb beaches and the stunning views from Hat Head and Smoky Cape.
- Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve - spend the day swimming, surfing, fishing or just relaxing at the beach in this beautiful coastal reserve.
- Morton National Park - view the spectacular Fitzroy Falls or take in the scenery from one of 15 lookouts before enjoying a picnic along the creek or lunch at the Falls Cafe.
Tips for a hassle-free visit
Here are a few good tips for a hassle-free park visit on Australia Day:
- Arrive early to get a good spot
- Car pool or take public transport to avoid parking issues
- Consider taking a walk along one of our well-maintained walking tracks to spend some quiet time in the bush
- Choose one of the less-crowded parks - see the suggestions above.
Exceptions
Of the more than 700 parks and reserves which have free entry on Australia Day, the only places that won't be free are those where existing contractual arrangements mean it isn't possible to waive fees. These are:
- The Sydney Harbour islands
- Montague Island
- Stockton Bight