Dharug National Park

Park New South Wales park protecting Cumberland Plain woodlands

West of Sydney, Dharug National Park protects sandstone escarpments, narrow gorges and sections of the Old Great North Road; visitors hike, explore Aboriginal sites and picnic among eucalyptus forests.

Main image
Wikivoyage banner

Dharug National Park is a protected area in New South Wales that conserves bushland, sandstone escarpments and riverine corridors on the outskirts of the Sydney metropolitan region. The park is named for the Dharug people, the Indigenous custodians of the area.

The park provides bushwalking tracks, picnic facilities and a range of short trails that pass sandstone features, creek lines and remnant native vegetation. It is visited for day walks, birdwatching and to view Aboriginal cultural sites.

The lands have long-standing cultural significance for the Dharug people and contain archaeological and cultural places. More recently the area has been designated and managed as a national park to protect natural and cultural values.

Dharug National Park lies to the northwest of central Sydney, within the greater Sydney region, and is accessed from regional roads linking outer suburbs to the park’s entrances.

  • Cultural heritage: Contains significant Aboriginal cultural sites and is named for the Dharug people, the traditional custodians of much of the area.
  • Recreation and access: Offers multiple short bushwalking routes, picnic areas and lookouts that are accessible from Sydney's peri-urban fringe.

How to Get to Dharug National Park #

Dharug National Park is roughly 60-90 minutes’ drive west of central Sydney, depending on traffic. The park is accessed from multiple entrances off the Great Western Highway and local arterial roads; check the NSW National Parks website for current access points and trail conditions.

Tips for Visiting Dharug National Park #

  • Explore early-season to enjoy quieter trails and better chances to spot native fauna like wallabies and birds.
  • Some tracks are culturally sensitive - stay on designated trails and respect signage regarding Aboriginal sites.
  • Access by car from Sydney is convenient for day trips; plan for possible gate closures and check the park website for alerts.

Best Time to Visit Dharug National Park #

Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for visiting Dharug National Park.

Spring
September-November · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Wildflowers and mild weather make for pleasant walking.
Autumn
March-May · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Cooler days and fewer flies; ideal for longer hikes.

Weather & Climate near Dharug National Park #

Climate

Dharug National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1053 mm/year), wettest in March.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

128 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Dharug National Park