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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Dharug National Park #
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.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).