Dharug National Park Park

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/dharug-national-park

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.

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.

• 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.