Nattai National Park
Park Wilderness park with deep gorges and hiking trails
West of Sydney, Nattai National Park protects sandstone gorges, river valleys and bushwalks; it’s frequented by hikers, canyoners and campers.
Nattai National Park is a protected area of rugged sandstone plateaus and deep river gorges in New South Wales, known for wild river scenery and relatively remote bushland west of the Sydney basin.
The park’s standout feature is Nattai Gorge, a deeply incised sandstone valley carved by the Nattai River, and the area offers multi-day bushwalking, canyon scenery and backcountry camping opportunities. Trails and access points are less developed than in periurban parks, so visits often focus on walking, nature observation and landscape photography.
The park was established to protect the river systems, gorges and native bushland characteristic of the region and forms part of the network of protected lands that conserve the sandstone country southwest of Sydney.
Nattai National Park lies roughly 100 kilometres southwest of central Sydney in New South Wales, spanning rugged terrain within the Wollondilly and Southern Highlands area.
- Visitor preparedness: The park is largely rugged and remote with limited facilities, so most visits are for day hikes, river access and backcountry camping with minimal services.
What to See #
- Nattai Gorge: Nattai Gorge cuts through the park's sandstone plateau and is the park's principal river gorge, with steep sandstone cliffs and a rocky riverbed.
How to Get to Nattai National Park #
Nattai National Park is reached from the Southern Highlands towns of Picton, Mittagong and surrounding areas. Access depends on which park section is intended; consult the NSW National Parks website for the correct access points and recommended tracks. Many trails require a 4WD or a significant walk from the nearest car park.
Tips for Visiting Nattai National Park #
- Start early for longer hikes; some trails in Nattai National Park can be long and unmarked.
- The Nattai Gorge and surrounding plateaus are remote - tell someone your plans and carry navigation tools.
- Check for recent fire restrictions or park alerts from NSW National Parks before heading into the park.
Best Time to Visit Nattai National Park #
Autumn and spring provide the best conditions for long hikes and clearer trail access; summers can be hot and bushfire-prone.
Weather & Climate near Nattai National Park #
Nattai National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (935 mm/year).
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
