The Illawarra Escarpment mountain bike trail has attracted many visitors since opening in 2025. Photo: J Spencer/DCCEEW.
A record number of people are choosing to get back to nature on holiday breaks, with visits to South Coast national parks reaching record numbers.
According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Park Visitation Survey, visits to South Coast national parks have grown 81 per cent over the past decade.
In the last financial year a record 65.6 million visits to the state’s 900 parks and reserves boosted local economic growth.
The survey revealed three South Coast parks were among the top 20 most visited – Morton National Park, Eurobodalla National Park and Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, each with more than a million visits.
Interstate travellers, particularly from Victoria and the ACT, accounted for 34 per cent of visits to South Coast parks and visitation was highest during the summer and Easter holiday periods.
NSW Climate Change and the Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the parks were one of the state’s most precious public assets.
“Our national parks are where families make memories, kids get outside and communities welcome visitors,” she said.
“Connecting people to nature supports tens of thousands of jobs and drives economic development, especially in regional NSW.
“We’ve invested $352 million to improve facilities, open new campgrounds, build world-class walks and support recreation like 4WD, mountain bikes and rock climbing.”
The survey started in 2008 and is conducted every two years to provide insights into how people use and value national parks and enable the government to plan for the future.
It reports on the total number of visits, rather than the number of people who visited parks.
A lookout at Pigeon House Mountain in the Morton National Park, which was one of the top 20 parks visited. Photo: J Spencer/DCCEEW.
The survey found that walking was the most common activity in NPWS parks, with most people walking for between one and four hours.
Other frequent activities include touring and sightseeing, picnicking and dining, rest and relaxation, water-based recreation, nature appreciation and camping and accommodation.
Murramarang National Park received more than half a million visits, after the opening of the Murramarang South Coast Walk in 2023.
Stage 1 of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network opened in 2025 to support growing demand.
The most visited national parks in NSW include Blue Mountains, Royal, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Lane Cove, Kosciuszko, Sydney Harbour, Brisbane Water, Morton, Bouddi and Glenrock.
Keira MP and South Coast Minister Ryan Park said the national parks were a source of pride for local communities.
“The South Coast is a place people fall in love with, and these record numbers show just how many are choosing our beaches, bushland and national parks year after year,” he said.
“From Morton and Eurobodalla to Murramarang and the Illawarra Escarpment, these parks showcase the very best of the South Coast and play a vital role in supporting tourism, local jobs and small businesses right across the region.”
On the Far South Coast, Bega MP Michael Holland said the area’s unspoilt coastal wilderness was showcased in national parks.
“It’s good to see so many people choosing to experience the extraordinary landscapes we are fortunate enough to have on our doorstep,” he said.
“Record visitation is a much needed boost for local businesses, supporting jobs in accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism.”
Original Article published by Jen White on Region Illawarra.
