Our natural treasures

Natural experiences are accessible and unforgettable in New South Wales. The UNESCO World Heritage register lists four sites in New South Wales, considered important to all the peoples of the world. They include the Greater Blue Mountains Area, Lord Howe Island, Willandra Lakes centred on Mungo National Park and the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves (CERRA).

CERRA sites, in north-east New South Wales and Queensland, cover more than 50 parks and reserves from Barrington Tops to Mount Warning. They include the largest expanse of subtropical rainforest in the world and provide habitat for more than 200 rare or threatened plant and animal species.

There are natural treasures to discover in enchanting island locations. Spot turtles and whales at Solitary Islands Marine Park, in the warm current off Coffs Coast. See little penguins and Australian fur seals at Montague Island off the coast near Narooma.

Even in the heart of Sydney, nature surrounds you. Explore Sydney Harbour National Park with its wonderful harbour walks, islands and whale-watching opportunities.

Wildlife – from wombats to dolphins, from sea eagles to wallabies – thrives in all sorts of habitats. Seek the right secluded place and you may catch a glimpse of something truly wondrous: an elusive platypus surfacing in a placid stream; a red-tailed tropic bird somersaulting backwards during its courting ritual; the endangered mountain pygmy possum in the high country of Kosciuszko National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.