Created in 1879, Royal National Park is the world’s second oldest national park. The sixteen thousand hectare park is located just thirty-two kilometers south of Sydney, making it a perfect day trip for those tired of Sydney’s urban excitement.
One of the most popular places in the park is Audley, a remnant of the Victorian era when picnicking and carriage rides in the park were popular. The grassy parklands located on the riverside are full of beautiful willow trees, and are the perfect place to relax and picnic. Different types of boats can be rented and taken out onto the water, a fabulous way to enjoy this area of the park. Also at Audley are the dance hall and the picnic pavilion, both Victorian-era buildings that have been lovingly restored. One of the original carriage tracks, the Lady Carrington Drive is a popular place for walkers and cyclists.
Fishing is another popular activity, with fishing available along the coastline and in the Hacking River estuary. Be sure to obtain a valid fishing license prior to your arrival. Surfing and swimming are also enjoyed in the park, just be sure to check with Harbourwatch to ensure pollution levels are safe. For those looking for a more private, secluded beach, take the Werrong Beach Track to the park’s only nude sunbathing area.
The Dharawal people were the first to inhabit the area now protected as the Royal National Park, and for those wanting to know more about the Dharawal’s history and culture, Discovery tours are available that explore the ways that the Dharawal people survived off the land. Tours of Dharawal rock engravings are also available at Jibbon Point.
Camping is available in many places in the park, and the park service also rents out a unique three bedroom cabin located right on the Hacking River. Day passes are required for park use and cost $11 per vehicle.
Located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, this spectacular park gives visitors an excellent glimpse into life in Australian rainforests. Once used primarily for logging, the land was set aside in 1927 as a wildlife and flora reserve, and was later rolled into Australia’s chain of Rainforest Parks in 1986. It became a true tourist attraction in 1991 with the opening of the Rainforest Center.
One of the park’s best features is its accessibility. There are several easy trails taken over boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the subtropical rainforest, and most of these are also wheelchair accessible. Walk with the Birds is an elevated boardwalk that brings visitors up into the trees to experience the forest as the birds do, and the Skywalk leads to a platform with fantastic views. Other walks showcase the floor of the rainforest. More challenging hikes are also available to visitors who are so inclined. If a car tour is more your speed, consider taking the ten kilometer scenic drive and end with a picnic in the Never Never day use area. Picnics can also be enjoyed at The Glade, where brush turkeys are frequent visitors, and also at the Rainforest Center. The Rainforest Center is a destination in itself with its interactive displays and simulated rainforest environments. There is also a shop onsite where you can take home rainforest related souvenirs.
There are no accommodations inside the park, but the nearby town of Dorrigo contains many nice hotels and bed and breakfasts, and is worthy of a visit in its own right. Sitting right in the heart of rainforest country, Dorrigo is a great home base when exploring the region’s scenic drives and national parks. The best time to visit the park is in the spring when the climate is mild and dry. Be prepared for higher periods of rainfall in the summer months, and cooler temperatures in the winter.
A rugged but beautiful park, Barrington Tops is a great destination for visitors interested in exploring recreational activities during their Australian vacation. Made up of an ancient volcano and extending down to sea level, the park encompasses a wide variety of environments from subtropical rainforests to windy mountain peaks. The highest point in the park is 1586 meters, making it the second highest point Australia. Although beautiful at any time of year, if you are planning a winter visit be prepared for snowy conditions. Hikers should also be aware that mountain weather can change rapidly at any time of the year, and should be prepared for all possibilities.
Walking tracks range from the easy, wheelchair accessible Devils Hole Lookout Walk to the ten hour, very challenging Corker trail that takes hikers to the summit of the Barrington Tops Plateau. The majority of the day use areas have free barbecues available, and three in particular are wheelchair accessible. The Gloucester River day use area is a great place to view local wildlife. Bicycles are not allowed on walking tracks, but several trails are open to cyclists. Additionally, the fifteen kilometer Barrington Trail is a popular four wheel drive track. Fishing is also popular in the park, but be sure to obtain a current fishing license if you plan on doing any angling. Swimming is not recommended as streams are cold and swift flowing, however if you do decide to swim be aware of rocky shores and submerged logs.
There are several routes into the park, however be prepared for unpaved roads in all areas of the park. Most are accessible by two wheel drive (except Barrington Trail), however heavy rain can cause some areas to flood or wash out. Camping is located throughout the park.
