$130 million boost to make NSW national parks safer and more accessible for families
Media release /Saturday, 20 June 2026
$130 million is being invested by the Minns Labor Government to keep NSW national parks safe, accessible and ready for record numbers of families to enjoy the great outdoors.
From bushwalks and beach days to camping trips, mountain biking and wildlife spotting, NSW national parks give families some of the best and most affordable days out anywhere in the state.
At a time when household budgets are under pressure, more people are turning to national parks for low-cost holidays, weekend adventures and time in nature.
This investment in the 2026 NSW Budget will help renew ageing infrastructure, upgrade facilities and improve accessibility across the national parks network, so more people can get out, explore and enjoy these special places.
Katoomba Falls, Grand Cliff Top Walk
Note: BMCC
Credit: Remy Brand / DCCEEW
The funding will support works on walking tracks, campgrounds, picnic areas, amenities, lookouts, roads, visitor centres and more. It will also help rebuild and strengthen infrastructure damaged by floods, storms and landslips, improving resilience to natural disasters and helping much-loved visitor destinations reopen more quickly after extreme weather.
NSW’s network of around 900 parks and reserves hosted a record 65.6 million visits last year, showing just how much families, communities and visitors value time outdoors.
National parks are also a major driver of regional tourism, generating $19.5 billion in economic activity a year and supporting more than 62,000 jobs, with most benefits flowing to rural and regional areas.
By creating iconic new parks and investing in existing infrastructure, the Minns Labor Government is helping attract more visitors, support local tourism businesses and strengthen regional economies.
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This Budget builds on our record investment in new parks and visitor experiences, including at Sydney’s Wolli Creek Regional Park. Work is almost complete on new and upgraded walking tracks, playground equipment, amenity blocks and picnic tables. The Minns Labor Government has added another three hectares of bushland to this city park, giving the community more space to explore.
Other projects include the Great Koala National Park, new parks in Outback NSW, new multi-day walks near Sydney, Lithgow and Dorrigo, and construction of visitor centres at Kamay Botany Bay and Dorrigo.
Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:
“NSW national parks are booming and it’s easy to see why. They are some of the most beautiful, accessible and affordable places for families to spend time together.
“This investment is about backing the visitor facilities people want to use, so more visitors can enjoy memorable and affordable days out in nature. This is especially important at a time when household budgets are under pressure and visitor numbers are booming.”
