State parks of New South Wales facts for kids

The state parks of New South Wales are special protected areas in New South Wales, Australia. These parks are perfect places for fun activities like camping, water sports, and just enjoying nature. The Department of Lands in New South Wales looks after these parks. Local community groups help manage them, making sure they stay great for everyone.

Exploring New South Wales State Parks

New South Wales has 18 amazing state parks, each offering something unique for visitors. They are all great spots to explore the outdoors and have an adventure!

Coastal and Water Parks

Many state parks in New South Wales are located near the coast or large bodies of water, making them ideal for water sports and beach fun.

• Bellinger Heads State Park: You can find this park near Coffs Harbour. It's located right where the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers flow into the ocean. It's a great spot for fishing and enjoying the river mouth.

• Belmont State Park: Also known as Belmont Wetlands, this park is found near Lake Macquarie. It covers about 514 hectares of wetlands and sand dunes. It became a state park in 2005 and is a fantastic place to see different kinds of birds and plants.

• Coffs Coast State Park: This park, officially called Coffs Coast Regional Park, is another beautiful spot near Coffs Harbour. It spans about 360 hectares and offers stunning coastal views and places to relax by the sea.

• Cronulla State Park: Located in the Cronulla area, this park is a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the beach and coastal environment.

• Goolawah State Park: Head to this park near Crescent Head. It's known for its beautiful beaches and is a great place for surfing and enjoying the coastal scenery.

• Harrington Beach State Park: This park has about 431 hectares of ocean beaches. It's right next to Crowdy Head, offering plenty of space for beach walks and enjoying the waves.

• Jervis Bay State Park: This park is located in the famous Jervis Bay area. Jervis Bay is known for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and amazing marine life. It's a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin watching.

• Killalea State Park: Near Wollongong, this park is officially called Killalea State Recreation Area. It covers about 265 hectares of coastal land. It was once a dairy farm and is named after a previous owner, Edward Killelea. The park is on the southern part of Bass Point, a peninsula south of Shellharbour. It includes a lagoon called Killalea Lagoon and two very popular surfing beaches. These beaches, Mystics and The Farm (also known as Minnamurra and Killalea), are part of a national surfing reserve. You can also find camping grounds here. The park's southern edge is the northern side of the entrance to the Minnamurra River. It also includes Stack Island, a small rocky island just offshore.

• Manning Entrance State Park: This park has about 487 hectares of ocean beaches. It's located at the mouth of the Manning River, offering great opportunities for beach activities and enjoying the river's entrance to the sea.

• Wallaga Lake State Park: This park is located around Wallaga Lake, a beautiful coastal lake. It's a great spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying the peaceful lake environment.

Inland Water and Bushland Parks

Other state parks are found inland, often around large dams or in bushland areas, providing different kinds of outdoor experiences.

• Burrinjuck Waters State Park: Officially known as Burrinjuck State Recreation Area, this park is near Yass. It has about 75 hectares of bushland on the southern side of Mount Barren Jack. It's a great place for camping and water activities on the Burrinjuck Dam.

• Copeton Waters State Park: This park, officially Copeton State Recreation Area, is near Armidale. It covers about 263 hectares on the southern shore of Copeton Dam on the Gwydir River. It's popular for fishing, boating, and camping.

• Grabine Lakeside State Park: Near Bigga, this park is located close to Wyangala Dam. It offers lakeside activities and a chance to enjoy the peaceful countryside.

• Lake Burrendong State Park: Near Dubbo, this park covers about 581 hectares. It's located near Mumbil on the southwestern shore of Lake Burrendong. It's a popular spot for water sports and camping.

• Lake Glenbawn State Park: Officially Lake Glenbawn State Recreation Area, this park is in the Upper Hunter Valley. It's centered around Lake Glenbawn, a large dam popular for fishing, boating, and water skiing.

• Lake Keepit State Park: This park, officially Lake Keepit State Recreation Area, is located between Tamworth and Narrabri. It's a huge park, covering about 4,370 hectares around Lake Keepit and the Namoi River. It's a fantastic place for all sorts of water activities, camping, and enjoying the bush.

• Living Desert State Park: Near Broken Hill, this park offers a unique experience in the Australian desert. It's known for its amazing rock formations and desert landscapes, perfect for exploring and learning about the outback.

• Wyangala Waters State Park: Near Cowra, this park is located around Wyangala Dam. It's a great place for water sports, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful lake and surrounding areas.

These state parks offer many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of New South Wales, from sandy beaches to vast lakes and bushland. They are perfect for family outings, camping trips, and outdoor adventures!