Georges River National Park
Overview
Georges River National Park is a great place for a family daytrip – enjoy a picnic or barbecue, go walking or fishing or take your boat out for a spin on the river.
Read more about Georges River National Park
Georges River National Park, south of Sydney, is a popular place for a family day out in the great outdoors.
The landscape of the park includes striking rock formations, steep forested hillsides, plateaus and riverside flats, providing ample opportunities for picnics, barbecues, fishing and walking.
If you’re interested in birdwatching, be sure to walk the Yeramba Lagoon track – you’re bound to see lots of birds; more than 100 species have been recorded – including pink robins and grey fantails.
It's a good place for some waterskiing, jetskiing and taking a boat out, you can launch your boat from the ramp. It’s also a pleasant place for a spot of kayaking or canoeing, and there are lots of scenic spots you can stop at along the way.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/georges-river-national-park/local-alerts
Map
Map
Map legend
Contact
- in the Sydney and surrounds region
Georges River National Park is open from 6am to 7.30pm during daylight savings (6am – 6.30pm at other times) but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has coin-operated pay machines at the gate. Please bring correct coins, as no change is given. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Buy annual pass. -
-
Royal National Park Visitor Centre
02 9542 0648
1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
Contact hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232
-
Email: npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
-
Royal National Park Visitor Centre
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Georges River National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Sutherland, head west on River Road, then turn right onto Alfords Point Road and turn left onto Henry Lawson Drive. The park entry is approximately 1.5km on the left.
From Liverpool, head east along the M5 and continue for approximately 5.5km. Turn left towards the river at Carinya Road and follow the road along the river until you reach the park.
From Sydney, follow the M5 westbound, turn left onto Davis Road then right onto Henry Lawson Drive. Continue for approximately 1.5km and then turn left into the park entrance.
Parking
- Fitzpatrick Park See on map
- Morgans Creek picnic area See on map
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit the NSW transport website
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Georges River National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
The park comes alive during spring, with wonderful wildflowers and abundant wildlife – try the Yeramba Lagoon walk.
Summer
Take to the water in your canoe, kayak or jetski, or strap on your waterskis for hours of fun along the Georges River The summer holiday information has important tips to help you plan your day to Georges River National Park during the busy holiday period .
Winter
Fishermen take note – this is a great time of year to head to the rich fishing grounds along the Georges River to catch yellow-finned bream.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
42°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
-0.6°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
254.5mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Burrawang Reach picnic area
- Cattle Duffers Flat picnic area
- Fitzpatrick Park
- Morgans Creek picnic area
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Boat ramp
Drinking water
Maps and downloads
Fees and passes
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has coin-operated pay machines at the gate. Please bring correct coins, as no change is given. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
- All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
- Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
Annual passes and entry fees (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees)
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Nearby towns
Heathcote (21 km)
Just 36km south of Sydney, Heathcote offers easy access to Heathcote National Park and Royal National Park – the world's second-oldest national park. The heritage-listed Royal National Park offers a range of recreational activities – including bushwalking, cycling and surfing – and places to relax and enjoy a meal in natural surroundings.
www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
Parramatta (23 km)
Parramatta offers a fascinating insight into early colonial life in Australia. Don't miss a visit to Old Government House, now one of 11 Australian Convict Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Sydney City Centre (32 km)
No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.
Learn more
Georges River National Park is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Riverside delight
The calm waters of Georges River offer a range of activities for visitors; including waterskiing, jetskiing and kayaking. Launch your boat at Morgans Creek, or head to Mill Creek if you have a canoe or kayak. The waters of Georges River are rich fishing grounds for keen anglers and there are lots of spots along the river to try your luck.
- Burrawang Reach picnic area Burrawang Reach picnic area is a popular spot for a picnic or barbecue. Set on the sandy shores of George’s River, you can fish and paddle nearby.
- Fitzpatrick Park Fitzpatrick Park picnic area at Picnic Point is a great place for a family barbecue not far from Sydney. Enjoy a barbecue, go fishing or enjoy a spot of paddling.
Free as a bird
The fact that over a hundred different bird species make the Yeramba Lagoon and its surrounds their home is reason enough for many a birder to visit Georges River National Park. Even if you're not a twitcher it's hard not to be impressed by the list of winged wonders that reside here; from endangered pink robins and powerful owls to superb fairy wrens with vivid blue feathers or the more commonly sighted laughing kookaburra. There's also a great diversity of plant life around the lagoon, including impressive displays of banksia flowers.
- Ridge walking track Enjoy scenic views of the river along Ridge walking track - a short walk from Burrawang Beach to Cattle Duffers picnic area in Georges River National Park.
- Yeramba Lagoon loop track Georges River National Park is an easy daytrip from Sydney. Birdwatchers love the Yeramba Lagoon loop track – a short track with scenic views and lots of birdlife.
Ancient waterways
Georges River National Park is the traditional Country of the Dharug and Dharawal People and evidence of their long connection to this land, including shell middens, rock art and engravings, is evident throughout the park. The Georges River was an important transport route for Aboriginal people, linking Botany Bay to the inland areas. The park continues to be an important place for Aboriginal people today.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Peron's tree frog (Litoria peroni)
Peron’s tree frog is found right across NSW. These tree-climbing and ground-dwelling Australian animals can quickly change colour, ranging from pale green-grey by day, to a reddish brown with emerald green flecks at night. The male frog has a drill-like call, which has been described as a 'maniacal cackle’.
Plants
-
Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)
Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.
-
Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
The black sheoak is one of a number of casuarina species found across the east coast of Australia and nearby tablelands. Growing to a height of 5-15m, these hardy Australian native plants can survive in poor or sandy soils. The barrel-shaped cone of the black sheoak grows to 10-30mm long.
-
Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)
The delicate flannel flower is so named because of the soft woolly feel of the plant. Growing in the NSW south coast region, extending to Narrabri in the Central West and up to south-east Queensland, its white or pink flowers bloom all year long, with an extra burst of colour in the spring.
Environments in this park
Education resources (1)
What we're doing
Georges River National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:
Understanding landscapes and geology
Georges River National Park values the protection and conservation of biodiversity, land and native vegetation. Ongoing initiatives are carried out within this park, and are designed to deliver important landscape conservation outcomes.
Restoring Yeramba Lagoon
Yeramba Lagoon was formed in 1963 when Bankstown Council dammed a small freshwater stream which fed into the Georges River. The lagoon quickly filled with exotic weeds, which forced out the native birds and animals. In January 2018, NPWS began work to return the lagoon back to its original state as a saltwater estuary.
Engineering works finished on 26 June 2021. The lagoon is now a saltwater lake at high tide, teeming with fish fry. Low tide exposes the roots of the exotic weeds, which will slowly decay over time allowing mangroves to establish on the margins of the estuary. Already, native birds like swamphens and ducks are starting to return to the estuary. The next task is to re-establish native plants in the head area of the old lagoon, which has been covered by weeds for over 50 years.
Preserving biodiversity
Georges River National Park upholds its biodiversity by protecting and conserving its land and native vegetation. Conservation activities are habitually carried out in this park, and can include surveys and data collection on species distribution and population and fire management strategies. NPWS liaises with relevant agencies where required on issues of biodiversity in Georges River National Park.
Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats
Pests and weeds have a significant impact to the ecosystems within Georges River National Park. Risk assessment and the implementation of pest management strategies is an important part of the work NPWS does to protect biodiversity values within this park.
Developing visitor facilities and experiences
By providing quality visitor facilities and offerings, and conserving park landscapes, NPWS works to increase opportunities for people to visit and enjoy Georges River National Park. Enhancements to amenities and infrastructure are carried out in this national park, and improvements to park systems, processes and services are ongoing.
Conserving our Aboriginal culture
Georges River National Park is the traditional country of Dharug and Dharawal People. Containing numerous significant Aboriginal sites, including shell middens, rock art and engravings, it features many facets of Aboriginal culture. There are ongoing projects to monitor these sites, and NPWS works to preserve the cultural values of the park for future generations.
Managing fire
NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.