Step back in time to the gold rush days on a self-guided walking tour through Hill End Historic Site, or learn about the convicts who constructed Old Great North Road in Dharug National Park. Visit Sydney’s Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built in 1881 from sandstone quarried on-site, or set out by 4WD to Yerranderie Private Town to experience what a real ghost town feels like. These and other amazing heritage experiences await you in NSW national parks.
Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh (mud-uh-'wahn-yuh) is a heritage fort on a Sydney Harbour island. Once a penal site called Pinchgut Island, the original rocky outcrop was fortified as a military facility in the 1840s and added to Sydney Harbour National Park in 1995.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches. Built in 1881, this heritage lighthouse is an iconic Sydney attraction.
The historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, at the northern end of Myall Lakes National Park not far from Forster offers coastal views and is a top spot for whale watching.
Innes Ruins at Innes Ruins Historic Site, near Port Macquarie, is a great place to learn more about early European settlement history in NSW.
For a glimpse into Australian history, head to South West Rocks to explore the historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park. Make sure you see the view from the sentry’s lookout.
At this early mining settlement you can explore a NSW ghost town that’s been lovingly preserved, with many relics remaining. It’s also a great area to go 4WD touring.
Discover life during the gold rush at Hill End Historic Site and explore heritage buildings and mine relics. You can stay in heritage accommodation, or camp with your dog at dog-friendly campgrounds.
Free park entry
Valentines mine is a short drive from Hill End’s town centre. When you visit, you’ll find out about Australia’s reef mining history.
Old Great North Road – World Heritage walk highlights a historic convict-built road with scenic river views, via Finchs Line, in Dharug National Park.
