Seven stellar national parks slipping under everyone's radar

We all love a hidden gem, but we also love a list. So, we had an idea: the top seven hidden gems. And who better than us to tell you the NSW national parks that you’re all missing out on?

NSW is a big state, and you might be thinking that you’ll have to spend countless hours in the car to reach an underrated national park. Well don’t stress, many of these national parks are close to Sydney, yet definitely not getting the visitors they deserve.

From Aboriginal hand stencil art to the world’s second widest canyon, to World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests and secluded swimming holes near the big city, it’s mind-blowing that these spots are still slipping under the radar.

So, fill your daypack with water, snacks and sunscreen , grab some sturdy shoes, and let’s explore seven of the most underrated national parks in New South Wales.

Closest town: Lithgow

Don’t miss: Valley lookout

Where to stay: Capertee Homestead Nestled in the back of the Blue Mountains lies the Capertee Valley, the second widest canyon in the world. This 30km-wide valley provides a refuge for countless bird species and remains surprisingly secluded and undeveloped. In fact, the seclusion means that some of the plants and wildlife found in Capertee National Park aren’t found anywhere else!

You’ll want to spend at least the weekend in Capertee. Why not set up shop on the banks of the Capertee River at Capertee campground? It’s the perfect place to spot regent honeyeaters, wallabies and wombats at sunset.

If you’ve got a big group, why not book out the Capertee Homestead, also known as ‘Port Macquarie’. This 1920s retreat features a wrap around balcony and a warming fireplace. You also have the option of Honeyeater Homestead, where you’ll be surrounded by peaceful walks, spectacular views and plenty of wildlife. What better place to be after a big day of hiking and biking in the national park?

Closest town: Moruya or Braidwood

Don’t miss: The Big Hole

Where to stay: Berlang campground

On the South Coast of NSW, between the ACT and the ocean, lies deep green Deua National Park. The sprawling forests are a brilliant destination for hikers, paddlers, campers, and even 4WDers, but the 5-hour drive from Sydney means you’re just as likely to have the place to yourself. Trust us, it’s worth it.

The Big Hole is a must-visit attraction within the park, a 96m deep roofless limestone cave that’s an adventurous (you have to wade across a river!) 4km return walk from Berlang campground. Feeling intrepid? Add another 7km to the same hike – taking in panoramic views of the park as you traverse unique nana heathland – to reach the Marble Arch, a stunning limestone cave.

Closest town: Broken Hill

Don’t miss: A heritage tour with an Aboriginal Guide

Where to stay: Homestead Creek campground

You’ll often hear of Mungo National Park and Menindee Lakes, but Mutawintji National Park often flies under the radar. If you’ve come out to this part of outback NSW definitely add it to your list.

The traditional home of the Pantjikali, Wanyuparlku, Wilyakali, and Malyangapa people, Mutawintji Lands has been a significant meeting place for local cultures for thousands of years. Communities have performed initiations, ceremonies and gatherings of many people.

The 6km walk through Mutawintji Gorge takes you below the red cliffs to lush protected watering holes, while the Thaaklatjika Mingkana walking track offers a much more accessible walk, suitable for wheelchairs, that will guide you amid the splendour of Mutawintji's gorges to the rocky overhang Thaaklatjika (Wright's Cave). Here you'll find paintings, stencils and engravings that depict pre and post-colonial Aboriginal history, as well as the animals that live in the area, including kangaroos and emus.

Whatever you do, make sure you attend a Mutawintji Heritge tour, the Kulluwirru Dreaming tour will take you into a restricted historical site with an accredited Aboriginal guide.

Closest town: Baradine

Don’t miss: Sandstone Caves walking track

Where to stay: Sculptures in the Scrub campground (in nearby Timmallallie National Park)

The Pilliga Forest is a massive region between the towns of Coonabarabran and Narrabri, it’s so vast that it includes multiple national parks, reserves and conservation areas.

The Gamilaroi people have a deep connection to this abundant place where over 900 plant species thrive, particularly she-oaks, cypress pine, and many species of eucalypts. This plant life means that at night you might see squirrel gliders or the elusive Pilliga mouse.

When visiting this underrated national park make sure you drop into the award-winning Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre in Baradine to get your bearings and find out the current best places to spot birdlife. It’s also the perfect place to find out about the Sandstone Caves walking track and really learn more about Gamilaroi culture and the importance of the Pilliga Forest. 

Closest town: Thirroul

Don’t miss: Jingga Walking Track

Where to stay: There are no campsites in this park

Haven’t heard of Dharawal National Park? Well get this, it’s basically in Sydney. The park sits between Stanwell tops and Camden, southwest of the Heathcote and Royal National Parks, but it flies under the radar because it was declared a national park in 2012.

It’s a special bit of bushland: a patchwork of heathland, swamps, rockpools and eucalypt forest that includes many sites sacred to the Dharawal Aboriginal people. While you can’t camp in the park, you can ride your mountain bike along the trails, visit lookouts and experience waterfalls. 

Closest town: Armidale

Don’t miss: Wollomombi walking track

Where to stay: East Kunderang Homestead

South of the famous waterfall way lies Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, one of the most phenomenal offerings in NSW. If you’re thinking that this entry might be a bit well known for the list, remember that this list is about underrated parks, not just unknown ones. And if World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest, one of the largest gorge systems in Australia, and heritage-listed accommodation aren’t enough, what is?

It’s safe to say that there’s too much in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park to list, but some highlights include the multi-day Green Gully Track (a 65km loop with heritage stockmans huts to sleep in each night), wild swimming at Gara Gorge and the secluded Long Point campground.

There’s also Tia Falls, Wollomombi Falls, Apsley Falls and Dangars Falls, reckon you can collect them all?

Closest town: Goulburn

Don’t miss: Green Track

Where to stay: Bungonia Campground

Only two hours south of Sydney and 90 minutes from Canberra lies Bungonia National Park. The park’s main feature is the Bungonia Slot Canyon, an incredibly steep-sided limestone gorge that’s 300m deep, 25m wide and absolutely mind-bending to peer into.

We recommend scouting out the gorge from above on the Green Track and, if you’re brave, walking out onto The Lookdown’s raised platform. For more experienced hikers, the Red Track descends into the valley and through Bungonia Slot Canyon before a very tough walk out. 

How did we do?

Ranking any of our babies (national parks) is a hard task at the best of times, and this is by no means a definitive list. That being said, we reckon that all seven of these underrated NSW national parks are definitely worth a visit.

Whether you’re keen for relaxed and accessible nature experiences or tough days in the wilderness, NSW national parks will have the tracks and information you need to go and experience it for yourself. Just remember to book ahead and check the alerts page.