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National Pass

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

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Learn more about why this park is special

National Pass is in Katoomba area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A haven for plants and animals

Critically endangered Megalong Valley bottlebrush, Blue Mountains. Photo: Steven Douglas/OEH

Katoomba area’s diverse landscapes are home to a wide range of native plants and animals. Rare and threatened species include the yellow-bellied glider and Blue Mountains water skink. Spotted tail quolls inhabit the deep shady valleys. The ancient dwarf mountain pine, which existed in the age of dinosaurs, lives only in a 9km stretch between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls. In November and early December, keep an eye out for the pink-purple blooms of the critically endangered Megalong Valley bottlebrush, along Six Foot track.

  • Blue Mountains big day out with Colourful Trips Escape the city and expand your horizons on this action-packed Blue Mountains adventure with Colourful Trips. You’ll enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls, and see native wildlife ...
  • Blue Mountains e-bike adventure tours Just a short hop from Sydney are mountain bike trails that thread through beautiful World Heritage-listed parkland. Explore this amazing bushland on a guided e-bike tour with Blue Mountains Biking Adv...
  • Blue Mountains escape with Daily Sydney Tours Experience the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains your very own way on these fun-filled private excursions with Daily Sydney Tours.
  • Blue Mountains rendezvous with kangaroos tours Explore ancient rainforests and stunning sandstone escarpments with a qualified ecology guide in World Heritage surrounds. Learn about kangaroos, wombats and other unique wildlife on this private outi...
  • Blue Mountains tours by Australian Luxury Escapes This delightful day tour with Australian Luxury Escapes is a great way to take in wilderness views and see native wildlife in the World Heritage surrounds of Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Blue Mountains tours with kangaroo encounters No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Blue Mountains. Join Sydney Scenic Private Tours to see waterfalls, mountains and valleys in stunning World Heritage surrounds, and enjoy close enc...
  • Custom excursions with Blue Mountains Eco Tours Create your own adventure on a custom trip with Blue Mountains Eco Tours. You’ll travel in style by 4WD, get off the beaten path and pursue your passions, from walking and wildlife to wine. Perfect fo...
  • Explore a national park Join us and explore the earth's environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion in Blue Mountains National Park. Discover the unique native plants and animals that call this majestic place...
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk guided tour Join a National Parks ranger on a 3-hour guided tour along part of the newly completed Grand Cliff Top Walk. We’ll start at Wentworth Falls picnic area and learn about the cultural heritage and fragil...
  • Guided Blue Mountains hikes for good causes Reconnect with nature and support a good cause on this walking tour with Emu Trekkers. With their friendly guides, take a scenic train ride to the Blue Mountains and explore this stunning wilderness.
  • Guided country tours in the Blue Mountains This big day out with Waratah Adventure Tours is a great way to experience some of the Blue Mountains' most iconic sights, including Princes Rock, the Three Sisters and Govetts Leap.
  • Katoomba spotlight tour Bring a torch and join our National Parks Discovery Ranger for a spotlight tour under the stars in Katoomba. Discover amazing creatures of the night like owls, possums, and microbats on this easy 2hr ...
  • Mountain landscapes: Blue Mountains This adventurous Stage 4 (Years 7-8) Geography excursion explores diverse landscapes and landforms of the Blue Mountains. On a bushwalk, students will gather data using geographical equipment, and com...
  • Overcliff-Undercliff track Overcliff-Undercliff track combines scenic clifftops, birdwatching, and rainforest with walking tracks and waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park, near Wentworth Falls.
  • Prince Henry Cliff walk Scenic valley views and wildflowers abound on Prince Henry Cliff walk between Katoomba and Leura, via iconic Three Sisters and Echo Point in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Private hiking tours in the Blue Mountains Join mountain guides Wolfgang and Hedi to explore amazing tracks and see magnificent waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park and beyond. Their private hiking tours are a great way to escape Sydney ...
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In the footsteps of early tourists

Dardanelles Pass loop walking track, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin

The Blue Mountains boasts one of the most complex track systems of any national park in Australia. Dating from as early as 1825, around 60 per cent of the tracks have national, state or regional significance. Follow in the footsteps of early European tourists along the many historic tracks near Katoomba and Wentworth Falls, like Princes Rock walking track. Discover mining heritage along the challenging Ruined Castle route, or head down to Federal Pass, built in 1900. As you descend the Giant Stairway, spare a thought for the men who built it by hand using picks, shovels, crowbars and dynamite.

  • Blue Mountains mystery tours by ghost bus Join the friendly local guides of Blue Mountains Mystery Tours for an after-dark journey by bus to explore the spine-tingling myths and legends of the Blue Mountains.
  • Blue Mountains scenic day tours for small groups Enjoy a big day out to some of the most scenic locations in the Blue Mountains with the friendly guides of Oz Trails. Visit beautiful mountain villages and see stunning natural wonders in World Herita...
  • Conservation Hut Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls is perfectly-positioned amidst the beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy a bite to eat with uninterrupted views of the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.
  • Federal Pass Historic Federal Pass is a challenging walk in Blue Mountains National Park. Set out from either Leura or Katoomba and enjoy views of the Three Sisters, waterfalls and Scenic World.
  • National Pass National Pass is closed between Valley of the Waters and Slacks Stairs due to rockfall. From Wentworth Falls picnic area, you can walk the upper section of this loop walk, atop the escarpment, for epi...
  • Princes Rock walking track Historic Princes Rock walking track offers scenic views over Mount Solitary and Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Three Sisters walk The easy Three Sisters walk, in Katoomba, offers some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains National Park, and takes you up close to the famous Three Sisters.
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Ancient landscapes

Wentworth Falls waterfall, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Destination NSW

The Katoomba area is one of the easiest places to see the park’s cliff walls and rock overhangs, multi-tier waterfalls and hazy blue forests. Millions of years of volcanic uplift and erosion have carved out the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters peaks. Eagle-eyed visitors can try to spot the grey coal and shale deposits between the sandstone. These were formed 245 to 290 million years ago when this area held vast swamps and deltas. Today, landscapes range from open forest and windswept heath, to hanging swamps that cling to the cliff face, and remnant rainforest in the spray zones of waterfalls.

  • All about the Blue Mountains guided tours Join All About Australian Tours to explore scenic highlights in the Blue Mountains. Departing from Sydney, these tours are a great way to soak up the beauty of this ancient landscape of river gorges, ...
  • Blue Mountains dark sky stargazing tour Join Blue Mountains Stargazing on a mesmerising 90-minute astronomy tour in the dark skies of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
  • Blue Mountains escape with Daily Sydney Tours Experience the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains your very own way on these fun-filled private excursions with Daily Sydney Tours.
  • Blue Mountains guided photography tours Learn landscape photography in the spectacular outdoor classroom of the Blue Mountains. With a professional guide from Jaydid Photo, explore and capture the stunning beauty of this World Heritage-list...
  • Blue Mountains rendezvous with kangaroos tours Explore ancient rainforests and stunning sandstone escarpments with a qualified ecology guide in World Heritage surrounds. Learn about kangaroos, wombats and other unique wildlife on this private outi...
  • Blue Mountains scenic day tours for small groups Enjoy a big day out to some of the most scenic locations in the Blue Mountains with the friendly guides of Oz Trails. Visit beautiful mountain villages and see stunning natural wonders in World Herita...
  • Blue Mountains tours with Activity Tours Australia Explore Blue Mountains National Park away from the crowds on a small group tour with Activity Tours Australia. You’ll discover secluded lookouts, remote waterfalls and hidden valleys on this flexible ...
  • Canyoning and abseiling tours at Empress Canyon Let the Australian School of Mountaineering show you the beautiful canyons of Blue Mountains National Park on an introductory abseiling and canyoning tour of Empress Canyon, near Wentworth Falls.
  • Custom Blue Mountains tours by Travel Ideology See the amazing World Heritage-listed wilderness at Sydney’s doorstep on this Blue Mountains tour with Travel Ideology. Customise your trip with scenic highlights, from stunning mountain and valley vi...
  • Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway Try this awe inspiring walk through scenic Jamison Valley via the historic Giant Stairway from Echo Point to Scenic World, in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Empress Canyon Only fit, experienced canyoners should attempt Empress Canyon, near Wentworth Falls. This technical route features down-climbs, jumps, swims and a 30m overhanging abseil down a waterfall.
  • Guided abseiling adventures in the Blue Mountains Enjoy a spectacular half day of abseiling in the natural splendour of the Blue Mountains with experienced instructors from High and Wild.
  • Guided Blue Mountains hikes for good causes Reconnect with nature and support a good cause on this walking tour with Emu Trekkers. With their friendly guides, take a scenic train ride to the Blue Mountains and explore this stunning wilderness.
  • Guided country tours in the Blue Mountains This big day out with Waratah Adventure Tours is a great way to experience some of the Blue Mountains' most iconic sights, including Princes Rock, the Three Sisters and Govetts Leap.
  • Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit is a moderately challenging track in Blue Mountains National Park, with an impressive cliff line, spectacular waterfalls and gorgeous scenic views of the Jamison Vall...
  • Mountain landscapes: Blue Mountains This adventurous Stage 4 (Years 7-8) Geography excursion explores diverse landscapes and landforms of the Blue Mountains. On a bushwalk, students will gather data using geographical equipment, and com...
  • Open-air 4WD tours in the Blue Mountains If you’re short on time, these action-packed outings in an open-air vehicle with Beyond the Blacktop 4WD Tours are a great way to experience the sights and scents of beautiful Blue Mountains National ...
  • Princes Rock walking track Historic Princes Rock walking track offers scenic views over Mount Solitary and Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Private hiking tours in the Blue Mountains Join mountain guides Wolfgang and Hedi to explore amazing tracks and see magnificent waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park and beyond. Their private hiking tours are a great way to escape Sydney ...
  • Ruined Castle walking track The hard Ruined Castle walking track rewards with historic mining heritage and scenic views over Jamison Valley in Blue Mountains National Park near Katoomba.
  • Three Sisters walk The easy Three Sisters walk, in Katoomba, offers some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains National Park, and takes you up close to the famous Three Sisters.
  • Women’s 4-day Blue Mountains indulgence trek Enjoy 4 days of indulgence and scenic Blue Mountains views on a luxury trekking trip with GirlsTrek. You’ll explore Six Foot track in the company of an amazing group of women on this girls' getaway.
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Activities at your fingertips

Conservation Hut, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: E Sheargold/OEH

Wentworth Falls picnic area was one of the first tourist facilities developed in the Blue Mountains. Today, you’ll find a viewing deck, picnic tables, accessible toilet facilities and carparks close to lookouts, waterfalls and walks. In Katoomba, enjoy the interpretative sculptures and multiple lookouts along wheelchair accessible Three Sisters walk. Combine your park experience with Scenic World attractions and the lively Katoomba street cafe scene. Kids can learn more on a school excursion or holiday activity. Why not get involved in a volunteer bushcare program.

  • All-inclusive Blue Mountains guided discovery tour Explore Blue Mountains National Park in style on a discovery tour with AAT Kings. See the wildlife at Sydney Zoo, visit Scenic World, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this World Heritage-listed a...
  • Blue Mountains escapes with Ready Steady Tour Let Ready Steady Tour pick you up from Sydney and whisk you away for a big day of sightseeing in the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains.
  • Blue Mountains highlights tour with FJ Tours Take a coach tour with FJ Tours to see the highlights of Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, Echo Point and Jamison Valley before taking a river cruise back to Sydney...
  • Blue Mountains tours with Activity Tours Australia Explore Blue Mountains National Park away from the crowds on a small group tour with Activity Tours Australia. You’ll discover secluded lookouts, remote waterfalls and hidden valleys on this flexible ...
  • Conservation Hut Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls is perfectly-positioned amidst the beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy a bite to eat with uninterrupted views of the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.
  • Echo Point lookout (Three Sisters) Take a day trip to famous Echo Point lookout in Katoomba for stunning views of the Jamison Valley and the iconic Three Sisters, in the Blue Mountains.
  • Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway Try this awe inspiring walk through scenic Jamison Valley via the historic Giant Stairway from Echo Point to Scenic World, in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Gordon Falls to Katoomba walk Gordon Falls to Katoomba walk is 8km and the second day of Grand Cliff Top Walk, in the Blue Mountains. It offers impressive views of Three Sisters Aboriginal Place and Mount Solitary.
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk Hike 19km of cliff-edge tracks with big sky views and plunging waterfalls over 2 days on Grand Cliff Top Walk, in the Blue Mountains.
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk guided tour Join a National Parks ranger on a 3-hour guided tour along part of the newly completed Grand Cliff Top Walk. We’ll start at Wentworth Falls picnic area and learn about the cultural heritage and fragil...
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk weekend with Blue Mountains Tracks and Retreats Walk by day and relax in comfort at night. Join Blue Mountains Tracks and Retreats on this guided tour over 3 days and 2 nights on Grand Cliff Top Walk, a beautifully restored continuous track from We...
  • Greater Blue Mountains drive Greater Blue Mountains Drive takes in the iconic scenery of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. Explore Glenbrook, Wentworth Falls and Katoomba and beyond.
  • Guided abseiling adventures in the Blue Mountains Enjoy a spectacular half day of abseiling in the natural splendour of the Blue Mountains with experienced instructors from High and Wild.
  • Narrow Neck trail Narrow Neck trail is an exhilarating cycling and walking adventure atop the isolated Narrow Neck peninsula. It offers incredible views, birdwatching and wildflowers in Blue Mountains National Park, ne...
  • Valley of the Waters lookout Valley of the Waters lookout boasts a spectacular view of the Jamison Valley as well as access to walking tracks and waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Wentworth Falls picnic area Wentworth Falls picnic area is a scenic spot to lunch while enjoying views from several world-class lookouts. It's a good starting point for many walking tracks in this popular part of Blue Mountains ...
  • Wentworth Falls to Leura walk Wentworth Falls to Leura walk is the first day for those hiking Grand Cliff Top Walk. This 11km journey though World Heritage area on Gundungurra County passes plunging waterfalls and lookouts in Blue...
  • Women’s 4-day Blue Mountains indulgence trek Enjoy 4 days of indulgence and scenic Blue Mountains views on a luxury trekking trip with GirlsTrek. You’ll explore Six Foot track in the company of an amazing group of women on this girls' getaway.
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Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property

View of Mount Solitary from Ruined Castle, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Aine Gliddon/OEH

Blue Mountains National Park is 1 of 8 national parks and reserves that make up the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains Area (GBMA). In 2000, UNESCO recognised the area's outstanding biodiversity significance. The GBMA lies within the Country of the Dharug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung, Wanaruah and Dharawal People. With over 1 million hectares of rugged plateaux, sheer cliffs and deep gorges, it protects unique ecosystems teeming with rare plants and animals. Over 99 species of eucalypt trees have evolved here over millions of years, making it the most diverse eucalypt forest in the world. Greater Blue Mountains Drive is a great way to see this ancient wilderness right on Sydney doorstep.

  • All about the Blue Mountains guided tours Join All About Australian Tours to explore scenic highlights in the Blue Mountains. Departing from Sydney, these tours are a great way to soak up the beauty of this ancient landscape of river gorges, ...
  • Blue Mountains Aboriginal culture tour Join Zanza Tours and escape the city for a day of discovery in the beautiful Blue Mountains. You’ll experience a traditional Aboriginal ceremony, local food and amazing scenery in World Heritage surro...
  • Blue Mountains big day out with Colourful Trips Escape the city and expand your horizons on this action-packed Blue Mountains adventure with Colourful Trips. You’ll enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls, and see native wildlife ...
  • Blue Mountains dark sky stargazing tour Join Blue Mountains Stargazing on a mesmerising 90-minute astronomy tour in the dark skies of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
  • Blue Mountains e-bike adventure tours Just a short hop from Sydney are mountain bike trails that thread through beautiful World Heritage-listed parkland. Explore this amazing bushland on a guided e-bike tour with Blue Mountains Biking Adv...
  • Blue Mountains escape with Daily Sydney Tours Experience the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains your very own way on these fun-filled private excursions with Daily Sydney Tours.
  • Blue Mountains escapes with Ready Steady Tour Let Ready Steady Tour pick you up from Sydney and whisk you away for a big day of sightseeing in the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains.
  • Blue Mountains guided photography tours Learn landscape photography in the spectacular outdoor classroom of the Blue Mountains. With a professional guide from Jaydid Photo, explore and capture the stunning beauty of this World Heritage-list...
  • Blue Mountains mystery tours by ghost bus Join the friendly local guides of Blue Mountains Mystery Tours for an after-dark journey by bus to explore the spine-tingling myths and legends of the Blue Mountains.
  • Blue Mountains rendezvous with kangaroos tours Explore ancient rainforests and stunning sandstone escarpments with a qualified ecology guide in World Heritage surrounds. Learn about kangaroos, wombats and other unique wildlife on this private outi...
  • Blue Mountains tours by Australian Luxury Escapes This delightful day tour with Australian Luxury Escapes is a great way to take in wilderness views and see native wildlife in the World Heritage surrounds of Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Blue Mountains tours with Activity Tours Australia Explore Blue Mountains National Park away from the crowds on a small group tour with Activity Tours Australia. You’ll discover secluded lookouts, remote waterfalls and hidden valleys on this flexible ...
  • Blue Mountains tours with kangaroo encounters No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Blue Mountains. Join Sydney Scenic Private Tours to see waterfalls, mountains and valleys in stunning World Heritage surrounds, and enjoy close enc...
  • Custom excursions with Blue Mountains Eco Tours Create your own adventure on a custom trip with Blue Mountains Eco Tours. You’ll travel in style by 4WD, get off the beaten path and pursue your passions, from walking and wildlife to wine. Perfect fo...
  • Empress Canyon Only fit, experienced canyoners should attempt Empress Canyon, near Wentworth Falls. This technical route features down-climbs, jumps, swims and a 30m overhanging abseil down a waterfall.
  • Furber Steps walk Furber Steps walk is steep, challenging, and rewarding walk with scenic views, birdwatching, and a visit to Katoomba Falls. It's an iconic part of Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Golden Stairs walking track Golden Stairs walking track is a short, steep walk, near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Though challenging, it offers incredible views and access to the Jamison and Kedumba valleys.
  • Gordon Falls to Katoomba walk Gordon Falls to Katoomba walk is 8km and the second day of Grand Cliff Top Walk, in the Blue Mountains. It offers impressive views of Three Sisters Aboriginal Place and Mount Solitary.
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk Hike 19km of cliff-edge tracks with big sky views and plunging waterfalls over 2 days on Grand Cliff Top Walk, in the Blue Mountains.
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk guided tour Join a National Parks ranger on a 3-hour guided tour along part of the newly completed Grand Cliff Top Walk. We’ll start at Wentworth Falls picnic area and learn about the cultural heritage and fragil...
  • Grand Cliff Top Walk overnight with Emu Trekkers Join a guided 2 day hike with Emu Trekkers, a not-for-profit licensed operator. Enjoy the iconic Grand Cliff Top Walk, starting at Wentworth Falls and ending at Katoomba with an overnight stay. Just b...
  • Greater Blue Mountains drive Greater Blue Mountains Drive takes in the iconic scenery of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. Explore Glenbrook, Wentworth Falls and Katoomba and beyond.
  • Guided country tours in the Blue Mountains This big day out with Waratah Adventure Tours is a great way to experience some of the Blue Mountains' most iconic sights, including Princes Rock, the Three Sisters and Govetts Leap.
  • Mount Solitary walking track Take a challenging, multi-day hike over Mount Solitary in Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy scenic mountain views, historic heritage, and bush camping, starting out from Katoomba.
  • National Pass National Pass is closed between Valley of the Waters and Slacks Stairs due to rockfall. From Wentworth Falls picnic area, you can walk the upper section of this loop walk, atop the escarpment, for epi...
  • Open-air 4WD tours in the Blue Mountains If you’re short on time, these action-packed outings in an open-air vehicle with Beyond the Blacktop 4WD Tours are a great way to experience the sights and scents of beautiful Blue Mountains National ...
  • Private hiking tours in the Blue Mountains Join mountain guides Wolfgang and Hedi to explore amazing tracks and see magnificent waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park and beyond. Their private hiking tours are a great way to escape Sydney ...
  • Training runs for Ultra Trail Australia events Hit the trails with the seasoned locals of Blue Mountain Fitness. Their training runs in breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park are a great way to enhance your chances for your next Ultra Trail Aus...
  • Wentworth Falls to Leura walk Wentworth Falls to Leura walk is the first day for those hiking Grand Cliff Top Walk. This 11km journey though World Heritage area on Gundungurra County passes plunging waterfalls and lookouts in Blue...
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Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  •  Superb lyrebird, Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)

    With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.

  • Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo: Kelly Nowak

    Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

    With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.

  • Yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Photo: Peter Sherratt

    Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

    The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.

  • Eastern water dragon. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)

    The eastern water dragon is a subaquatic lizard found in healthy waterways along eastern NSW, from Nowra to halfway up the Cape York Pensinsula. It’s believed to be one of the oldest of Australian reptiles, remaining virtually unchanged for over 20 million years.

  • Closeup of a laughing kookaburra's head and body. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

    Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

    Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

  • Echidna. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

    One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

Plants

  • Old man banksia, Moreton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)

    Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.

  • Grass trees, Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

    Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

    An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.

  • A red triangle slug on the trunk of a scribbly gum tree in Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold/OEH

    Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)

    Easily identifiable Australian native plants, scribbly gum trees are found throughout NSW coastal plains and hills in the Sydney region. The most distinctive features of this eucalypt are the ‘scribbles’ made by moth larva as it tunnels between the layers of bark.

  • Smooth-barked apple. Photo: Jaime Plaza

    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.

  • Close up photo of a waratah flower, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell/OEH.

    Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

    The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.

Look out for...

Old man banksia

Banksia serrata

Old man banksia, Moreton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.

Environments in this area

School excursions (5)

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