NATIONAL Parks in the Hunter-Central Coast region attracted 8.1 million visits in the 2024-25 financial year, up from five million in 2022.
This accounts for 12.4 percent of all national park visits across the state.
Five of NSW’s 20 most popular parks are located across the region.
These are Brisbane Water, Bouddi and Tomaree National Parks, the Glenrock State Conservation Area, and the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Each of these parks recorded more than one million visits each and in 72 percent of cases, visitors said the park was the main reason for their trip.
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said the region has some of the most diverse natural landscapes in the state.
“From pristine beaches to rugged bushland, we have it all,” she said.
“These numbers cement our status as NSW’s must-visit adventure playground, something locals have long known and the world is now discovering.
“More people than ever are choosing to explore our natural wonders and these places not only showcase the best of our region but support tourism, local jobs and healthier communities while providing affordable ways for people to experience the great outdoors.”
The NSW Government has invested almost $30 million to support growing visitation and protect the region’s natural assets, including upgrades to the Tomaree Coastal Walk, Bouddi Coastal Walk, Somersby Falls Picnic Area and Glenrock mountain bike trails.
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