Dharug National Park

Dharug National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, about 86 kilometers northwest of Sydney. The park is situated in the Hawkesbury region, near the towns of Wisemans Ferry and Gosford. It is bordered by the Hawkesbury River and the Macdonald River, making it a scenic spot with rich historical significance. Established in 1967, Dharug National Park protects significant Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, including rock carvings and ancient axe-grinding grooves. It was originally part of the land of the Dharug people, for whom the park is named. The park is also notable for its colonial history, with remnants of the Old Great North Road, a convict-built road dating back to the early 19th century, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park offers several parking areas, including spots at the Mill Creek picnic area and the Wisemans Ferry crossing. There is no entry fee to the park, but parking spaces may fill up quickly during peak periods. Visitors are advised to park responsibly, especially in more remote areas. Dharug National Park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and several bird species like lyrebirds and powerful owls. The park’s flora is equally diverse, with large sections of eucalyptus forests, towering blue gums, and patches of the rare Sydney red gum. The park features impressive landmarks, such as the historic Old Great North Road and views of the Hawkesbury River. Bushwalking and hiking trails, such as the Circuit Flat Walking Track, offer visitors breathtaking views of the landscape. Public transportation to the park is limited, but visitors can reach nearby Wisemans Ferry via bus services from Sydney, then drive or walk into the park.