Nattai National Park

Nattai National Park is located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, about 150 kilometers southwest of Sydney. The park is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and is renowned for its rugged sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and pristine wilderness. Nearby towns include Mittagong, Bowral, and Thirlmere. The park was officially established in 1991 to protect its wilderness areas and rich biodiversity, especially given its proximity to Sydney. Historically, the region has been important to the Indigenous Gundungurra people, who have long maintained a spiritual and cultural connection to the land. Some areas still contain rock art and cultural sites of significance. Parking facilities in Nattai National Park are limited, as the park is largely a wilderness area with few developed amenities. Access to popular areas like Nattai River, Starlight’s Trail, and Wanganderry Track can be made via nearby townships. There are no entrance fees, but visitors should be prepared for minimal facilities, and all visitors are encouraged to carry out what they bring in. Nattai National Park is home to a range of native wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, and echidnas. The park also supports several threatened species such as the broad-headed snake and spotted-tail quoll. Birdlife is abundant, with species like the superb lyrebird, wedge-tailed eagle, and glossy black cockatoo commonly seen. The park’s flora is characterized by dry sclerophyll forests dominated by eucalyptus species, including scribbly gums, red bloodwoods, and Sydney peppermint. The steep slopes and cliffs are also home to heathlands and patches of rainforest in sheltered areas. Notable features of the park include the Nattai River, Starlight’s Trail, and the scenic views from Mount Jellore. Public transport to the park is limited, so visitors typically access it by private vehicle. However, some parts of the park are accessible via hiking trails from nearby towns like Mittagong.