Located within the Wollondilly and Southern Highlands regions of NSW, the Nattai National Park is a beautiful retreat for both nature enthusiasts and visitors who need to dust of their sneakers before getting outdoors. The protected area is famous for its flora and fauna, and home to a number of Australian native animals. There are also a number of hiking tracks that will lead visitors to some of NSW’s astonishing beauties including views of the the Nattai River, Hawkesbury Sandstone Cliffs, Wollondilly Lookout and Mount Jellore.
Breathe in and explore Australian natives
Nature buffs will be overwhelmed with the number incredible environments to discover in Nattai. From exposed sandstone plateau tops to wild rainforests and sheltered gorges. Stroll among eucalyptus trees, along the Nattai River and through the majestic stands of the peppermint forest. In the northern end of the park, you’ll find communities of red bloodwood, Sydney blackbutt, red ironbank, scribbly gum, Sydney peppermint and smooth-barked apple trees.
Catch a glimpse of Australian wildlife
Wildlife and animal lovers will be thrilled with a variety of remote habitats for up to 9 species of frogs, 160 species of birds and 19 species of reptiles; not to mention Australia’s wallaroos, emus, swap wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, wombats, echidnas, forest micro bats and gliders. If you’re lucky enough, threatened species might be spotted like the bush-trailed rock wallabies, long-nosed potoroos, tiger quolls, powerful owls and glossy black cockatoos. On any visit to Nattai you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse and maybe even an Instagrammable moment of these gorgeous creatures in their natural setting.
Be immersed in Indigenous Australian heritage
The Nattai area offers visitors the opportunity to be immersed in Indigenous Australian heritage as the area is the traditional territory of the Dharawal and Gundangarra Aboriginal peoples. The Wollondilly and Burragorang valleys historically form a transition zone between the two. The land and waterways, and the plants and animals that live in them, feature in all facets of Aboriginal culture, including recreational, ceremonial, spiritual, and as a main source of food and medicine. They are closely associated with the dreaming stories and cultural learning that are still passed on to this day.
Explore on foot
For the adventurous hiker, Nattai is a wilderness paradise offering rugged walking experiences rarely found so close to major cities and towns. There are several long hikes that will suit well-equipped nature lovers. Choose between a number of routes, all of them featuring incredible scenery among the sandstone cliffs, rainforest and woodlands, including Couridjah Corridor walk, Mount Jellore, Starlight’s trail, or the Nattai River trail.
For trail information and directions visit NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services.
Leave the car behind
Vehicle access points to Nattai National Park are located at the Wollondilly Lookout (follow Wombeyan Caves Road from Mittagong heading west approx. 30km) and Wattle Ridge Road (turn off Wilson Drive Hill Top onto Coates Road then Wattle Ridge Road and follow for approx. 7km).
