The Public Service Association (PSA) says more rangers need to be hired to accommodate record-high number of visitors to NSW national parks.

The state government says 65.5 million visits to national parks were recorded in the 2024-25 financial year. Parks close to Sydney were particularly popular: with the Blue Mountains National Park (pictured), Royal National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park the three most visited.

The increasingly popularity of national parks with younger visitors is driving the increase in demand. The number of visitors aged 24 to 35 increased from 19 per cent of the total to 26 per cent.

“It is great news that more people are visiting our national parks,” said PSA President Nicole Jess. “The popularity of the three parks encircling Sydney shows how important these facilities are.

“It is vital the NSW Government hires more rangers to ensure the parks are well-maintained and visitors get the best possible experience.”