Sydney creates major new national park

July 31, 2026

Western Sydney is set to welcome a major new protected area with the creation of Gulguer National Park, a vast conservation reserve designed to safeguard endangered wildlife, preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage, and provide more outdoor recreation opportunities for one of Australia's fastest-growing regions.

Located west of Bringelly, the new national park will span approximately 1,100 hectares, making it one of the largest protected natural areas in Western Sydney. The reserve will combine two existing conservation areas with around 700 hectares of newly acquired land, previously used for farming and rural residential development.

One of Western Sydney's largest national parks

Once officially established, Gulguer National Park will cover an area more than three times larger than Sydney's Centennial Parklands, offering residents significantly expanded access to nature while protecting valuable ecosystems from future urban expansion.

The project forms a key part of New South Wales' long-term environmental strategy, balancing rapid population growth with biodiversity conservation across the Cumberland Plain.

Safe haven for threatened australian wildlife

The new national park will provide critical habitat for at least 28 threatened native species, strengthening conservation efforts in Western Sydney. Among the protected wildlife are the powerful owl, Australia's largest nocturnal bird of prey, and the southern greater glider, a species facing increasing habitat loss.

The park also supports several rare and highly localized species, including unique native land snails found only within this region, highlighting the area's exceptional ecological value.

By securing these habitats under national park status, the land receives one of Australia's highest levels of environmental protection, ensuring native flora and fauna can thrive for generations.

Preserving aboriginal cultural heritage

Gulguer National Park is named after a Gundungurra word describing the swirling movement of water during high flows in the Nepean River, reflecting the area's deep cultural connection to Country.

The protected landscape contains numerous sites of Indigenous significance, including ancient rock art, sandstone shelters, axe-grinding grooves, cultural artefacts, and traditional gathering and trading locations. Conserving these places helps preserve thousands of years of Aboriginal history while respecting the cultural heritage of the Traditional Owners.

A landscape rich in history

Beyond its ecological importance, the park features dramatic sandstone gorges, the remains of a historic Girl Guides campsite, and remnants of the former Silverdale Hill Climb racing circuit, which attracted motorsport enthusiasts from the 1950s through the 1980s.

These historical landmarks add another dimension to the visitor experience while showcasing the region's diverse heritage.

Supporting sustainable growth in Western Sydney

The establishment of Gulguer National Park is part of the broader Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, which also includes the recently created Georges River Koala National Park (Warranmadhaa).

The conservation strategy is intended to balance environmental protection with the construction of approximately 73,000 new homes planned across Western Sydney over the coming decades. By preserving key natural landscapes while accommodating urban development, the initiative aims to create healthier, more sustainable communities.

Recreation opportunities for local communities

In addition to conservation, Gulguer National Park will provide new recreational facilities for residents and visitors. Plans include upgraded campgrounds, scenic walking trails, and cycling tracks, creating more opportunities for people to experience nature close to home.

Several visitor facilities are already in place, with the park expected to be fully accessible to the public within the next six months.

As Western Sydney's population continues to expand, Gulguer National Park will play an increasingly important role in protecting biodiversity, conserving Indigenous heritage, and delivering much-needed green space for future generations.