There are more than 240 national parks in New South Wales (NSW), every park containing a hidden gem and each with its own unique beauty. This is about 4 times as many national parks and reserves as in the United Stares. NSW has the second most national parks in Australia as well, just after Queensland. One third of all national parks in Australia are in NSW.

National parks in New South Wales include some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the state, and they're often good places to go for different purposes, with hiking being the most common. Many parks are home to something unique, with a hidden beauty. There is a lot of geographic variety between the places: some parks might be considered a plain beauty by some, and "boring" by others.

Historic sites are also run by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife services, and all have something to showcase. Some of these might not have much, but they are historically significant to the state.

There are also four "Karst Reserves" as well, designed to protect the karst landscape. These are not national parks, but are managed by the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.

On top of all this, there are some "state conservation reserves" as well, and they may be more known or even more visited than some of their national cousins. Cape Byron State Conservation Area, for example, is a highlight for anyone coming to Byron Bay, and is much more visited than most other national parks.

A brown colour on the map means it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while a darker maroon colour means it's a historic site. Other colours on the map indicate the region.

It's worth noting that not all parks in the state are accessible or have facilities. Some like Barakee, Belford or Cataract National Parks are only there for conservation, not recreation. However, these parks will not be promoted on the ground.

Of the many parks in New South Wales, only 45 parks collect fees. A full list of which parks do so can be found on the NSW Parks website.

There are also NSW Parks passes, which provide unlimited access to many parks for a year, or two if you choose to get a 24-month pass. The passes also provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months (or 24 if you purchase a two-year pass) from date of purchase. The fees per vehicle (as at 2021) as follows:

• All Parks Pass – includes all parks in New South Wales, including Kosciuszko National Park ($195 for one year, $335 for two years)
• Multi Park Pass – includes all parks in New South Wales, excluding Kosciuszko National Park ($65 for one year, $115 for two years)
• Country Parks Pass – includes all parks in Country New South Wales, excluding Kosciuszko National Park ($45 for one year, $75 for two years)

There is also a fourth pass; the Single Park Pass, worth $22 for one year and $40 for two, mainly for if you're wanting to visit the same park again and again. It is not valid in Kosciuszko National Park.