A new visitation survey has revealed millions more people are heading to national parks across the North Coast, with numbers continuing to climb in recent years.
The latest data shows 6.81 million visits were recorded across North Coast parks in 2024–25, up from 6.19 million in 2022.
The figures come from the most recent National Parks visitation survey, which also found a record 65.6 million visits to parks across New South Wales over the same period.
Popular destinations including Coffs Coast Regional Park, Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Crowdy Bay, Arakoon and Bundjalung national parks each attracted more than half a million visitors.
The increase reflects a broader trend, with visitation to parks across the state rising by 24 per cent since 2022.
NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the region’s natural environment continued to draw strong interest from both locals and tourists.
“The North Coast is such a special part of the world, and it’s no surprise that so many people, both locals and visitors, are drawn to our incredible beaches and rainforests,” she said.
“Seeing 6.8 million visits to our local parks is a reflection of how much we value our natural backyard and how vital these spaces are for our regional economy.”
The NSW Government has invested more than $49 million into North Coast parks to support the growing demand and maintain key visitor sites.
Projects include the new Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk in the Tweed-Byron area, upgrades to Trial Bay and Point Plomer campgrounds, and planning for the redevelopment of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.
The improvements are part of a broader push to enhance nature-based tourism, with parks playing an increasingly important role in regional economies and outdoor recreation.
“It’s about protecting what we love so that our kids and grandkids can experience the same North Coast magic we do today,” Ms Saffin said.
The figures highlight the continued appeal of the North Coast’s mix of coastal reserves, hinterland rainforests and national parks, as well as the growing importance of outdoor tourism across the state.
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