Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said she wasn’t surprised the Royal National Park (RNP) was one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations in 2022.

Figures released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service showed 5.05 million people flocked to the world’s second oldest national park last year.

High on the list of sites to visit in the RNP included: the townships of Bundeena and Maianbar; Wattamolla Beach and Burning Palms Beach; the Wedding Cake Rock Trail; Figure Eight Pools; and the Coast Track.

The only national park that recorded more visitors was the Blue Mountains National Park.

The RNP was established in 1879 and covers an area more than 15,000 hectares.

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote:

“Given how picturesque the Royal National Park is, it is little wonder more than 5 million people decided to visit the area last year.

“The vast array of native flora and fauna, and the pristine coastline, make the Royal National Park one of the state’s most attractive tourist destinations.

“I hope the 5.05 million visitor mark will be eclipsed this year.”