Australia’s oldest national park has expanded after unformed road reserves near Bundeena were formally added to the park. This five-hectare addition protects intact vegetation comprising forested wetland, heathland, and dry sclerophyll forest.

The additions mean Royal National Park now protects 15,094 hectares of land.

Royal National Park, which also boasts being the second oldest national park in the world behind Yellowstone in the United States, protects a range of significant conservation values involving cultural and natural heritage.

It features many different ecosystems and provides important habitat for many threatened species. 

Situated on Sydney’s doorstep, the park provides plenty of opportunities for recreation including for picnics and barbecues, fishing, bushwalking birdwatching, and whale watching. 

Bundeena Progress Association has been advocating for the addition of this land to the national park to ensure the bushland is protected and it is secured from any future development. Sutherland Shire Council agreed to the road reserves being incorporated into the national park.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) implements an ongoing program of land acquisition to reserve land. The NSW national park estate now covers over 7.634 million hectares or 9.52% of the state. 

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote:

“The Royal National Park is an NSW icon and every piece we add to it is a contribution for future generations.”

“I have always been a strong advocate for the protection of the Royal National Park, in 2017 successfully campaigning against the Liberal-National Government’s proposal to have a motorway tear through it. This five-hectare addition sends a strong message that the Minns Labor Government and I are committed to preserving the state’s natural environment.”

“I congratulate the Bundeena Progress Association for their representations and commitment to work with my office to secure these parcels for the national park estate.”