Royal National ParkUnofficial Guide

History

Second oldest national park in the world after Yellowstone — and the first to use the term "national park."

Timeline

Key dates in the park's story. Full overview on our About page.

1879

Proclaimed — Australia's first national park — originally called simply National Park.

1861

Land reforms — Sir John Robertson's reforms broke the squatters' monopoly on Crown land, paving the way for public reserves.

1954

Queen's visit — Queen Elizabeth II passed through on a train from Wollongong during her Australian tour.

1955

Renamed — Renamed Royal National Park to honour the 1954 royal visit.

2006

Heritage listed — Added to the Australian National Heritage List.

Related guides

Unofficial guide — always verify conditions withNSW National ParksandBeachSafebefore visiting.