History
Second oldest national park in the world after Yellowstone — and the first to use the term "national park."
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
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The land of today’s Royal National Park has been home to Dharawal people for tens of thousands of years. Engravings, middens and living culture continue around Port Hacking and the coast — including places visitors may pass near Jibbon Head. Treat cultural sites with respect; follow NPWS guidance and stay on marked tracks.
Europeans reserved the area as public parkland in the late nineteenth century as Sydney’s population grew and reformers argued for open space. The park’s boundaries, names and management have shifted, but the core idea — public access to bush, river and ocean close to the city — remains.
Timeline
Key colonial and modern dates. Geography and living culture are covered on our About page.
Proclaimed — Australia's first national park — originally called simply National Park.
Land reforms — Sir John Robertson's reforms broke the squatters' monopoly on Crown land, paving the way for public reserves.
Queen's visit — Queen Elizabeth II passed through on a train from Wollongong during her Australian tour.
Renamed — Renamed Royal National Park to honour the 1954 royal visit.
Heritage listed — Added to the Australian National Heritage List.
Why the history matters for visitors
- Heritage listing and park rules protect fragile cliff grasslands, rainforest gullies and cultural sites.
- Coastal shacks and villages (Era, Bulgo, Bundeena) are part of the human story — private property and fire rules still apply.
- Official interpretation is best taken from NPWS visitor centres and signs, not social media alone.
Related guides
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions with NSW National Parks and BeachSafe before visiting.