National park · Australia
Georges River National Park
Go for a half-day, not a full one: drive to the Ridge Walking Track or Yeramba Lagoon on Henry Lawson Drive, walk 1–2 hours, and swim at Revesby Beach only in the shallows; skip it if you want a full day of hiking.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
5 km²2 sq mi
approximate
Established
1992
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 5 km²2 sq mi
- Small, fragmented park along the Georges River in Sydney's south-west; establishment year and boundary figures unconfirmed (check).
- Established
- 1992
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Sydney
Georges River National Park is a small, fragmented strip of bushland and river frontage in Sydney's south-west, about 20 km from the CBD, established in 1992 and managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is not a destination park: there is no entry fee, no campsite, no shop and no visitor centre, and the whole visit is two short walks — the 3.2 km Ridge Walking Track over sandstone above the river and the 1.8 km Yeramba Lagoon loop through freshwater wetland — plus a shallow swim at Revesby Beach. Henry Lawson Drive is the only road with park access; Alfords Point Road crosses the park but has no exits. The deep river channel carries boats and bull sharks, so swimming stays in the shallows. Treat it as a half-day from Bankstown, Revesby or the Sutherland Shire, and skip it after heavy rain when the tracks turn slick and the river runs brown.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1992.
Size and age
5 km²2 sq mi · national park since 1992
Small, fragmented park along the Georges River in Sydney's south-west; establishment year and boundary figures unconfirmed (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Sydney.
Why go
- The closest national park to much of south-west Sydney: 30–40 minutes from Bankstown or Sutherland by car.
- Two short, well-signed walks — the Ridge Walking Track and the Yeramba Lagoon loop — that fit into a morning.
- Yeramba Lagoon is a freshwater wetland where around 100 bird species have been recorded.
- Revesby Beach is a calm, shallow river beach for a quick swim on a hot day.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanHot; swim early, walk before 10:00Hot; swim early, walk before 10:00 AM
- FebHot and humid; afternoon storms
- MarWarm, calmer, fewer people
- AprMild and dry; best walking
- MayCool, clear, quiet
- JunCool and often dry; short days
- JulCold mornings; good light
- AugCool, windy on the river
- SepMild; birds active at the lagoon
- OctWarm, dry, wildflowers
- NovWarm; weekend picnics fill up
- DecHot and busy; storms
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterbirds and bush birds at Yeramba Lagoon (around 100 species recorded)All year · Up to about 15 species visible at once; best in the first hours after sunrise. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Bull sharks in the deep river channelAll year · A year-round risk in deep water; swim only in the shallows at Revesby Beach. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Snakes on warm rock and grassOct–Mar · Watch where you step and sit. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Sydney CBD
Train to Padstow or Revesby, then a taxi or rideshare to the Henry Lawson Drive entrance; driving is far easier (check).
1–1.5 h by public transport (check)
Open the page →
From Bankstown or Liverpool
Drive via Henry Lawson Drive; the only road with park access (check).
25–40 min (check)
From Sutherland Shire
Drive via Alfords Point Road, which crosses the park but has no park exits, then join Henry Lawson Drive (check).
30–45 min (check)
From Sydney airport
Rideshare or taxi via the M5 and Henry Lawson Drive (check).
30–40 min (check)
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Revesby Beach and picnic area | River beach, lawns, barbecues and the main car park. | Open; metered parking (check). |
| Ridge Walking Track | A 3.2 km return walk over sandstone outcrops above the river.A 2 mi return walk over sandstone outcrops above the river. | Open on foot; no booking. |
| Yeramba Lagoon | Freshwater wetland and birdwatching loop, 1.8 km.Freshwater wetland and birdwatching loop, 1.1 mi. | Open on foot; boardwalk sections (check). |
| River channel | Deep water used by boats; bull sharks are present. | Swim in the shallows only; no swimming in the channel. |
Sketch map
- 1Revesby Beach picnic area · Beach≈-33.977, 151.023Approximate.Map ↗
- 2Ridge Walking Track trailhead · Trail≈-33.979, 151.027Approximate.Map ↗
- 3Yeramba Lagoon · Trail≈-33.989, 151.040Approximate.Map ↗
- 4Henry Lawson Drive entrance · Gate≈-33.974, 151.018Approximate.Map ↗
- 5Alfords Point Road crossing · Gate≈-33.993, 151.028Approximate; no park exits.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | vehicle | No entry fee for this park (check). |
| Parking at Revesby Beach and picnic areas | AUD 0–8 | hour | Some bays may be metered; charge and locations unconfirmed (check). 2026 estimate. |
| NSW national parks annual pass (all parks pass) | AUD 65–190 | year | 2026 estimate; only worth it if you also visit fee-charging parks such as Ku-ring-gai Chase (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Parking permit or guide
Events and organised groups permit or guide
Park rules
- No shops or drinking water
- Bring your own water, food and sunscreen; there is nothing to buy in the park.
- No camping
- There are no campsites; sleep in the surrounding suburbs.
- Dogs
- Not allowed in the park; leave them at home (check).
- Fires and barbecues
- Use only the provided electric or gas barbecues; no open fires, and check total fire bans in summer (check).
- Swimming
- Shallows only at Revesby Beach; do not swim in the deep channel (check).
Where to stay
Near the park
Revesby, Padstow and Bankstown
Motels and serviced apartments 10–20 min from the park; the practical base.
Near the park
Sutherland Shire
Hotels and apartments south of the river, 25–35 min away.
Near the park
Sydney CBD
Full range of hotels, but 45–60 min each way by car.
Safety
Bull sharks in the deep river channel medium
Heat on summer walks medium
Slippery sandstone after rain medium
Snakes in warm months low
Accessibility
- The Revesby Beach picnic area, car park and toilets are reachable by car with short, mostly level paths (check).
- The Ridge Walking Track and Yeramba Lagoon loop include uneven sandstone and steps; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Visiting lightly
- Take all rubbish home; bins are limited and the river catches litter.
- Keep to marked tracks to protect the lagoon wetland and its birdlife.
- Do not feed birds or wildlife at the picnic areas.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Georges River National Park?
Nothing. There is no entry fee for this park. You may pay A$4–8 an hour (2026 estimate) for metered parking at Revesby Beach and the picnic areas, and nothing at all if you park in a free marked bay.
What are the best hikes in Georges River National Park?
Two short ones. The Ridge Walking Track is 3.2 km return over sandstone outcrops above the river, taking 30–60 minutes. The Yeramba Lagoon Loop is 1.8 km through freshwater wetland, also 30–60 minutes, and is the better choice for birdwatching.
When is the best time to visit Georges River National Park?
March to May and September to November: mild, mostly dry and quiet. Summer (December–February) is hot and busy, so walk before 10:00 and swim in the shallows. Winter is cool but fine for walking.
Can you swim at Georges River National Park?
Yes, but only in the shallows at Revesby Beach. The deep channel carries boat traffic and bull sharks are recorded in the river, so stay near the edge and keep children close.
Is there anywhere to eat or stay in the park?
No. There are no shops, cafes or campsites. Bring food and water, use the picnic barbecues, and sleep in Revesby, Padstow, Bankstown or the Sutherland Shire.
How do I get to Georges River National Park without a car?
It is awkward. Take a train to Padstow or Revesby and then a taxi or rideshare to the Henry Lawson Drive entrance; the park itself has no train station and the walks start from the car parks.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go