Popran National Park

Attraction
2 black cockatoos in a tree. Photo: Ken Stepnell © DPIE
Emerald Pool, Popran National Park. Photo: John Yurasek © DPIE
Waterfall down to Emerald Pool. Photo: John Yurasek © DPIE
Emerald Pool loop walking track, Popran National Park. Photo: John Yurasek © DPIE
Christmas bells along Emerald Pool loop in Popran National Park. Photo: John Yurasek © DPIE
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Park alerts

Popran National Park

2 current alerts · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 2:05 pm

  • Other planned eventsUntil 20 Oct 2026

    Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program from 12 September 2026 to 20 September 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.

    The program will take place in Watagans, Popran and Brisbane Water National Parks.

    The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

    Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

    Please contact the local Central Coast NPWS area office for more information on 02 4320 4200.

About

Take a step back in time and visit the incredible Popran National Park. From hiking to mountain biking, and horse riding to fishing, there's plenty to do in this iconic Australian setting.

Boasting 4km of Hawkesbury river foreshore, you can paddle through the mangroves, enjoy a spot of fishing and smell the coastal banksia. The park is steeped in Aboriginal heritage so you can't help but get in touch with the history of the land.

Popran National Park, on the Central Coast, is just an hour and a half north of Sydney, so it makes for an excellent daytrip or weekend getaway.

The park at a glance

Popran National Park on the NSW central coast protects Aboriginal sites and offers great walking, kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding and fishing.

Take a step back in time and visit the incredible Popran National Park. From hiking to mountain biking, and horse riding to fishing, there’s plenty to do in this iconic Australian setting.

Boasting 4km of Hawkesbury river foreshore, you can paddle through the mangroves, enjoy a spot of fishing and smell the coastal banksia. The park is steeped in Aboriginal heritage so you can’t help but get in touch with the history of the land.

Popran National Park, on the Central Coast, is just an hour and a half north of Sydney, so it makes for an excellent daytrip or weekend getaway.

Cycling trails
1
Horse trails
1
Lookouts
1
Picnic areas
1

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Best times to visit

Spring

Go walking along the Emerald Pool Loop to see fantastic wildflower displays.

Summer

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the edges of the southern section of the park by boat, canoe or kayak to discover hidden fishing spots.

Places to discover

Stay, explore and relax across the park.

3 places

Horse trails (1)

Walks in this park

2 walks

Plants and animals

5 species

Animals

  • Sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)
  • Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

Plants

  • Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
  • Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa)
  • Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)

Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Frequently asked questions

8 questions

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Before you go

Opening

Always open

Nearby towns

Peats Ridge (20 km) · Gosford (39 km) · Sydney City Centre (90 km)

Get in touch

Girrakool office

02 4320 4200npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au

59 Girrakool Rd, Somersby, NSW 2250

Monday to Friday, hours vary

Where you'll be

Glenworth Valley NSW 2250