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We tend to think of national parks existing deep in regional NSW, or at least beyond the borders of the city. But there is, in fact, a national park that sits in between the urban centres of Marrickville, Mascot and Rockdale, and now the protected area is growing. The NSW Government has just expanded Wolli Creek Regional Park by another three hectares, bringing the total size of this precious urban sanctuary to 47.82 hectares.
Stretching like a “green ribbon” through the city’s south-west, Wolli Creek Regional Park is no ordinary patch of parkland. It’s the last major remnant of bushland in the inner south-west, threading between suburbs like Bexley North, Earlwood and Tempe – and offering something increasingly rare in a global city: a genuinely wild pocket of nature within arm’s reach of dense urban life.
The expansion is part of a broader effort to complete the park at its planned size, with land parcels sourced from Bayside Council, Canterbury-Bankstown City Council and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It’s a collaborative effort that underscores just how valuable this stretch of bushland has become – not just for locals, but for the city’s ecological future.
And it’s not just about adding more green space for weekend wanderers (though that’s certainly a perk). According to the NSW Government, the park plays a critical role as an ecological corridor, supporting more than 460 native plant and animal species. It’s also a vital habitat for migratory birds and resident wildlife, including the vulnerable grey-headed flying fox, whose numbers have declined in recent years despite occasional sightings across Sydney.
For visitors, the experience is set to become even more delightful. Works are nearly complete on upgraded walking tracks, new playground equipment, improved amenities and picnic areas – making it easier than ever to spend a full day here, whether you’re bushwalking, birdwatching or just getting away from the city grind. The expansion also comes alongside a major statewide investment, with $130 million allocated in the 2026 NSW Budget to upgrade infrastructure and accessibility across national parks.
As Sydney continues to grow and densify, spaces like Wolli Creek Regional Park are becoming increasingly vital – not just for biodiversity, but for the people who rely on them as a low-cost, everyday escape into nature. You can learn more about Wolli Creek regional park over here.
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