GETTING out into the great outdoors will be easier this weekend as car entry costs are waived across national parks in NSW.
Everyone will be welcome to the 45 fee paying national parks on October 8 as part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service's 50th birthday celebrations.
To add to the fun, special events will be on at several parks, including the Illawarra's Royal National Park - the oldest in the state.
There will be free Discovery Ranger tours, the chance to learn about Aboriginal culture and local wildlife, music and dance performances as well as a free sausage sizzle.
A free shuttle bus will run to the Ironbark Flats event from Sutherland, Engadine and Loftus train stations and Bundeena.
Those who can't make it can head along to events at Roto House, Macquarie Nature Reserve in Port Macquarie, Byron Bay's Cape Byron Lighthouse, Morton National Park's Fitzoy Falls Visitor Centre, Kosciuszko National Park's Yarrangobilly Caves, the Hill End Historic Site in the central west and the Kinchega Woolshed and Shearers Quarters Complex in the state's far west.
"You don't have to be a professional bushwalker to enjoy the state's national parks," said state Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton.
"People can swim, whale watch or picnic - there's something for everyone.
"National parks aren't just incredibly beautiful, they are also home to many of our native plants and animals, including many threatened species."
The 50th anniversary celebrates five decades of conservation and is an opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers involved.
