The first phase of a new visitor focused website and the Naturescapes Collection iPad app are two recent initiatives that mark a significant shift in the way NPWS communicates and engages with national parks visitors.

Delivering on major Government commitments, and based on extensive customer research, the new initiatives give visitors the information they want in the way they want it.

Our new national parks website showcases 72 of our most popular parks, along with a host of activities, attractions and accommodation. Around another 102 parks and numerous things to see and do will be added by Christmas while we'll also be adding a wider range of accommodation options to our new online booking system.

The Naturescapes Collection app supports the new website and profiles some of our most stunning accommodation options in and around our national parks. It includes inspirational videos and images and allows visitors to book their next stay instantly.

As part of the launch of phase one of our new-look website is the first official NPWS Facebook profile which aims to both inspire visitors to plan their next national parks visit, as well as offer a new service delivery channel for any customer enquires regarding their visit to a national park.

Serviced by our Customer Experience Team seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, the new page brings customer service to a social space whilst presenting NPWS with exciting opportunities to engage with the community.

We encourage tour operators to check out the page and to join in the conversation.

Richard Louv is the author of eight books, including Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle. He also coined the term 'nature-deficit disorder' to describe the disturbing disconnect between people, particularly children, and nature. These concepts have led to the development of WilderQuest, the new children’s program for NPWS.

This August NPWS is hosting two very special events with Richard as the featured keynote speaker. He will present at the Nature Education Symposium, where he will be accompanied by experts in nature education to talk about the importance of nature in children's development, and the role that technology can play in nature education. While in Sydney, Richard will also be speaking at a special public evening event at the State Library.

To reserve your spot or to find out more about these events visit our website.

The Bournda Environmental Education Centre, Eden Aboriginal Elders and Far South Coast Region of the NPWS recently held a three-day workshop to recognise NAIDOC 2012.  The successful partnership hosted some 530 students from 10 schools in the Bega Valley area.

Over the three days, activities included Aboriginal tools and weapons workshops, bush tucker experiences, boomerang throwing, and Aboriginal dance lessons.

The schools involved provided very strong positive feedback in their evaluation of the event and pointed out some details that can be used to fine tune the event in future years. For more information about how your school can work with NPWS, please contact your local NPWS office.

The Green Gully Track, a four day walk in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, has won the New Tourism Development category at the CountryLink Inland Tourism Awards in Mudgee.

In the first 12 months, some 360 people have walked the track that uses huts that were built by hand by the O’Keefe, Youdale and Colwell families from Yarrowitch.

This was the first time NPWS Walcha has applied for the Inland Tourism Awards, and on the night field officers Jason Newman and Shane Britten represented all the field officers who worked hard for nearly two years to get the project up and running.

8 Aug	An evening with Richard Louv
9 Aug	Nature Education Symposium
9 Aug	International Day of the World's Indigenous People
11-19 Aug	Science Week
18-19 Aug	International Lighthouse Weekend
20 Aug	Keep Australia Beautiful
3 Sep	NSW Government's Green Globe Awards
3-5 Sep	National Landcare Awards
17 Sep	World Parks Day