NATIONAL PARKS IN AUSTRALIA
THE BEST PLACES IN AUSTRALIA TO SEE PRESERVED AREAS OF NATURAL BEAUTY.
Your town by town review of where to visit for spectacular views and fascinating wildlife within managed parks down under.
National Park in Adelaide
Adelaide , the capital of South Australia and southern gateway to the Red Centre, is a small elegant city in a park. Its Mediterranean climate encourages a relaxed and indulgent lifestyle. The Coorong National Park in Adelaide is famous among bird enthusiasts as it its wet areas are home to many rare migratory birds.
National Park in Albany
Albany has a dramatic granite coastline and is surrounded by magnificent scenery and pristine white beaches. With some of the most spectacular coastline and sheltered waterways in the world, the area is ideal for a relaxing coastal holiday. The Torndirrup National Park in Albany is home to the famous ‘The Gap’ rock formation – a break in the rock coastline which produces ocean spray, mist and a unique whistling noise.
National Park in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a large, bustling Outback town smack in the middle of the continent. It's the ideal spot from which to start an adventure into Australia ’s interior. Visit King's Canyon, the Jurassic Palm Valley and the jaw-dropping Uluru National Park .
National Park in Apollo Bay
In the areas around Apollo Bay and the lush rainforests of Otways National Park & the Otways State Forest, besides giant trees and huge ferns, the forests are alive with all manner of life: from carnivorous snails to kangaroos!
National Park in Arnhem Land
Explore the National Parks of this last true wilderness frontier: Barranyi only accessible by boat; unique flora & fauna at Caranbirini; Garig Gunak Barlu for a mosaic of varied coastal habitats and rich marine life; and isolated and wild Limmen Park .
National Park in Ayers Rock
Touring the Uluru-Katatjuta National Park brings you the mystical wonders and extraordinary colours of Uluru as well as the breathtaking 36 rock domes of the Katatjuta range. Further tours of the magnificent Kings Canyon are a must too.
National Park in Ballarat
The Federation Track (part of the Great Dividing Trail), Creswick Miner's Walk & the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail give walkers and cyclists the means to admire local flora & fauna, and learn more of this region's colourful gold mining history.
National Park in Barossa Valley
Famous wines, a feast of festivals, a lively heritage, the Barossa region has over 50 wineries ranging from some of Australia 's largest wineries to small winemakers. Most offer wine tasting and are open every day. The Para Wirra National Park is just 30 minutes away from the Barossa Valley .
National Park in the Blue Mountains
Under 2 hours' drive from Sydney lie the Blue Mountains , a World Heritage site, soaring above you. This is a natural wonderland of untamed bush and lush rainforest, spectacular rock formations and native wildlife, vast views and plummeting waterfalls.
National Park in Brisbane
Take the time to explore the forest backdrop of Brisbane and experience the bush only 20 minutes from the city. Brisbane Forest Park is 28 500 hectares of superb bushland comprised of national parks and state forests.
National Park in Broken Hill
Broken Hill is an island in a desert sea. Awash with artists, a visit to Sculpture Hill at sunset is a must. Here you can visit a ghost town, tour the mines, and arrange special access needed to explore Mutawintji National Parks and Menindee Lakes.
National Park in Broome
Relics of Broome's history are displayed in Bedford Park . 1000 reptiles, including various crocodile, exotic alligator & caimans can be observed at the Malcolm Douglas Broome Crocodile Park . Broome's Bird Observatory is superb & one of the world's best.
National Park in Bunbury
Bunbury is perfectly located for the annual whale watching season, between September and December, when Southern Right, Humpback and Pygmy Blue whales are moving along the Coast and into protected bays along the south west Western Australian coast.
National Park in Bundaberg
"Bundaberg is the most southernly access point to the splendours of the Great Barrier Reef . Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands , and Fitzroy Reef Lagoon are all within reach. Swim, dive, snorkel and enjoy the superb watersports on offer."
National Park in Byron Bay
From humble beginnings, Byron Bay has undergone many transitions. Now renowned for its surfing beaches, the surrounding rainforests and of course its relaxed, informal and alternative lifestyle that draws people from all over the world. The Broken Head Nature Reserve is just 4km south of Byron Bay, and is famous for whale watching and intimate beaches enclosed by rainforest.
National Park in Cable Beach
Cable Beach world renowned beach with twenty-two kilometres of pristine white sands by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that washes it clean daily. Its safe swimming and relaxation by day and dramatic sunsets at night attracts many visitors.
National Park in Cairns
Colourful Cairns offers shops, markets and fine dining. Located on Trinity Inlet, it flows with a relaxed hospitality not uncommon in Australia ’s tropics. Popular for visitors is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
National Park in Caloundra
Local National Parks include: bird filled Mooloolah River , Conondale rainforests, Glass House Mountains for spectacular vistas, Coochin Creek State Forest of pines, Booloumba Creek State Forest for magnificent gorges and rugged Gheerulla State Forest .
National Park in Canberra
The nation’s capital is home to many of Australia ’s most important public buildings, art works and institutions. It’s also a great place to enjoy a well-planned city with its parks, gardens and surrounds, not to mention its parkland & bushland.
National Park in Capital Territory
ACT's National Parks & nature reserves offer the spectacular Ginnindera Falls , walks in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to meet a whole host of wildlife while walks and more challenging treks can be had in the moutainous landscape of Namadgi National Park .
National Park in Coffs Harbour
Dorrigo National Park is one of Oz's most accessible rainforest areas with Skywalk, Walk with Birds & other areas for impressive viewing vantage points. Local Solitary Islands Marine Park has a huge diversity of marine life stretching north for 75kms.
National Park in Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy is where you can stay in a legendary underground hotel in Australia ’s unique ‘underground’ mining town. Opal hunters are still drawn to the town by the lure of wealth and the town also attracts many film crews due to its unusual landscape.
National Park in Coolum
Coolum National Park with its rugged Mt Coolum is to the township's south while Peregian Beach Environmental Park, to the north is a large reserve of coastal heathland with several walking trails leading through to the beach.
National Park in Cradle Mountain
The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Tasmania & is a recognised World Heritage area. Ideal for 'getting away from it all' the park boasts excellent bushwalks from simple to the more rigorous.
National Park in Daintree Rainforest
Sir David Attenborough has described the Daintree Rainforest as "a living museum". Cedars, ferns, moss and 'botanical dinosaurs' - primitive flowering plants little changed in more than 100 million years - form the world's oldest living rainforest.
National Park in Darwin
Kakadu is listed by World Heritage as being around the same size as Switzerland - take time to enjoy this beautiful wilderness. Litchfield is an easy day trip from Darwin and isn't complete without a cooling swim at Wangi Falls .
National Park in the East Coast
The exhilarating East Coast means everything from big city buzz to remote wilderness adventure. It is a region that offers incredible inland, coastal and offshore sports, theme parks, natural wonders, spectacular scenery and memorable holidays for all.
National Park in Esperance
The Esperance region contains several national parks, including the very popular Cape Le Grand National Park with its unbelievably beautiful beaches, islands, granite headlands, rugged coastal scenery and challenging coastal walks.
National Park in Fleurieu Peninsula
Plentiful birdlife & the flora & fauna of 20 or so national parks on the Peninsula give visitors plenty to delight in. The Coorong National Park is particularly famous for its migratory wading birds while whales can be spotted in coastal waters annually.
National Park in Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia – set in one of the most ancient landscapes on earth – has rugged mountain ranges, creeks lined with red river gums, hillsides covered with native pines and a seasonal abundance of wildflowers.
National Park in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers
The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park ranks among the most rugged and stunningly beautiful tracts of wilderness left untouched on earth. Unexplored fully until 1971 you can raft along the wild Franklin river or cruise the Gordon River by boat.
National Park on Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island (measuring 184,000 hectares) is the only place in the world where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes. Its Aboriginal name K'Gari means paradise and a visit will leave you feeling charmed and captivated. The Great Sandy National Park is in the top half of Fraser Island and is home to a variety of endangered wildlife such as the acid frog, the ground parrot, ant-blue butterfly, the beach stone-curlew and the false water-rat.
National Park in Fremantle
Fremantle, known locally as ‘Freo', is just 20 minutes drive from Perth city. Its a relaxed and laid-back place were you can kick back and enjoy just ‘being’. The more serious history of colonial power is remembered with museums and a visit to the jail. The nearby John Forrest National Park is just 25k from Perth , and is described as ‘a sanctuary for city dwellers.’
National Park in Geraldton
Greenough is 24kms south of Geraldton - a river estuary that includes deep water pools, protected nature trails and fishing while Greenough Hamlet gives insight into pioneering life and the sort of spirit that built this continent.
National Park in the Gold Coast
Follow the roads inland from the Gold Coast's beaches to lush, green tropical rainforests, mountain villages to explore, galleries and antique shops, and more hidden treasures that are part of the hinterland known locally as "the Green behind the Gold".
National Park in Goldfields
The Federation Track (part of the Great Dividing Trail), Creswick Miner's Walk & the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail give walkers and cyclists the means to admire local flora & fauna, and learn more of this region's colourful gold mining history.
National Park in Grampians
The Grampians National Park is an oasis of diversity, rising out of the undulating farmland of north-west Victoria . Its 167,000 acres hold around a third of Victoria 's plant species, and acts as a sanctuary for many species of marsupial and mammal.
National Park in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park spans more than 2000km with 2900 individual reefs down the Queensland coastline. This natural phenomenon is more than two million years old and is more than half the size of Texas with 2900 individual reefs.
National Park on the Great Ocean Rd
Popular spots to view wildlife & native bush include Serendip Sanctuary, Otway Ranges , Angahook-Lorne Park , The You Yangs, Brisbane Ranges , Melba Gully, Tower Hill Reserve and Lower Glenelg Park all reached with ease from the Great Ocean Road .
National Park in Halls Gap
Halls Gap is a mountain town in the Grampians with a village feel. The surrounding national park gives visitors the chance to revel in natural surroundings, go bushwalking, mountain climbing, bird watching, swimming or just plain relaxing.
National Park on Hamilton Island
The superb Whitsundays are scattered off the Queensland coast and include include Hamilton , Hayman and Daydream gently sprinkled with resorts. Hire a yacht and cruise or stretch out on sparkling Whitehaven Beach - voted one of the world's top 3 beaches.
National Park in Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay and its environs offer abundant and diverse bird watching opportunities with over 250 species identified. From late July to early November it is also famous as the playground of the majestic humpback whales on their return to the Antarctic. The nearby Woodgate National Park offers tourists the opportunity to walk along boardwalk over swampland.
National Park in Hobart
Tasmania is characterised by the fact that everything is 'near by' and it offers some of the world's best walks. Where ever you are in Tassie, national parks, wildlife, wineries, farmland, city buzz or beaches are not far away. Mount Field National Park in Hobart offers scenic bushwalks such as the Russell Falls path.
National Park in Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley conjures up images of lazy days fine wine-tasting at the cellar door, of romantic retreats, quality eateries and gorgeous farming country. Add to that a dolphin cruise, a World Heritage National Park and historic settlements.
National Park in Illawarra
Illawarra is home to the Royal National Park with varying terrain from surfing beaches on the eastern boundary to sandstone plateaus and on to sub tropical vegetation. Bunderoo is a rainforest National Park famous for ferns, huge trees and waterfalls.
National Park in Kakadu
Kakadu, situated 3 hours' drive east of Darwin , is a famed, World Heritage-listed National Park. Within it visitors will find a spectacular collection of woodlands, forests, escarpments, floodplains and waterways and an incredible array of wildlife.
National Park in Kalgoorlie
Some 600 kilometres east of Perth , the town of Kalgoorlie the town that put Western Australia on the map. When gold was discovered here in 1893, it triggered a boom that multiplied the state's population four times in the space of just ten years. Goongarrie National Park is north of Kalgoorlie and the best time to visit to see the fantastic flora and fauna at its best is the spring.
National Park on Kangaroo Island
One of the last unspoiled and unique wilderness wonders of the world, Kangaroo Island has pure air, clean water and is home to over 850 species of plants and native animals -wallabies, goannas, koalas, sea lions, fur seals it’s own species of kangaroo!
National Park in Kimberley
Visit the Bungle Bungles (but not jungle) in the Purnululu National Park . View these awesome 350 million year old rock formations by air or brave a 4WD journey. There's nothing on earth quite like them.
National Park in Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is the crowning feature of Watarrka Gorge National Park . Craggy rock and imposing cliff faces with gullies, pockets of vegetation and an oasis called the Garden of Eden. The Park is the spiritual home of the Aboriginal Lurijta People.
National Park in Launceston
Launceston and its river valley blend history, scenery, creativity, adventure, entertainment and the superb flavours of fine food and wine. An elegant city with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and
award-winning restaurants
National Park in Margaret River
The Margaret River region is a superb blend of good living and stunning nature just three and a half hours' drive south of Perth . Visitors be prepared to indulge in the gastronomic delights of worldclass wineries and gourmet vineyard restaurants.
National Park in Melbourne
Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia famous for style, major events and multicultural community. Fashion, food, entertainment sit alongside major sporting events such as The Australian Tennis Open, Oz's Formula One Grand Prix and The Melbourne Cup. The Dandenong Ranges National Park is in the Melbourne region, and plays an important part in the conservation of Australia ’s wildlife.
National Park in Merimbula
Situated on the unspoilt Sapphire Coast, halfway between Melbourne & Sydney, and less than 3 hours from Canberra, Merimbula is a cosmopolitan village with a friendly population an a huge and beautiful beach.
National Park in Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is located within the Shark Bay World Heritage area where clear waters give views of dugongs, manta rays, turtle, humpback whales and the famous dolphins. The bird and plant life here is rare & much of it is unique to the area.
National Park in Mount Gambier
Mt Gambier is flanked by great national parks on both sides of the SA & VIC borders: Discovery Bay Coastal Park for walks, Lower Glenelg for limestone cliffs, Piccaninnie Ponds for cave diving and 4WD, fishing & camping in Beachport, Little Dip & Coorong.
National Park in New England
There is excellent fishing in the dams, rivers and streams of the area and some NSW's most renowned National Parks and World Heritage areas lie within the region: Boonoo Boonoo, Bald Rock, Cunnawarra, Oxley Wild Rivers to name but a few of the 22 parks.
National Park in New South Wales
NSW teems with national parks, which in turn teem with Australia 's unique flora, wildlife, birds and marine creatures. From gum forests to rainforest to wetland, from mountains & gorges to plateaus & beaches, NSW is packed with natural wonders.
National Park in Ningaloo Reef
The Ningaloo Marine Park stretches over 5000 square kms of ocean with zoning for fishing, diving and sanctuary areas falling within the park's boundary to ensure preservation of this incredible, pristine environment.
National Park in Noosa Heads
Get to Noosa National Park to experience 'hot breath closeness' with koalas & other indigenous creatures. Or take a boat ride through Noosa's Everglades to marvel at the diversity of the birdlife there. Fraser Island & Cooloola also demand exploration!
National Park in Northern Territory
The Northern Territory - land of the crocs and the beating red heart of Australia . It is steeped in Aboriginal culture with many sacred sites - Ayers Rock, the Olgas and Uluru National Park . Nature, dreamtime and pioneer history - an Australian experience not to be missed!
National Park on Orpheus Island
Orpheus Island National Park is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef island: superb coral & marine life, sandy beaches, peaceful walking tracks, rainforests, wonderful flora & fauna, and sheer luxury in the services and accommodation on offer.
National Park in Perth
A sophisticated, scenic city, there is plenty to do in Western Australia ’s capital. Cool down with Swan River water sports, eat out in it many restaurants, sip a glass of local wine, laze on the beach or explore the bushland in central Kings Park . The Yanchep National Park is 50km north of Perth , and is home to a freshwater lake, koalas, and limestone caves to explore.
National Park on Philip Island
Phillip Island Nature Park is renowned as home to one of Australia 's most popular wildlife attractions, the Fairy Penguin Parade. A 90 minute scenic drive from Melbourne , Phillip Island Nature Park covers 2,750 hectares of the Island
National Park in Pilbara
Wander the ancient riverbeds of Karijini National Park with its sheer rock walls, crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. Visit Millstream's desert oasis & Rudall River 's prehistoric landscape. Or swim the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef.
National Park in Pinnacles
Strange formations in the form of thousands of huge limestone pillars rising from the shifting yellow sands are the world-famous Pinnacles. It is located in the Red Desert area of Nambung National Park , some 245 kilometres north of Perth .
National Park in Port Arthur
Port Arthur is now under historic site management to ensure its preservation and maintaining one of Australia 's premier heritage sites and major tourist destinations.
National Park in Port Douglas
Explore Daintree and Cape Tribulation on walking trails, bike or 4wd, while the superb coast offers the yachting, diving, snorkeling, fishing and a myriad of other water sports in the pristine Coral Sea coastline.
National Park in Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is on the Eyres Peninsula and is bordered by the north Eyres High Way , Coffin Bay National Park , and Lincoln National Park . Both parks provide bird-watching and bush-walks and bush camping is also possible.
National Park in Queenscliff
Popular spots to view wildlife & native bush include Serendip Sanctuary, Otway Ranges , Angahook-Lorne Park , The You Yangs, Brisbane Ranges , Melba Gully, Tower Hill Reserve and Lower Glenelg Park all reached with ease from the Great Ocean Road .
National Park in Queensland
The holiday state of Queensland , renowned for fabulous weather, has Brisbane and Cairns with Surfers Paradise, the Great Barrier Reef , magnificent islands, golden beaches, rainforests and National Parks in between. The Brisbane Forest Park boasts natural features such as Mt. Coot-tha, Belbird Grove and Ironbank Gully.
National Park in the Red Centre
The stunning Uluru-KataTjuta National Park, beautiful Standley Chasm, Simpson Gap, Ormiston Gorge and MacDonnell Ranges, the historical town of Tennant Creek and beyond it, the Devil's Marbles, all make the extraordinary Red Centre a unique destination.
National Park in Scarborough
Scarborough Beach is located 14 kilometres north west of the centre of Perth in Western Australia . The beach takes centre stage is ideal for surfing, swimming, body-boarding, windsurfing and kite surfing. It’s a real seaside town with all the facilities.
National Park in the Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains is where serene wilderness and great adventure meet. In the winter trek, climb and ski while in the summer you can horse ride, cycle, fish and hike to your heart's content in Australia 's highest National Park: Kosciuszko.
National Park in Sorrento
Mornington Peninsula National Park 's diverse coastal environments range from basalt cliffs to native bushland to Gunnamatta's booming surf. Swimming & surfing, nature walks, ocean views, picnics and tours can all be enjoyed here.
National Park in South Australia
The Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia – set in one of the most ancient landscapes on earth – has rugged mountain ranges, creeks lined with red river gums, hillsides covered with native pines and a seasonal abundance of wildflowers.
National Park in Strahan
Strahan is the gateway to Tasmania ’s World Heritage Area, the world's last great temperate wilderness made up of the Southwest National Park , Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and Cradle Mountain-St Clair National Park .
National Park on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast 's most notable national parks include Mapleton Falls ' rainforest and wet eucalypt ecosystem, the Kondalilla Park with its gushing falls & crystal pools and the Glass House Mountains , dominating the Sunshine Coast 's hinterland.
National Park in Sydney
Sydney Harbour is magnificent from the landmark Harbour Bridge and Opera House to the beautiful Sydney Harbour National park which includes the harbour's island and foreshore. The options for walking, eating and relaxing are endless.
National Park in Tasmania
More than a third of Tasmania is national parks & reserves. The Tasmanian World Heritage Area, the world's last great temperate wilderness, is made up of the Southwest, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers & Cradle Mountain-St Clair National Parks.
National Park in The Outback
The Outback is filled with National Parks and reserves protecting the wilderness areas of the Outback, those of historic interest and sites sacred to the Aboriginal people. Regular guided tours are available while self-guiding is possible in some areas.
National Park on Tiwi Island
The Tiwi Islands , just north of Darwin Australia are home to a unique indigenous culture, with its own distinct traditions and beliefs. Tours from Darwin allow visitors to experience the Tiwi heritage and cultural traditions.
National Park in Top End
The Top End holds over 20 national parks. There’s Kakadu, Litchfield, Gregory, Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk with stunning flora, fauna and varied environments. Arnhem Land is one of the last true wilderness frontiers for unique adventures & discoveries.
National Park in Townsville
Townsville, 1,359 kilometres north of Brisbane , packs heaps of experiences into one buzzing, sun-bathed city. Part of the 'dry tropics,' the city offers a lively nightlife and the pleasures of beaches, access to the Great Barrier Reef and islands. The Bowling Green Bay National Park is situated between Townsville and Bowen, and is home to eucalyptus trees, Brush tail possums and rat kangaroos.
National Park in Victoria
VIC's National Parks include: Bunyip's diverse flora & fauna, Warrandyte for canoeing, walking & cycling, Cathedral Ranges for trekking, Kinglake's huge eucalypt forest, Yarra Ranges ' beautiful bushwalks & the lush fern filled gullies of the Dandenongs.
National Park on the West Coast
Famous for its long days of sunshine, clearest blue skies, brilliant beaches and huge variety of landscapes and climates, Western Australia is the perfect year-round destination. Visitors can be assured of sun, easy living and awesome natural environment.
National Park in Western Australia
Famous for its long days of sunshine, clearest blue skies, brilliant beaches and huge variety of landscapes and climates, Western Australia is the perfect year-round destination. Visitors can be assured of sun, easy living and awesome natural environment.
National Park on the Whitsunday islands
"The Whitsundays at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most spectacular aquatic playgrounds. It encompasses over 100 tropical islands rising from pristine turquoise water which merge with clear blue skies and a vibrant coastline."
National Park in Wilpena Pound
The Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia – set in one of the most ancient landscapes on earth – has rugged mountain ranges, creeks lined with red river gums, hillsides covered with native pines and a seasonal abundance of wildflowers.
National Park in Yarra Valley
Local National Parks include: Kinglake with dramatic views of Melbourne ; Maroondah Reservoir with plentiful wildlife & colourful gardens; Sugarloaf Reservoir for fishing & sailing; & the rainforest and fern gullies of the Yarra Ranges .
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