Discover the most gorgeous national parks across Australia with approximately 680, which far surpasses China’s around 225. Whether you choose to explore by air, sky or water, it is essential that these natural wonders are visited at some point. The following ten top-notch options are well worth travelling for.
Warrumbungle National Park, NSW
Stars and volcanoes
The Warrumbungle volcano’s eruption caused the formation of an astounding landscape characterized by expansive lava domes, dykes and spires that remain to date.
While a few lookout points reachable by car offer breathtaking skylines, tourists can best experience this remarkable view on foot through the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk.
The starry sky spectacle observable even without instruments is captivating while telescopes enhance its magnificence giving viewers unparalleled views which astrologer Donna leads during guided tours at your convenience!
Cape Range National Park, WA
Blue sea, red rock.
If you’ve tuned in to Tim Winton’s Ningaloo Nyinggulu, then chances are good that Cape Range National Park and the adjoining Ningaloo Marine Park have crossed your radar.
These remarkable sites make up a World Heritage region where burnt-orange limestone formations command stunning views of the aqua Indian Ocean.
A day trip with Ningaloo Safari provides a little sample: traverse through vast and rugged Charles Knife Canyon, cruise along Yardie Creek Gorge on animal-spotting missions (rock wallabies abound), take an epic snorkel dip into diamond waters at the revered reef of Ningaloo – just be sure not to miss swimming beside whale sharks from March till September!
Great Sandy National Park, Queensland
Sand central
The Great Sandy National Park can be likened to a vast area of sand stretching from Noosa to Rainbow Beach.
Spanning across both the Cooloola Recreation Area, which boasts the impressive 42km-long Cooloola Sand Mass and K’gari (previously known as Fraser Island), this park holds in store many extraordinary sights including enormous sand dunes engulfing entire forests, crystal clear perched lakes, towering rainforests and cliffs with hues ranging from caramel tones to creamy shades.
Visitors can enjoy highlights like the stunning Carlo Sand Blow, Lake McKenzie, Noosa River, or the scenic Cooloola Great Walk.
Kosciuszko NP, NSW
Roof of Australia
During winter, Thredbo and Perisher become a hotbed for snow enthusiasts who enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the pistes and back country.
Conversely, summertime sees hikers, fly-fishers, and mountain bikers dominating the area instead. A spectacular way to observe this alpine park is by taking the Main Range Walk which winds around like a crown atop of mountains showing off breathtaking views as well as leading you up to Mt Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest summit at 2228m above sea level.
This location caters for anyone seeking fresh crisp air with over forty kilometers worth of graded biking trails available whilst others may prefer horse riding adventures across High Plains or even just unwinding in nature next to one of its many riverside campsites offered here too!
Carnarvon National Park, Queensland
Outback time capsule
Over millions of years, Carnarvon Gorge has become the main attraction at this park with its towering sandstone walls that reach almost 200m in height.
Surprisingly, despite being located in the Outback region, it boasts an array of microclimates and abundant diversity such as fan palms reaching for the sky, hidden moss gardens waiting to be discovered; waterfalls cascading down from above; wild hibiscus adding a pop of colour amongst ancient cycads and ferns.
Alongside these wonders are historical engravings and ochre stencils by Bidjara and Karingbal peoples which only add further depth to this already incredible place.
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Blinding beaches
Wilsons Prom is a top contender for Australia’s best beach destination, offering many beautiful and secluded spots. Its white quartz beaches, like easily accessible Squeaky Beach and the more remote Waterloo Bay (which requires a four-hour hike but has camping), provide a range of options.
The wildlife at the Park is exceptional with wombats frequently spotted. Explore multiple trails on foot or set up camp while immersing yourself within this park boasting world-class natural beauty.
Naracoorte Caves NP, SA
Fantastic fossils
Naracoorte’s limestone caves are notable not only for their stalactites and stalagmites but also for containing Australia’s most extensive fossil record, preserving bones of ancient marsupials over 500,000 years.
At Wonambi Fossil Centre you can learn about this fascinating process or alternatively venture underground yourself for a more authentic experience.
For a fully immersive encounter with Victoria Caves’ Megafauna fossils there is no better option than the sublime audiovisual spectacle on offer too!
Murray-Sunset National Park, Victoria
Pink lakes
The largest national park in Victoria presents a picturesque opportunity for photographers. Located in the far northwest region of the state, it boasts Mallee forests, grasslands and sand dunes but its renowned feature are the Pink Lakes which offer an ethereal sight.
he lakes vary from deep pink hue to white depending on rainfall levels that encourage algae growth leading up plenty of birdlife sightings year-round; spring and summers witness wildflower bloom too adding more charm to already stunning vistas! Plus camping overnight offers unrivalled stargazing experience as well.
Litchfield National Park, NT
Wild waterfalls
While most tourists flock to Litchfield’s impressive attractions like Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole and the mesmerizing termite mounds, it’s important to remember that this park is much more extensive than its popular highlights.
To truly grasp its immensity of 1500 sq km, one can opt for a helicopter tour with Airborne Solutions. The journey commences from Darwin and encompasses the Finniss River Wetlands before ascending over various waterfalls such as Florence Falls. Upon arrival at secluded rock pools, visitors have the option to indulge in private swimming or take a short airboat ride across Sweets Lagoon- if they so desire!
This awe-inspiring expedition takes only three and half hours allowing travelers ample time to relish in every momentary location they visit.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania
Wild rivers, deep gorges
Covering almost 20% of Tasmania, the national parks are home to various sites. However, one particular park was fiercely protected – the Franklin River.
The best means to appreciate it is on watercraft and Tasmanian Expeditions’ nine-day rafting excursion through rugged gorges, rainforest terrains, including remarkable Rock Island Bend – well-known for featuring protestors opposing its development years ago- provides just that opportunity.
