Australia’s 10 most spectacular national park stays

Staying overnight in a national park isn’t necessarily a case of roughing it in a basic campsite. Some Aussie national parks offer something a little more spectacular to spend the night in.

Q Station

Where? Sydney, NSW.

Wake up to harbour views at Q Station.

On the North Head of Sydney Harbour, Q Station is an old quarantine station. The tours of the site are full of stories and occasional shuddering horror, but staying overnight casts a different spell.

There’s a variety of accommodation available, including the old officers’ cottages and doctors and nurses’ quarters, but the true joy comes in the morning, waking up to harbour views and bandicoots scuttling across the lawns.

More: Q Station.

Freycinet Lodge

Where? Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

There are three restaurants to choose from at Freycinet Lodge.

The only accommodation inside Freycinet National Park is primed for a romantic getaway, with Great Oyster Bay providing the bright blue foreground and the Hazards mountains acting as a backdrop. The coastal pavilions, in particular, have the cosy couple factor, with wood-panelled walls, decking overlooking the bay and outdoor bathtubs.

There are also three restaurants to choose from – all serving up fresh Tassie produce.

More: Freycinet Lodge.

Karijini Eco Retreat

Where? Karijini National Park, Western Australia

Karijini Eco Retreat offers the most stylish comfort for hundreds of stark Pilbara kilometres.Credit: Dan Avila

Unless you want to camp, the Karijini Eco Retreat is the only place to stay in the vast Karijini National Park. Sited in red dirt bushland at the edge of Joffre Gorge, there is a campground here, but the deluxe tents with king beds and solar-powered showers are more worthy of excitement.

It’s by no means a luxurious outback lodge, but the Karijini Eco Retreat’s trump card is offering the most stylish comfort for hundreds of stark Pilbara kilometres.

More: Karijini Eco Retreat.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Where: Great Sandy National Park, Queensland

Kingfisher Bay Resort truly embraces its setting on the world’s largest sand island. Credit: Kingfisher Bay Resort

On World Heritage-listed K’gari, the Kingfisher Bay Resort could get away with being a lovely resort with a good restaurant and big pool. But it truly embraces its setting on the world’s largest sand island. The on-site K’gari Discovery Centre explains the island’s remarkable ecosystems, but you can learn more on the ranger-guided walks and bush food tasting experiences.

More: Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Tidal River Cabins

Where: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria

The simple but well-equipped cabins at Tidal River.Credit: Visit Victoria

Designed for families, with a queen bed in one room and bunks in another, the Tidal River Cabins are simple but well-equipped. Unlike many other cabins, they don’t feel cramped – the living area is big and there are full kitchens.

It’s the outdoor deck that’s the real winner, though. Park yourself there with a glass of wine at dusk and wait for the wombats to come out to play.

More: Parks Victoria.

Binna Burra Lodge

Where? Woonoongoora – Lamington National Park, Queensland

Staggering and unhindered views from Binna Burra Lodge.Credit: TEQ

Amid the rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland, Binna Burra Lodge offers an array of accommodation choices, including tiny houses and safari tents. But the apartment-style Sky Lodges are the most impressive, with staggering and unhindered views out over the Numinbah and Coomera Valleys.

These are best enjoyed from the balconies, which come with their own barbecues, but there’s also a gas-powered fire inside for those colder nights.

More: Binna Burra Lodge.

Yellow Water Villas

Where? Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

These air-conditioned villas are on stilts to minimise environmental impact.

Kakadu’s underwhelming accommodation scene got a much-needed shot in the arm when the Yellow Water Villas opened earlier in 2023.

Next to the Yellow Water Billabong in the grounds of Cooinda Lodge, these air-conditioned villas are on stilts to minimise environmental impact, but come with day beds and big verandas. That veranda’s where you’ll find the barbecue and bathtub.

Sense of place comes from the interior decoration and artwork provided by local Cooinda artists.

More: Kakadu Tourism.

Nitmiluk Cabins

Where? Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

The Nitmiluk Cabins overlook the Katherine River before it enters Nitmiluk Gorge.Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

The cabins themselves are solidly decent rather than spectacular, but location is key here. The Nitmiluk Cabins overlook the Katherine River before it enters Nitmiluk Gorge. If you don’t want to shuttle in from Katherine, this is the spot.

The resort-style pool, shared with the neighbouring campground, helps. And the wallabies regularly seen hopping round the grounds ramp up the cute factor.

More: Nitmiluk Tours.

Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages

These historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages come with outrageously dramatic views of the ocean.

Where? Myall Lakes National Park, NSW.

Dating back to 1875, these historic lighthouse keeper’s cottages come with outrageously dramatic views of the ocean surging in at Seal Rocks. Come in spring and the wildflowers bloom over the surrounding grass. Come in summer and you can often see dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Recent refurbishment ensures that the three cottages look contemporary hotel standard, and the only downside is the thigh-sapping trudge back up the hill from the beach.

More: NSW National Parks.

Sal Salis

Where? Cape Range National Park, WA.

Sal Salis looks out over Ningaloo Reef.Credit: Journey Beyond

Looking out over the Ningaloo Reef, temptingly close for a snorkel, the accommodation at Sal Salis is in the form of posh ‘wilderness tents’ with native jarrah beds. The real appeal is in the experience, though, with all meals and drinks thrown in, plus kayaks, wetsuits and guided wilderness tours part of the all-inclusive package.

The reef views by day are the selling point but the clear night skies make for excellent stargazing, too.

More: Sal Salis.

The writer has been a guest of Tourism Australia and the state tourism boards.