22 of the most extraordinary national parks in Australia to explore
Australia has more national parks than any other country in the world. Whether you hit the trail, take flight or head out on the water, these are the best national parks in Australia to start your explorations.
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We love our national parks. They’re a haven not only for flora, fauna, natural landscapes and sites of cultural significance, but for us humans too.
In parks, we get to enjoy life’s simple pleasures: inhaling tree scents on a forest walk, spotting wildlife, carefree camping on a beach, or simply soaking up an epic mountain view.
Parks fill our metaphorical cups in ways few other travels can, and they’re often easier on the pocket too.
With more than 600 across the country, it’s hard to choose, but here’s a start.
1. Undara Volcanic National Park, Qld
When rivers of molten lava flowed from an eruption near Cairns 190,000 years ago, the cooling crust created one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world and a haven for birds, bats and other animals. Discovery Resorts Undara runs guided tours of the tubes and surrounding savannah and rainforest – don’t miss the Wildlife at Sunset Tour to see thousands of microbats leaving the caves – and offer camping, glamping and comfy rooms in converted railway carriages.
2. Barmah National Park, Victoria
Set on the Murray River and encompassing part of the largest river red gum forest in the world, this park is a magnet for birds – around 200 species – and other wildlife. Relax at a few dozen riverside bush camps (some boat-access only), fish for Murray cod, golden perch and yabbies, walk, cycle or explore by canoe. A 90-minute cruise with Kingfisher Cruises explores the Murray and Barmah Lake from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta people.
3. Southwest Wilderness National Park, Tasmania
Tassie’s largest national park is also its most remote. Think rugged mountain ranges, green forests, buttongrass plains, and the vast expanses of lakes Pedder and Gordon. Serious hikers gravitate here, though there are easier walks too, plus beachside camping at Cockle Creek. For a full immersion, fly to the remote west coast with Par Avion for a glamping experience that lets you embrace the wild in comfort.
4. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA
It’s probably South Australia’s most cherished park, and for good reason. Marked by ancient and rocky mountain ranges snaking across arid outback, its highlights include Wilpena Pound (a 17km-long oval amphitheatre surrounded by serrated peaks), Adnyamathanha rock art and fossil-filled gorges. Explore over a dozen walking trails, scenic flights, 4WD routes, and geological and cultural tours. Or just hang out (there’s camping, glamping and hotels rooms) and soak up the serenity.
5. Mount Buffalo National Park, Victoria
This granite mountain topped by a huge open plateau is riddled with over 20 walking trails, from easy lakeside rambles to rock scrambling between cracks and tors. There are several impressive waterfalls, plus truly epic views at The Gorge where rock walls plunge 300 metres. In winter it’s a wonderland for tobogganers and snowball-makers. See Mount Buffalo Ski School for snowshoe and cross-country ski tours.
6. Lamington National Park, Qld
In the Gold Coast Hinterland is a World Heritage area renowned for its remnant Gondwana rainforest containing gnarled Antarctic beech trees. It’s truly spectacular terrain, with super-sized mossy forest riddled with waterfalls and over 20 walking trails. The historic O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is in the thick of it, with views over the McPherson Range and accommodation from camping to spa villas. It’s a stone’s throw from trailheads plus there’s a comprehensive activities program including e-biking, star gazing, a birds of prey show and more.
7. Stirling Range National Park, WA
Southern WA’s only major mountain range occasionally gets a dusting of snow but it’s awe-inspiring year-round. Sixty-five kilometres of rippling peaks are punctuated with sheer cliffs, spanning mallee-heath and woodland to cloud-drenched heights up 1059m. It’s a region designated one of the world’s top 35 biodiversity hotspots, with around 1500 species of flowering plants – over 80 found only here – including orchids, and abundant birdlife. Hike independently or do a wildflower tour with Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park. October-December is peak flower season.
8. Purnululu National Park, WA
The Kimberley’s Bungle Bungle Range is World Heritage classified for its beehive-shaped sandstone domes, banded black and orange and shaped by millions of years of erosion. Walking among the 250m-high domes and seeing them from above are a must, and both are included on day and overnight tours from Kununurra. Self-drive visitors will need a high-clearance 4WD.
9. Nitmiluk National Park, NT
Into the sandstone plateau of the Arnhem Land Escarpment, the Katherine River has carved the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge system, a major feature of this park. Comprising 13 gorges with towering orange cliffs, it can be explored multiple ways, from sunset cruises to day/multi-day canoe camping trips. The park also contains abundant Jawoyn rock art, Leliyn (Edith Falls) and numerous walking trails, from short ambles to the six-day Jatbula Trail.
10. Yuraygir National Park, NSW
On the North Coast of NSW is the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the state, encompassing rocky headlands, cliffs, forest, wetlands and remote beaches ideal for camping. Come for fishing, surfing, hiking and general chillaxing. Whales cruise past May-September. For the energetic, the 65km Yuraygir Coastal Walk will showcase the full gamut of scenery.
11. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, NSW
It’s an oldie (Australia’s third oldest national park) and a goodie, situated on Sydney’s northern fringe, where the Hawkesbury River meets the sea. This is a landscape of sandstone cliffs, plateaus and over 800 documented Garigal people’s sites, and YHA Pittwater Eco offers a unique way to experience it. Accessible only by boat or a one-hour hike, the YHA offers a tranquil base from which to enjoy walks, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
12. Coorong National Park, SA
You might know it from the Storm Boy movies(1976 and 2019). It’s where the Murray River meets the Southern Ocean and a 140km-long lagoon runs parallel to the sea, separated by sand dunes. It includes Ramsar-listed wetlands – hugely important for over 230 migratory birds – plus it’s great for beach camping and fishing. You’ll likely see emus, pelicans, seals and heaps more wildlife. Having a boat will really open up your options or head out with Coorong Wildside Tours. Note, the SA coast has been affected by an algal bloom so check website for updates.
13. Warrumbungle National Park, NSW
When Warrumbungle volcano erupted 17 million years ago it left a dramatic landscape of giant lava domes, dykes and spires. A few car-accessible lookouts offer impressive skylines but the best way to see it is on the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk. If formations such as the Breadknife’s 90m-high fin of rock or Crater Bluff’s massive trachyte plug weren’t enough, this place is also a Dark Sky Park (neighbouring Coonabarabran is the astronomy capital of Australia). Stargazing with the naked eye is amazing, and mind-blowing with telescopes. Try a guided tour with Donna the Astronomer.
14. Cape Range National Park, WA
If you watched Tim Winton’s TV series Ningaloo Nyinggulu you’ll know something of Cape Range National Park, and Ningaloo Marine Park abutting it, both part of a World Heritage area where burnt-orange limestone ranges contrast strikingly against an aqua Indian Ocean. A day tour with Ningaloo Safari will give you a taste, exploring the vast and rugged Charles Knife Canyon, cruise up Yardie Creek Gorge in search of rock wallabies and other wildlife, and snorkel in the diamond waters of Ningaloo Reef. If you’re there March to September, swimming with whale sharks is a must.
15. Great Sandy National Park, Queensland
Like a giant bucket of sand tipped over the coast between Noosa and Rainbow Beach, Great Sandy National Park is spread across the Cooloola Recreation Area (home to the 42km-long Cooloola Sand Mass) and K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. It’s packed with unique features such as giant sand blows swallowing forests whole, pristine perched lakes, towering rainforest, and sand cliffs coloured toffee to cream. Roam the surreal Carlo Sand Blow, swim in gin-clear Lake McKenzie, paddle the serene Noosa River, or head out on the five-day Cooloola Great Walk.
16. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
In winter it’s the playground of skiers and snowboarders zigzagging the pistes and back country of Thredbo and Perisher; in summer, hikers, fly-fishers and mountain bikers take over. Get an overview (literally) of this alpine park from the Main Range Walk which loops atop the mountains like a crown, presenting stunning panoramas and the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest at 2228m. If you’re into crisp clean air, 40km-plus of graded mountain bike trails, horse riding on the High Plains or just a lazy camp by the river, this is for you.
17. Carnarvon National Park, Queensland
Carnarvon Gorge is the star attraction at this park and it has been 200 million years in the making. Sheer 200m-high sandstone walls contain microclimates and more diversity than you’d imagine possible in the middle of the Outback: towering fan palms, hidden moss gardens, waterfalls, wild hibiscus, ancient cycads and ferns, and engravings and ochre stencils by the Bidjara and Karingbal peoples. It’s best discovered on a 20km return walk up the base of the gorge, alongside the creek that carved it (or just walk up as far as you like).
18. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
The title of Australia’s best beach is regularly tussled over but Wilsons Prom has more than its fair share of contenders, and if you’re prepared to walk, you might just get one all to yourself. It’s the white quartz in the Prom’s granite that is behind many of its blindingly white beaches, from the easily accessible Squeaky Beach to the more remote Waterloo Bay (it’s a four-hour walk in but you can camp overnight). The Prom is a haven for wildlife – wombats are pretty common. Walk dozens of trails, camp and revel in a park that flaunts world-class beauty.
19. Naracoorte Caves National Park, SA
Limestone caves are largely lauded for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites but the ones at Naracoorte also lay claim to having produced Australia’s most complete fossil record. Over 500,000 years and several ice ages, the caves have acted as pitfall traps, collecting animals and allowing palaeontologists to reconstruct skeletons of marsupial megafauna such as the marsupial lion, kangaroo and wombat. Wonambi Fossil Centre explains all, or head below ground to see for yourself. The Victoria Caves Megafauna Experience pulls it all together in an immersive underground audiovisual experience.
20. Murray-Sunset National Park, Victoria
Victoria’s largest national park is a photographer’s dream. Tucked in the state’s far northwest, it encompasses Mallee woodland, grasslands and sand dunes but it’s best known for its Pink Lakes which make a surreal vision. Picture vast salt pans – if you’re lucky you might see emus roaming across them – salt crystal-encrusted tree branches, and dazzling sunsets. The lakes vary from deep pink to white (rainfall encourages the growth of the algae that colours them) and attract plenty of birdlife. Spring and summer bring wildflowers. Camp overnight and you’ll get epic stargazing too.
21. Litchfield National Park, NT
Most visitors heading to Litchfield make a beeline for spectacular Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole or the magnetic termite mounds, but this park is vast. With 1500sq km to cover, a helicopter is ideal for fully appreciating it. In 3½ hours, Airborne Solutions can whisk you from Darwin over the Finniss River Wetlands and on to hover over waterfalls including Wangi and Florence Falls. Optional is landing at the top of a secluded waterfall for a private swim in the rock pools, or pausing for an airboat ride at Sweets Lagoon.
22. Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania
Almost 20 per cent of Tasmania is protected as national park and perhaps none was fought harder for than this one. Almost dammed in the ’80s, the Franklin River was saved by a massive environmental campaign and is now part of a park that revels in true wilderness.
The best way to see it is on the water and Tasmanian Expeditions’ nine-day Franklin River rafting trip travels through deep gorges, rainforest and past Rock Island Bend – famously pictured with protesters back in the day.
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