You will also see some of the world’s most unique and unusual species when you travel to some of the popular national parks in Australia. There are animals on this continent that can not be found anywhere else. And if you love nature, you will enjoy the vast variety of outdoor activities in Australia’s national parks.
1. Nambung National Park [view map]
Nambung National Park is located in Western Australia about 200 kilometers north of Perth. It is known for its unique limestone formations called the Pinnacles. The park offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas and opportunities for birdwatching. It is a must visit if you are in the area. All within a couple of hours drive of Perth this park has many highlights. The Pinnacles Desert is surrounded by coastal plains, white sand dunes, and beautiful swimming beaches.
The shifting dune systems and low heathland support a rich variety of flowering plants. This vegetation bursts into flower from August to October, creating a memorable spectacle. Blooming wildflowers and vistas of wattles stretch from horizon to horizon. In addition to the Pinnacles Nambung National Park offers beautiful walking trails where you can explore the unique flora and fauna of the area. You can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and taking in the stunning coastal views. It is a great place to immerse yourself in nature.
2. Great Sandy National Park [view map]
Great Sandy National Park is a stunning national park located in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches crystal clear lakes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to the famous Fraser Island the largest sand island in the world. Visitors can exploring activities such as swimming, camping, hiking and exploring the unique natural wonders of the area. It is definitely a must visit if you are in Queensland. The river runs from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Heads, and the border along the eastern banks remains unbroken.
A shallow sand reef separates Fraser Island from the mainland and must be crossed by barge. The island is a juxtaposition of a long white beach with rainforests crawling inland home to sublime freshwater lakes and dunes. Its unique beauty makes the Great Sandy National Park a must visit location and here are all the things to do during your stay. One of the popular attractions in Great Sandy National Park is the Maheno Shipwreck. It is a historic shipwreck that ran aground on Fraser Island in 1935 and has become an iconic landmark.
3. Freycinet National Park [view map]
Freycinet National Park was named after the French explorer Louis de Freycinet (1779 – 1841), who sailed through the area around 1800. Home to Tasmania’s most photographed view and situated on the breathtaking east coast, you will find Freycinet National Park stretched out along the peninsula overlooking the Tasman Sea and surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Hazards. Every year thousands of people are attracted to the pristine coastal environments and the benefits of a rural and isolated setting.
The powder white beaches and transparent waters of Tasmania’s oldest park, formed over 400 million years, meets the rugged coastal bushland where native wildlife roam including Eastern Quolls and Red-necked Wallabies. In fact Freycinet is home to 49 species that can only be found in Tasmania. One of the main attractions in Freycinet National Park is Wineglass Bay. It’s known for its pristine white sand beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The bay offers stunning panoramic views and is a great spot for swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
4. Purnululu National Park [view map]
The World Heritage Listed area for Purnululu National Park (also known as the Bungle Bungles) is about 240,000 hectares. It is located 300km south of the small regional town of Kununurra and 150 kilometres northbeast of Halls Creek. Purnululu National Park is home to several incredible attractions. One of the must see sights is the Bungle Bungle Range with its unique beehive shaped sandstone formations. You can take a hike through the park and explore Cathedral Gorge a natural amphitheater with stunning acoustics.
Another highlight is Echidna Chasm a narrow gorge that showcases the park geological wonders. Do not forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of these natural wonders. The best time to visit Purnululu National Park is during the dry season which typically runs from April to October. The weather is cooler and there is less chance of rain making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the park. However it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure the best experiences.
5. Kakadu National Park [view map]
Located 240 kilometres east of Darwin in Australia’s tropical north Kakadu is one of the largest national parks in Australia. Kakadu covers almost 20,000 square kilometres and is a place of enormous ecological and biological diversity. It extends from the coast and estuaries in the north through floodplains, billabongs and lowlands to rocky ridges and stone country in the south. Let me give you some information about the attractions in Kakadu National Park.
One of the must see attractions is Ubirr which is known for its ancient Aboriginal rock art and stunning views. Another highlight is Jim Jim Falls a majestic waterfall that is a perfect for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty. Yellow Water Billabong is another great spot to explore where you can take a boat cruise and see crocodiles and various wildlife. And do not miss Nourlangie Rock where you can discover more rock art and learn about the rich cultural history of the area.
6. Daintree National Park [View-map]
Daintree National Park is a protected rainforest area located in the Far North region of Queensland in Australia. It is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland which is grant as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is divided into two distinct sections Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulationnand it is home to 22 named mountains. The highest and most prominent mountain in the park is Thornton Peak (1,357 m/4.452 ft).
One of the highlights of Daintree National Park is the Daintree Rainforest which is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. You can exploring the lush greenery, spot rare plants and animals and even take a guided tour to learn more about the ecosystem. Another must see in the park is Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches go snorkeling or diving and experiences the unbelievable biodiversity of the area. Do not forget to keep an eye out for cassowaries a unique and endangered bird species that call Daintree National Park home. It is a truly magical place to visit.
7. Springbrook National Park [View map]
Springbrook National Park is a beautiful natural gem located in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests and breathtaking views. One of the popular attractions in Springbrook National Park is the Natural Bridge a unique rock formation with a waterfall cascading through it. You can take a walk through the rainforest to reach this picturesque spot. Another highlight is the Purling Brook Falls which offers a magnificent sight as water plunges down into the valley below.
There are also various walking tracks and lookout points where you can immerse yourself in the park natural beauty. Springbrook National Park is a must visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy exploring. Bright green floods the area, with red, blue, and purple flowers blossoming within. Stretching 6,197 hectares within the Gold Coast Hinterland you can discover a range of unique scenery and wildlife encounters. Wander through twisting trails that take you past rare plants, ancient hideaways and cascading waterfalls.
At the heart of the park you can stand atop an ancient volcano, soaking up the incredible views of the scenery surrounding you. Set just 45 minutes from the pristine beaches of the coast this park gives you an insight into a wilder and greener side of Australia. Admire whimsical views across ancient landscapes, stand beneath magical waterfalls and watch over cool rock creeks that cascade into refreshing swimming holes.
8. Royal National Park [View map]
Royal National Park is a stunning natural oasis located near Sydney, Australia. It is the oldest national park in Australia and offers a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. One of the highlights of the park is the Coastal Track which takes you along the coastline offering stunning views of cliffs, beaches and the Pacific Ocean. You can also explore the park’s diverse wildlife go swimming or surfing at one of the beautiful beaches or have a picnic in one of the designated areas.
It is a great place to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy your visit to Royal National Park. Royal has the most diverse walking trails in Sydney. Below you will find the best of the park’s coastal walks, bush walks, trails to swimmings holes and even incredible rainforest trails. In Royal National Park, you can go bushwalking and whale watching in the same picturesque location. With a range of activities, including bird watching, hiking, fishing, surfing, and camping, you control the tempo of your vacation.
Mountain bikers can enjoy one of two 6-mile (10-kilometer) trails, either the one-way Lady Carrington Drive or the Loftus Loop Trail. Swimmers can visit coastal spots like Garrie Beach or riverside areas like Wattle Forest for a dip or a paddle. Beyond the beaches, some of the park’s most notable sights include Wedding Cake Rock and the Figure Eight Pools. You can also visit the Jibbon Aboriginal Engravings Site to see indigenous artwork that dates back 1,000 years.
9. Grampians National Park [View map]
Lose yourself in the grandeur of the spectacular Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. Climb to the top of towering sandstone ridges, wander through native forest and fern gullies, and make your way to see ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. Home to 970 native plant species, 200 species of birds and abundant native animals, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is the fourth largest national park in Victoria.
The park is made up of four precipitous and spectacular ranges formed millions of years ago when the sandy sediments lifted and tilted to form the distinctive landscape seen today. Grampians National Park in Australia is a stunning destination with plenty of attractions to explore! Some popular attractions in the Grampians include the Pinnacle Lookout, Mackenzie Falls and the Balconies. You can go hiking, enjoy breathtaking views and even spot wildlife in the park. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!
10. Kalbarri National Park [View map]
Nature’s Window is the most photographed and talked about highlight of Kalbarri National Park. Be sure not to miss out on this famous, naturally created, ‘window’ in the rock formations, overlooking the Murchison River. You get to Natures Window on the 8km Loop Trail, which as well as Natures Window, boosts many incredible views of the gorges, Murchison River and many other picturesque rock formations. This trail is perfect for photographers and to get those Insta worth snaps!
Kalbarri National Park in Australia is a breathtaking destination with a variety of attractions to explore! Some popular attractions in Kalbarri National Park include Nature’s Window, Z Bend, and the iconic Kalbarri Skywalk. You can hike along stunning gorges, witness stunning rock formations, and even spot native wildlife. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Western Australia!