Top 15 National Parks in Australia
The extraordinary biodiversity of Australia has been long calling on nature lovers to visit its otherworldly landscape. With more than 5000 national parks, over 2 percent of this massive country is protected in the boundaries of national parks. Sand dunes, verdant cliffs, lush highlands, rainforests, whitest sandy shores in the world, bubblegum pink lakes to vast deserts and heath-covered habitats, and all the splendid creatures living in these natural territories.
Australia is one of the premium locations for ecotourism and welcomes every visitor to enjoy all its unique sceneries and once-in-a-lifetime recreation opportunities. Here is a brief look at the top 15 national parks across the country.
1. Freycinet National Park
Proceeding down, the way to the coast grows lusher as one passes through the canopy of native shrubberies and coastal trees, reaching the world-famous bays including; the Wineglass bays- noted as a bucket list shoreline worldwide.
Swim, kayak, or snorkel in the crystalline waters of the bay, go on a hike, or camp in the cozy eco-cottages just on the edge of the shore for a memorable stay at Freycinet National Park.
2. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Rising above the greenery of the Freycinet national park, the granite peaks ascend to the high ranges of the Cradle Mountains. Fringed by the rainforests, the park is made of semi-alpine habitats over its sloping mountains on the north and the cerulean blue lake of St. Clair, lounging in the southern parts.
Similar to all Tasmanian natural beauties, these highlands boast a unique scenery unlike any other in the world. Mountain biking, trekking, and camping are among the favorite activities in this Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
3. Port Campbell National Park
Wave sculpted limestone cliffs and crystalline waters are the most prominent features when it comes to Port Campbell National Park. Whether you want to swim in translucent shores, snorkel and discover the underwater world, visit the antique shipwrecks of Victoria, or stroll amid the breathtaking marine landscape of the park while beachcombing, Port Campbell is an ideal destination.
There are also some of the national wonders, located at a short distance, including the washed-off cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, and the rocky reefs of Loch Ard Gorge. For a memorable stay, visit the charming and scenic resorts overlooking these breathtaking cliffs.
4. Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park offers fine-grain sandy beaches, rugged mountain biking and hiking trails, and a handful of campgrounds amid its spectacular wilderness. Lounging along the renowned ocean drive, the park is home to velvety green rainforests and trembling waterfalls, setting forth one of the most dramatic drive-thru scenery of Australia.
The park is also mentioned as a bird watcher’s paradise for its variety of native and migrating species, and whale and dolphin watching platforms over the rocky cliffs.
5. Nambung National Park
Just paces from Western Australia Beaches and the famous Kangaroo Point, a moon-like habitat highlights one of our planet’s most intriguing landscapes. Nambung National Park has marked with solitary rock formations that in the sunset seem like tall and human-height figures. This dessert is one of the most favorite locations among photographers and those with a bucket list of the world’s strangest locations.
While strolling through the barren landscape, it is easy to come by cheerful kangaroos, packs of wild dingoes, and some species of native birds. The Pinnacles desert is located in the vicinity of the coastal town of Cervantes, a laid-back family tourism destination, famous for delectable seafood and hospitable locals.
6. Whitsunday Islands National Park
If you are looking for an off-grid wilderness with otherworldly scenery in all directions, Whitsunday Islands National Park is just the place. Protecting the rare nature of the 74 tropical islands, the park is famed for fine powder sands, spectacular campgrounds, secluded beaches, and acquaint townships occasionally to access modern conveniences.
Besides the majestic Hill Inlet, and the silica sand-covered stretches of Whitehaven Beach, the most fascinating part of the park is located beneath the ocean’s surface.
Neighboring one of the world’s natural wonders, these islands are sprinkled around the Great Reef Barrier and all its colorful wonders. Staying at any of these charming townships gives you the befit of accessing the reefs, hiking through the mesmerizing region, and enjoying some of the most appetizing seafood dishes.
7. Daintree National Park
Located in the northern parts of Queensland, Daintree National Park is a rainforest haven with the world-unique species of flora and fauna; in fact, a large percentage of total animals in Australia are sheltered within these verdant forests.
If you are a fan of sweet water swimming, the crystalline rivers of Mossman River mark a perfect destination for adventurous outdoorsy people as well as families. Additionally, you can roam around the emerald green rivers, walk through the lush paradise of tropical vegetation, and dazzle at various species of reptiles and birds.
8. Kosciuszko National Park
Home to Australia’s highest mountain peak, Mt. Kosciuszko, the namesake national park encompasses alpine landscapes, snowy peaks, mesmerizing caves, and flower-dotted slopes in the warmer season. Hiking and mountain biking are among the most popular recreations around this park, sided by wildlife spotting of rare creatures, including the herds of wild horses.
In winters, the park is a snow playground, welcoming ski enthusiasts from around the world to swap does powder bowls from above the clouds.
9. Blue Mountains National Park
Sitting at the heart of the Greater Blue Mountains Area, the park is an aromatic haven of Australian tea-tree bushes, eucalyptus trees, and other essential oil vegetation, brooded over the iconic landscapes. Dramatic cliffs, silver-lined waterfalls, above the cloud level peaks, and trails that roll open the gentle slopes- the park is a must-visit destination.
The entire region is rich in water and veined by countless green and blue rivers. Several tours take you to the untamed heart of the park, over horseback rides, guided camping expeditions, and most intriguing of all, the Glass Floor Skyway that walks over the rainforests and deep ravines.
10. Great Sandy National Park
At the Cooloola Recreation Area and protected wilderness zone, Great Sandy National Park is an island destination, known as the largest sand island across the globe. Sand dunes, sand cliffs, and colorful sandy beaches- fine-grained and sculpted silica is the protagonist of the island.
Four-wheel drives over the rugged landscapes, spotting the dingo packs, swimming in crystalline waters, beachcombing, and other water activities are popular recreations on this island. Located at an hour-s drive distance, visit one of Australia’s most famous shorelines, the Sunshine Coast- we guarantee it would be worthwhile.
11. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Encompassing the sacred land of the Anangu tribes, the mesmerizing hills of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are a key feature in the folklore stories of the earth’s recreation and are considered sacred until today. Besides the sandstone monolith of Uluru, the Kata Tjuta sits a few kilometers away from the scenic monolith, boasting 36 red-hued domes fringed by shrubberies and wildflowers beds.
Unique animals, including wallabies, and several bird species, mark the safari point of attraction here. To take the best photos and watch the land covered in golden hues, sunrise and sunsets are suggested as the best time window.
12. Kakadu National Park
To immerse yourself in Australian nature and ancient heritage, Kakadu National Park offers spectacular nature, together with Aboriginal pictographs within its sandstone canvas. The landscape is diverse in this park, covering serene lagoons fringed by a company of forests, trembling waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and countless native animals, including kangaroos and crocodiles.
There are over 5000 series that bear the ancient rock arts of aboriginal Australian civilization, who dwelled in these magnificent landscapes over 40,000 years ago.
13. Grampians National Park
Noted as Victoria’s most praiseworthy landscapes, Grampians National Park is home to scenic lakes, lush forests, and lined with countless hiking trails. With rich biodiversity, these natural territories are a playground to birdwatchers, hikers, rock climbers, and landscape photographers, along with those who enjoy spending time in uncontaminated natural surroundings.
Apart from the panoramic views and the lookouts on Reids, Boroka, and MacKenzie Falls, these prosperous terrains have been home to Gariwerd Aboriginal, and for long been considered a sacred landscape.
14. Karijini National Park
With fairy tales resembling gorge pools, small patches of greenery, and layered ravines, Karijini National Park is mentioned as the must-visit location in Western Australia. This ancient landscape has been an original settlement of several native Aussie tribes. Numerous cascades and the famous George lookout mark the park’s attraction, including Weano, Hancock, and Joffre gorges.
Although walking in each direction, there is no place that does not fill the visit with awe and wonder at these spectacular locations. The park is also home to many unique animals, including kangaroos, tree pythons, wallabies, and rare flora species.
15. Girringun National Park
The highest single-drop waterfall in Australia is sheltered within the Girringun National Park, along with some of the most ancient rainforests here on earth. Named as Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, several endangered animal and plant species are protected within these natural boundaries.
The entire park is dotted with small fairy lagoons, silver waterfalls, and countless hiking trails, including the famous Wet Tropics Great Walk. For the enthusiast of mountain biking and climbing, Mount Fox is marked with trails that lead to highland territories and panoramic views over the park.
