The 5 Best National Parks In Australia

The Aussies are a laid back kind of bunch, but something they do take seriously are their National Parks. There are a total of 516 in Australia covering 3% of the land. Yea OK it doesn’t sound like much, but think about the size of Australia! That little figure equates to a cool 25 million hectares!

You’ll find yourself in some of them when seeing most famous attractions or travellers routes, but there plenty of lesser known National Parks are just as incredible. Here is a breakdown of some of our favourites.

Best for Beautiful Beaches:  Booderee National Park – Jervis Bay

Although there are nearly too many to chose from, this is particularly spectacular; a paradise of blindingly bleached beaches and tear inducing turquoise waters. There’s more than one beach to choose from which is an added bonus as sometimes it can get a little breezy. Check out Cave Beach, Green Patch or Murray’s Beach for sun-soaking or if you’d prefer something a little more active take one of walks in the area, including a stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

Best for Ancient Rock Formations: Uluru Kata Tjuta

The home of Ayers Rock may seem a predictable choice, but it’s such a big hit for a reason. A World Heritage listed site for its culture and natural values, it is at the heart of the country’s red centre and is a sight to behold. The rock formations are breathtaking in scale and magnitude, as well as in spiritual and cultural significance, and the whole place has a magical feel. Try the incredible walk through the Valley of the Winds, but do so before it gets too hot!

Best Spiritual and Aboriginal: Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks

The wild Northern Territory is home to these spiritual havens. Kakudu, close to Darwin, is rich with aboriginal rock art, waterfalls and gorges to explore. With plenty of walking routes that take in all the best features, as well as a river cruise, you don’t need a 4WD to experience the adventure.

Litchfield, though sometimes over looked is worth a visit if only because its water holes are crocodile-free so just a tad more ideal for swimming that Kakudu! Plus it has some pretty cool and pretty giant termite mounds!

Best for Serious Walkers: Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clare National Park Tasmania

If you want seriously stunning mountain scenery then this is the National Park for you. This is where the famous Overland Track starts, which runs 65km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clare; not for the fainthearted! But don’t back away just yet; the Dove Lake loop track is much more manageable, about an hour, whilst still boasting beautiful views of Cradle Mountain. Not only that but there’s also the chance to explore the rainforests here – from a quick 10 minute walk to something much longer. Expect to see some wildlife too, from wombats to the Tasmanian devil!

Best for Wildlife: Flinders National Chase, Kangaroo Island

This Australian Nation Park has become a sanctuary for endangered species, both plants and animals. It’s home to platypus, koalas, wallabies and kangaroos as well as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch which are worth a visit. Accommodation here is also good. You can stay in old lighthouse keeper’s cottages at Cape du Couedic or Cape Borda. There’s also the Wildnerness Resort here too offering lovely food and a chance to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

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