With approximately 680 national parks, Australia boasts the highest number in Australia’s magnificent National parks of such reserves in the world.
Notably, China follows with around 225 parks. Whether you prefer air travel, sky exploration or water adventures, make a point to visit these exceptional Australian treasures that are worth your time and effort – here are ten top ones!
NSW’s Warrumbungle National Park
The Warrumbungle volcano’s eruption 17 million years ago resulted in a dramatic landscape of giant lava domes, dykes and spires.
While few car-accessible lookouts offer impressive skylines, the Breadknife and Grand High Tops Walk is still the best way to see it all.
Besides marveling at formations like Crater Bluff’s massive trachyte plug or The Breadknife’s towering fin of rock which stands tall at an astonishing height of 90m; this place also boasts Dark Sky Park status – making neighboring Coonabarabran Australia’s astronomy capital.
Visitors can enjoy stargazing with their naked eyes but telescopes add another level to one’s experience here that goes beyond mind-blowing!
For anyone who wants more detail on what they’re seeing out there among our galaxy Donnathe Astronomer offers guided tours too so you won’t miss anything important while exploring these features up close!
WA’s Cape Range National Park
Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park are both situated in a World Heritage area.
If you’ve watched Tim Winton’s TV series Ningaloo Nyinggulu, you’re probably familiar with this stunning location that boasts burnt-orange limestone ranges set against the vibrant Indian Ocean.
To gain an insight into this picturesque place, embark on a day tour with Ningaloo Safari where they provide exploration of Charles Knife Canyon’s challenging terrain along-with cruise up Yardie Creek Gorge to search for rock wallabies among other wildlife sightings
All capped off by snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Ningaloo Reef! You cannot miss swimming alongside whale sharks from March until September.
Queensland is home to the beautiful Great Sandy National Park
The Great Sandy National Park spans from Noosa to Rainbow Beach and resembles a colossal bucket of sand overturned on the coast.
It encompasses Cooloola Recreation Area, which hosts the lengthy 42km Cooloola Sand Mass, as well as K’gari (previously Fraser Island), recognized as the world’s biggest island made entirely of sand.
The park boasts exceptional attractions such as enormous sand blows that engulf entire forests, untouched perched lakes, towering rainforest areas and stunning cliffs colored in shades ranging from creamy toffee hues.
Visitors can wander through the surreal Carlo Sand Blow area or take a dip in crystal-clear Lake McKenzie while indulging in activities like paddling down calm waters along Noosa River or embarking on an adventurous five-day hike knowns at the Cooloola Great Walk experience.
NSW’s Kosciuszko National Park
During the winter season, Thredbo and Perisher become a playground for snowboarders and skiers alike as they navigate through the pistes and backcountry.
However, when summer rolls around, hikers, fly-fishermen/fisherwomen/,and mountain bikers dominate the scene.
The Main Range Walk offers an aerial view of this alpine park like none other with panoramic views including Australia’s highest summit Mt Kosciuszko standing tall at 2228m above sea level.
For those who want to take advantage of crisp fresh air while exploring graded trails spanning over 40km on their mountain bikes or even horseback riding on High Plains – any activity is within reach!
Lazy river camping enthusiasts can rest by its peaceful surroundings making it perfect for anyone looking to escape from everyday life stressors.
Queensland’s Carnarvon National Park
The main draw of this park is Carnarvon Gorge, a natural wonder that has taken 200 million years to form.
Rising up to an impressive height of 200 meters are sandstone walls that give way to various microclimates teeming with more diversity
than one might expect in the heart of Outback Australia – towering fan palms, secluded moss gardens, cascading waterfalls, vibrant hibiscus flowers and well-preserved relics like ancient cycads and ferns adorned by engravings and ochre paintings from the Bidjara and Karingbal communities.
Exploring it on foot gives you access to breathtaking sights along its course for around ten kilometers- passing through creeks running alongside it or ascending further as per your liking!
Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Australia’s top beach title is often disputed, but Wilsons Prom boasts an abundance of contenders. With some walking effort, you just might score a secluded spot all to yourself!
The gorgeous white sands in the granite at Wilsons Prom create many dazzlingly bright beaches – from Squeaky Beach which is simply accessible to Waterloo Bay more far-out (a 4-hour walk plus camping overnight).
Additionally hosting abundant wildlife like wombats, there are loads of trails for hiking and campsites available so you can bask in this world-class beauty park as much as possible.
Murray-Sunset National Park, Victoria
The largest national park in Victoria presents an ideal opportunity for photographers. Located in the northwest corner of the state, it is home to Mallee forest, grasslands and sand dunes; although its Pink Lakes are particularly striking.
Imagine expansive salt pans – where emus sometimes wander about -, tree branches adorned with salt crystals and stunning sunsets over varying shades from deep pink to white (caused by algae growth during rainfall), which also attract a plethora of birds.
Wildflowers flourish during spring and summer while camping overnight offers magnificent views for stargazers too!
Litchfield National Park, NT
While most visitors rush to see the renowned Wangi Falls, Buley Rockhole or magnetic termite mounds at Litchfield Park, they often overlook its vastness.
To fully grasp this 1500sq km region, a helicopter tour is highly recommended. In just 3½ hours with Airborne Solutions’ expert team, you’ll soar over Finniss River Wetlands and take in breathtaking sights like Florence Falls along with Wangi Falls.
You may choose to enjoy an optional landing for an exclusive swim experience within secluded rock pools atop one of these waterfalls or even pause for airboat rides available at Sweets Lagoon!
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania
One of the most fiercely contested national parks in Tasmania covers nearly 20 percent of its landmass.
The Franklin River, which was almost dammed during the 1980s, owes its salvation to a massive environmental movement and is now celebrated as an epitome of unspoiled wilderness within the park area.
To fully experience this beauty on display along with deep gorges and rich rainforests while passing by iconic landmarks like Rock Island Bend – where activists made history protesting against development plans way back when – Tasmanian Expeditions offers a nine-day white-water rafting tour that immerses visitors into it all from start to finish upon water navigation through fascinating routes!
