Australia is the driest continent in the world and is part of a former giant land mass, Gondwana, which connected the southern continents of Africa, Antarctica, Australia, India and South America, and broke up more than 100 million years ago.
Today there are 516 National Parks in Australia covering 3% of the land. That might not sound very much but given the size of Australia, it equates to 25 million hectares!
The parks are looked after by state governments but there are some National Parks that are deemed so significant that they are looked after by the Federal Government.
A trip to Australia should include a trip to an Australian National Park. In fact, its hard not to as most of the key attractions or travellers routes will take in some of the best National Parks.
Which ones are the best National Parks to visit? It's certainly not feasible to visit or tell you about all 516. I will however tell you which are my favourites.
Firstly a little more background on the National Parks. They can be very large and have often acquired National Park status due to its ancient rock art (Uluru Kata Tjuta - Ayers Rock), special plants or trees, or wildlife. Generally the average visitor only gets to visit a small pocket of the park given its size but there are others that are more manageable given they are smaller.
Generally you will be asked to pay an entrance fee. The entrance fee is either per person or per vehicle. Its not usually very much (around $10 per person) but it can be more expensive in very popular areas such as Ayers Rock. The pass is usually valid for 48 hours.
Australian National Parks and Camping
Many people choose to camp in National Parks. This is a great idea if you like the open air and arent too worried about snakes or spiders (only joking!) There are usually designated areas for camping and there are strict campfire regulations given the risk of bush fires. The facilities are usually quite basic though so dont expect hot showers. That said, some of them do!
You generally need a permit to camp in the National Parks and places are limited. In the peak of summer it can sometimes be hard to find camping spots available so you need to book well in advance. The government websites will allow you to search for campsites. Remember that you will need to do this for EACH state given that the parks are run by the state government. Over Christmas when it is really busy, some of the national parks run a ballot system. If your name is picked out of the hat, you are one of the lucky ones (this is how it works in Freycinet National Park in Tasmania)
It's hard to pick which are the best National Parks and it can be a little subjective as it depends what you like. All have stunning scenery and below you can find my top 3. There are over 15 on the website featured below.
Best for Beaches and Coastal Views
If you are looking for pristine beauty then head to Lord Howe Island. It is one of the only islands of Australia to be awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Listing. The island manages to keep the area unspoiled as it only allows 400 visitors onto the island at a time. The island has something for everyone - great marine life, mountain and forest walks and beautiful beaches. The day walk to the top of Mount Gower is known to be one of the best day walks in Australia. You can also take the Valley of the Shadows walk through 40 metre high forests or walk to Kim's lookout and enjoy the view over the lagoon and island.
Best for Rock Formations
Whilst Ayers Rock might be on the tourist trail, this National Park (Uluru Kata Tjuta) is formidable and deserves to be in the top 3 of all the Australian National Parks. It's also a World Heritage listed site due to its culture and rock formations. Most come to visit the Rock and you really should make sure you see it at either sunset or sunrise. They say that this is the best time to view as the changing light on the rock makes it look particularly stunning. You can take your car to the special viewing platforms but get there in good time to get a good spot. I'd also recommend doing one of the organised dinners or breakfasts which take place at these times. There are two rock formations in the park though and the second, The Olgas, are in my opinion, more impressive than the rock. Make sure you visit both. First stop should be the Cultural Centre as this gives you an idea on the walks and times for guided walks if you prefer to have a guide. Don't forget to check out the Aboriginal goods that are usually on sale here too. The Base walk is the most popular (9km) Allow about 3 hours which is plenty of time to take photos. Don't climb the rock. Not only is it steep and dangerous, it's totally against the local aboriginal culture and beliefs.
The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria's largest parks and has great walks, scenery and wildlife. Its 260km from Melbourne along the Western or Glenelg highways (takes about 3.5 hours) The Grampians are a series of sandstone ridges with steep slopes and are very picturesque. The most spectacular waterfall is Mackenzie Falls. You can also see good Aboriginal rock art at Billimina and Wab Manja. There are a couple of 2 day walks for the serious walkers amongst you. But for the best view of the park head to Mount Abrupt. Access to the park is at Halls Gap. But if you want to escape the tourists head to Wartook Valley, e.g. Mt Zero and Mt Stapylton. For the really adventurous go for Mount Difficult which is hard going but amazing. Stony Creek Track to the Bundaleer passing Stony Peak is another good one. You can ascend the Wall of China to obtain the vast views to Tower Hill and the picturesque Victoria Valley.
Today there are 516 National Parks in Australia covering 3% of the land. That might not sound very much but given the size of Australia, it equates to 25 million hectares!
The parks are looked after by state governments but there are some National Parks that are deemed so significant that they are looked after by the Federal Government.
A trip to Australia should include a trip to an Australian National Park. In fact, its hard not to as most of the key attractions or travellers routes will take in some of the best National Parks.
Which ones are the best National Parks to visit? It's certainly not feasible to visit or tell you about all 516. I will however tell you which are my favourites.
Firstly a little more background on the National Parks. They can be very large and have often acquired National Park status due to its ancient rock art (Uluru Kata Tjuta - Ayers Rock), special plants or trees, or wildlife. Generally the average visitor only gets to visit a small pocket of the park given its size but there are others that are more manageable given they are smaller.
Generally you will be asked to pay an entrance fee. The entrance fee is either per person or per vehicle. Its not usually very much (around $10 per person) but it can be more expensive in very popular areas such as Ayers Rock. The pass is usually valid for 48 hours.
Australian National Parks and Camping
Many people choose to camp in National Parks. This is a great idea if you like the open air and arent too worried about snakes or spiders (only joking!) There are usually designated areas for camping and there are strict campfire regulations given the risk of bush fires. The facilities are usually quite basic though so dont expect hot showers. That said, some of them do!
You generally need a permit to camp in the National Parks and places are limited. In the peak of summer it can sometimes be hard to find camping spots available so you need to book well in advance. The government websites will allow you to search for campsites. Remember that you will need to do this for EACH state given that the parks are run by the state government. Over Christmas when it is really busy, some of the national parks run a ballot system. If your name is picked out of the hat, you are one of the lucky ones (this is how it works in Freycinet National Park in Tasmania)
It's hard to pick which are the best National Parks and it can be a little subjective as it depends what you like. All have stunning scenery and below you can find my top 3. There are over 15 on the website featured below.
Best for Beaches and Coastal Views
If you are looking for pristine beauty then head to Lord Howe Island. It is one of the only islands of Australia to be awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Listing. The island manages to keep the area unspoiled as it only allows 400 visitors onto the island at a time. The island has something for everyone - great marine life, mountain and forest walks and beautiful beaches. The day walk to the top of Mount Gower is known to be one of the best day walks in Australia. You can also take the Valley of the Shadows walk through 40 metre high forests or walk to Kim's lookout and enjoy the view over the lagoon and island.
Best for Rock Formations
Whilst Ayers Rock might be on the tourist trail, this National Park (Uluru Kata Tjuta) is formidable and deserves to be in the top 3 of all the Australian National Parks. It's also a World Heritage listed site due to its culture and rock formations. Most come to visit the Rock and you really should make sure you see it at either sunset or sunrise. They say that this is the best time to view as the changing light on the rock makes it look particularly stunning. You can take your car to the special viewing platforms but get there in good time to get a good spot. I'd also recommend doing one of the organised dinners or breakfasts which take place at these times. There are two rock formations in the park though and the second, The Olgas, are in my opinion, more impressive than the rock. Make sure you visit both. First stop should be the Cultural Centre as this gives you an idea on the walks and times for guided walks if you prefer to have a guide. Don't forget to check out the Aboriginal goods that are usually on sale here too. The Base walk is the most popular (9km) Allow about 3 hours which is plenty of time to take photos. Don't climb the rock. Not only is it steep and dangerous, it's totally against the local aboriginal culture and beliefs.
The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria's largest parks and has great walks, scenery and wildlife. Its 260km from Melbourne along the Western or Glenelg highways (takes about 3.5 hours) The Grampians are a series of sandstone ridges with steep slopes and are very picturesque. The most spectacular waterfall is Mackenzie Falls. You can also see good Aboriginal rock art at Billimina and Wab Manja. There are a couple of 2 day walks for the serious walkers amongst you. But for the best view of the park head to Mount Abrupt. Access to the park is at Halls Gap. But if you want to escape the tourists head to Wartook Valley, e.g. Mt Zero and Mt Stapylton. For the really adventurous go for Mount Difficult which is hard going but amazing. Stony Creek Track to the Bundaleer passing Stony Peak is another good one. You can ascend the Wall of China to obtain the vast views to Tower Hill and the picturesque Victoria Valley.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years experience in traveling Australia. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for organising your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here to discover over 15 of the best Australian National Parks
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