Twelve Must-Visit National Parks in Australia

From dramatic mountain landscapes to pristine beaches and coastal paths, Australia’s national parks showcase some of the most stunning and remote wilderness areas on the planet. Experience the unique wildlife that calls these parks home, trek along lush cliffside trails with breathtaking ocean vistas, or spend a night camping under the stars in Australia. These national parks offer truly exceptional travel experiences in the southern hemisphere. Whether you're planning ahead or seeking a last-minute adventure, these Australian parks are definitely worth exploring.

National Parks in Australia: Western Australia

Western Australia is home to some of the best national parks, featuring towering mountain ranges and ancient rock formations. If you're traveling to this region, don’t miss out on these incredible parks.

Nambung National Park

Nambung National Park is located just over a two-hour drive from Perth and about 15 minutes from the town of Cervantes. This park is one of Australia’s most intriguing national parks, known for its iconic limestone rock formations and diverse wildlife. Visitors can wander through the moon-like landscape of the Pinnacles Desert, where some rock formations date back over 3 billion years and overlook the Indian Ocean.

You can access Nambung National Park by taking Route 60, with camping available at the Nambung Park Station Stay campsite. Popular coastal camping spots within the park include Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay. Animal enthusiasts will delight in the local wildlife, including red kangaroos, dingoes, possums, silver gulls, and snakes.

Purnululu National Park

Purnululu National Park is situated in the East Kimberley region of north Western Australia. The park can be reached by car via the Great Northern Highway, and there are several campsites and lodges for visitors. For those planning to navigate the park’s rougher roads, a four-wheel drive is recommended. Purnululu is a World Heritage site famous for its stunning features, such as the Echidna Chasm and the Bungle Bungle mountain range.

Despite its remoteness, the park is an excellent destination for seasoned hikers, offering challenging trails like the Picaninny Gorge. Purnululu National Park is also home to a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies, goannas, striped-face dunnarts, and bats.

National Parks in Australia: Northern Territory

For breathtaking natural wonders like stunning waterfalls and unique rock formations, explore the national parks in Australia’s Northern Territory. Here are some of the top parks to visit in the region.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is situated approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Darwin in the rugged Northern Territory. Visitors can access the park via Arnhem Highway, and a four-wheel drive is recommended for navigating its rougher trails. Kakadu is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, including Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls. To experience these magnificent cascades up close, plan your visit during the dry season (May to October), as access to the falls is limited during the rainy season, when they can only be viewed from the air.

The park hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, with wetland areas brimming with life. Located within the Alligator Rivers Region, Kakadu’s wetlands and billabongs are inhabited by both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. Camping is permitted inside Kakadu National Park, but facilities at these sites are basic, so it’s essential to come well-prepared.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the iconic giant rock formation formerly known as Ayers Rock. The name was changed to Uluru to honor its traditional Aboriginal significance. Located in the Central Australian Desert, the park is best accessed by car via Highway 4.

While camping is not allowed within the park itself, there are facilities available nearby, close to Uluru. You can stay at the Curtin Springs campsite or the Ayers Rock campsite for stunning nighttime views of this iconic landmark. Thanks to its desert climate, this area is also one of the top national parks in Australia to observe lizards and reptiles in their natural environment.

National Parks in Australia: New South Wales

Looking to relax on the beach, hit the surf, or spot some renowned Australian wildlife? New South Wales boasts some of the finest national parks in Australia.

Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip if you’re in Sydney. Located about a 50-minute drive from the city, you can easily reach it via the A1 Highway. This expansive coastal park is perfect for swimming and surfing. Surfers can enjoy the waves at Garie Beach, while the park’s eleven other beaches offer plenty of options for a leisurely swim.

The park charges a nominal entrance fee, but once inside, you’ll discover a variety of campsites and accommodations. It’s also a wonderful area for hikers, featuring popular trails like the Curra Moors cliffside loop and the more relaxed Forest Path. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including sugar gliders, wallabies, and koalas.

National Parks in Australia: Tasmania

Tasmania is one of the most stunning islands globally and boasts a remarkable number of national parks. If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, be sure to include these parks on your itinerary.

Narawntapu National Park

Nature lovers should definitely explore Narawntapu National Park. Often referred to as the Serengeti of Australia, this park on Tasmania’s northern coast is renowned for its rich wildlife. You can reach Narawntapu by car via the A7 or Route 1.

Home to an array of species, including wallabies, quolls, kangaroos, and wombats, the park also offers campsites for visitors. While the facilities are well-kept, they are somewhat limited, so be sure to bring your own food and essentials.

Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park is located on Tasmania’s southeast coast, about a two-hour drive from Hobart. It’s an excellent destination for hiking enthusiasts, featuring the Cape Hauy Trailhead, which boasts stunning views from the dramatic cliffs. Inland, you can also explore the Three Capes Track or hike to Thumb’s Point.

Campsites are located within the park, and the surrounding trek typically takes 3-5 days, making it an excellent option for a walking holiday. In addition to stunning cliffs, you'll find numerous golden beaches accessible from the trails. Keep an eye out for penguins, dolphins, and seals near the shore.

National parks in Australia: Queensland

Queensland boasts vibrant cities like Brisbane and stunning beaches along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, as well as some of Australia’s most beautiful national parks.

Daintree National Park

Daintree National Park is located in north Queensland, just over an hour's drive from Cairns. As a World Heritage site, it encompasses the Daintree Rainforest, making it one of the oldest and most ecologically diverse national parks in Australia. Be mindful that the Daintree wetlands can flood during the wet season (May to October), so it's best to avoid those months. However, visiting in the dry season allows you to cross the Daintree River via boardwalks and discover hidden beaches along the coast.

Daintree National Park is also home to the rare and endangered cassowary bird. While camping in the park requires a permit, there are nearby campsites and lodges available.

Great Sandy National Park

For beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Great Sandy National Park, located in Cooloola, Queensland, features a sandy coastline along with rugged heaths and swamps. It's approximately a 2.5-hour drive north of Brisbane via the M1, following the scenic Sunshine Coast.

Upon arrival, you can camp within the park. This area is renowned for its diverse birdlife, including native species like mangrove honeyeaters, green catbirds, and pale-yellow robins. Additionally, hikers will appreciate the Cooloola Great Walk trail, which offers a 5-day coastal hiking experience.

National parks in Australia: South Australia

Planning a trip to the south of Australia? Don't miss these national parks in South Australia on your itinerary.

Nullarbor National Park

Nullarbor National Park is located about a 9-hour drive from Port Lincoln. Visitors can travel along the coastal Eyre Highway for stunning views from the Bunda Cliffs. Free campsites are available along the cliffside, allowing you to camp amidst the breathtaking scenery. The park features vast stretches of remote desert wilderness and is home to unique Australian wildlife, such as the hairy-nosed wombat and wild dingoes.

Flinders Chase National Park

Ikara-Flinders National Park

Interested in experiencing incredible Indigenous Australian art during your visit? Ikara-Flinders National Park is about a 6-hour drive from Adelaide and boasts ancient rock art at the Adnyamathanha site. The park offers breathtaking forest trails, such as Scree Slope and the Hills Homestead Walk, suitable for walkers of all skill levels. Additionally, the area is a sanctuary for yellow-footed wallabies, which can be spotted throughout the park.