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!
It's the local state governement's responsibility to look after the National Parks. So for example a park in NSW is looked after by the NSW government. The most important ones are looked after by the Federal Government.
Most of the key travellers' routes are in a National Park. Your trip to Australia will therefore, more than likely, include a trip to one.
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.
Before I do though, understand how the National Parks operate. A National park can literally be a park but its more likely to be a larger area where wildlife and plant/tree species are special or sacred. It can also be sacred rock formations e.g. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to Ayers Rock. A national park can span for huge distances with the average visitor only touching a small corner of it. Others are more manageable and you can see much more.
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
There's nothing better than camping in some of the best scenery in Australia. This is for you if you like the open air and don't have a fear of snakes and spiders (it's not that bad really!) Most parks have specific areas for camping with strict campfire rules given the risk of bush fires. Don't expect the luxury of hot running water though. The facilities are usually very basic but there are a few that offer hot showers operated by coins.
Don't expect that you can just turn up and camp. The places for camping are limited especially in the peak of summer and you will need a permit. You need to book well in advance. The government websites have search facilities allowing you to find out which park has camping facilities but remember you will need to search by state. If you are planning to go over Christmas then make sure you book well in advance (months.) The most popular sites, e.g. Freycinet National Park in Tasmania, actually run a ballot system with the lucky names being pulled out of a hat.
So which are the best National Parks to visit? To be honest, it is a very subjective view and it depends what you are looking for. Whichever you pick, they all have stunning scenery. I've only got room here for 3 but but there are lots more recommendations at the website below
Best for Coast and Beaches
Lord Howe Island has won international acclaim and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It's not hard to see why with its enchanting walks, forests, mountains, beaches and marine life. The best walks are the Valley of the Shadows and Mount Gower. The first takes you through high forests of Kentia Palms and Banyan trees. The second is a well known day walk to the top of Mount Gower and its known to be one of the best walks in Australia.
Best for Spiritual Rock Formations
Uluru Kata Tjuta is probably the most visited National Park in Australia given its the home of Ayers Rock. This is a world Heritage listed site for its culture and natural values. It is the heart of the red centre and a very spiritual place indeed. Clearly its about visiting the rock, either at sunset or sunrise (when the rock is at its very best due to the light that is cast upon it.) There are special viewing platforms where you can park up and enjoy the views. Get there early though as the best positions go quickly. The sunrise and sunset dinners are also worth going to but not both. Just pick one. The park itself is split into two " Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta, where the Olgas are. I personal thought the Olgas were more impressive than the rock so a visit to both is highly recommended. There is a great Cultural Centre that you should visit first. This will inform you of all the walks and when the guided ones are available. Theres often some Aboriginals here too selling locally made products. The most popular walk is the Base walk which takes in the entire base of the rock which is about 9km in total. It says to leave approx 4 hours but you can do it much more quickly than that and still have time to take photographs. Some get to the rock and insist on climbing it. First, if its a hot day, they close the climb. More importantly, you just shouldnt make the climb given its totally against the local aboriginals culture and beliefs. Its also extremely steep and apart from a small iron rope to hold onto, there is nothing. Its very dangerous.
One of Victoria's most popular and largest parks is The Grampians National Park. 260km from Melbourne along the Glenelg or Western Highway, the journey will take you about 3.5 hours. The Grampians themselves are sandstone ridges with steep slopes. This park has stunning walks, rock formations and wildlife. It also has some great examples of Aboriginal rock art (Billimina and Wab Manja) The best view of the park is from Mount Abrubt and the best falls are Mackenzie Falls. If you are a serious walker then why not try one of the two day hikes. To get off the tourist trail, try Wartook Valley (Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton) or if you want a real challenge then Mount Difficult is as you would expect, difficult! Or why not try the Stony Creek Track to the Bundaleer. This route passes Stony Peak. Or the Wall of China offers great views to Tower Hill and 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!
It's the local state governement's responsibility to look after the National Parks. So for example a park in NSW is looked after by the NSW government. The most important ones are looked after by the Federal Government.
Most of the key travellers' routes are in a National Park. Your trip to Australia will therefore, more than likely, include a trip to one.
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.
Before I do though, understand how the National Parks operate. A National park can literally be a park but its more likely to be a larger area where wildlife and plant/tree species are special or sacred. It can also be sacred rock formations e.g. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to Ayers Rock. A national park can span for huge distances with the average visitor only touching a small corner of it. Others are more manageable and you can see much more.
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
There's nothing better than camping in some of the best scenery in Australia. This is for you if you like the open air and don't have a fear of snakes and spiders (it's not that bad really!) Most parks have specific areas for camping with strict campfire rules given the risk of bush fires. Don't expect the luxury of hot running water though. The facilities are usually very basic but there are a few that offer hot showers operated by coins.
Don't expect that you can just turn up and camp. The places for camping are limited especially in the peak of summer and you will need a permit. You need to book well in advance. The government websites have search facilities allowing you to find out which park has camping facilities but remember you will need to search by state. If you are planning to go over Christmas then make sure you book well in advance (months.) The most popular sites, e.g. Freycinet National Park in Tasmania, actually run a ballot system with the lucky names being pulled out of a hat.
So which are the best National Parks to visit? To be honest, it is a very subjective view and it depends what you are looking for. Whichever you pick, they all have stunning scenery. I've only got room here for 3 but but there are lots more recommendations at the website below
Best for Coast and Beaches
Lord Howe Island has won international acclaim and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It's not hard to see why with its enchanting walks, forests, mountains, beaches and marine life. The best walks are the Valley of the Shadows and Mount Gower. The first takes you through high forests of Kentia Palms and Banyan trees. The second is a well known day walk to the top of Mount Gower and its known to be one of the best walks in Australia.
Best for Spiritual Rock Formations
Uluru Kata Tjuta is probably the most visited National Park in Australia given its the home of Ayers Rock. This is a world Heritage listed site for its culture and natural values. It is the heart of the red centre and a very spiritual place indeed. Clearly its about visiting the rock, either at sunset or sunrise (when the rock is at its very best due to the light that is cast upon it.) There are special viewing platforms where you can park up and enjoy the views. Get there early though as the best positions go quickly. The sunrise and sunset dinners are also worth going to but not both. Just pick one. The park itself is split into two " Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta, where the Olgas are. I personal thought the Olgas were more impressive than the rock so a visit to both is highly recommended. There is a great Cultural Centre that you should visit first. This will inform you of all the walks and when the guided ones are available. Theres often some Aboriginals here too selling locally made products. The most popular walk is the Base walk which takes in the entire base of the rock which is about 9km in total. It says to leave approx 4 hours but you can do it much more quickly than that and still have time to take photographs. Some get to the rock and insist on climbing it. First, if its a hot day, they close the climb. More importantly, you just shouldnt make the climb given its totally against the local aboriginals culture and beliefs. Its also extremely steep and apart from a small iron rope to hold onto, there is nothing. Its very dangerous.
One of Victoria's most popular and largest parks is The Grampians National Park. 260km from Melbourne along the Glenelg or Western Highway, the journey will take you about 3.5 hours. The Grampians themselves are sandstone ridges with steep slopes. This park has stunning walks, rock formations and wildlife. It also has some great examples of Aboriginal rock art (Billimina and Wab Manja) The best view of the park is from Mount Abrubt and the best falls are Mackenzie Falls. If you are a serious walker then why not try one of the two day hikes. To get off the tourist trail, try Wartook Valley (Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton) or if you want a real challenge then Mount Difficult is as you would expect, difficult! Or why not try the Stony Creek Track to the Bundaleer. This route passes Stony Peak. Or the Wall of China offers great views to Tower Hill and Victoria Valley
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in traveling Australia. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here to discover over 15 of the best Australian National Parks
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