The diversity of Australia is well-known and admired all around the world. This is the country with over 500 national parks which are located on the 28 million hectares of land full of amazing nature. If you want to discover the most stunning national parks of Australia, here are the ones you should start from.
1. Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park in Western Victoria is one of the most stunning national parks in Australia. It is full of mountains and wildflowers with riveting landscapes and tracks to hike. The Grampians, as locals call it, is a place of sandstone mountains and popular for climbing, bushwalks, and camping.
Many walking tracks leading to waterfalls and lookouts like Reeds and Boroka are visited each year by thousands of people. This is an area with a rich Aboriginal heritage so visitors can learn more about their tradition and observe the art on rocks.
2. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park or just Uluru is situated in Central Australia and is on the land belonging to the indigenous Anangu people. Archeological evidence shows that Aborigines lived and managed there parts for over 30 millennia. These rock formations are also home to diverse flora and fauna that you can observe and admire.
To explore Uluru, you can join one of the many walks led by an Aboriginal guide who will talk about the history and spirituality of the place. Many choose to ride a camel or Harley Davidson in the desert and enjoy the range of beautiful colors that exist in this area. A truly unique experience is seeing Wakagetti Dancers perform and enjoy an interactive walk in the Cultural Center.
3. Noosa National Park
In the sunshine state of Australia – Queensland, you will find Noosa National Park famous for its gorgeous beaches. This park has 5 different tracks that go through it with Coastal Track being the most popular since hikers can have a picnic on a beach and swim. This track is also a perfect destination for those who want to do some whale watching during migration season.
Those who want to see dolphins are in luck in Noosa National Park since this area actually has a Dolphin Point where you can admire these mammals and some sea turtles even. Laguna lookout walk is also among the famous ones here since that way you can see the whole Noosa bay during a 15-minute brisk hike.
4. Kosciuszko National Park
If you want to experience skiing in Australia, then definitely you should visit Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales. This is the highest peak of Australia and center of attention come winter in the Kosciuszko National Park. When ski season is on, this area becomes packed with snowboarders, skiers, and enthusiasts for other winter sports.
5. Tasman National Park
If you have an opportunity to visit the beautiful island state of Tasmania, you will be amazed at nature there. Tasman National Park is located on the east of the island and is the most famous there offering all sorts of activities. Towering sea cliffs and rock formations hugged by the turquoise sea are a sight to behold that will leave you breathless.
Many believe that the Three Capes in Tasmania is one of the most spectacular hiking tracks in Australia and it’s best to try from December to February when it’s summer here. This national park is perfect for surfing, kayaking, and bushwalking as well, although rich marine life makes it ideal for scuba diving too. This is also a popular place for bird watching with endangered species like Swift Parrot and Tasmanian Sea Eagle, and Fairy Penguins made the shores their nesting ground.
6. Great Otway National Park
Some 100 miles from Melbourne, Great Otway National Park occupies 40 square miles just along the Great Ocean Road. This is a fairly young park, formed in 2004 by combining a number of national parks, reserves, and parts of the Otway State Forest. This is the area full of unspoiled rivers, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes, as well as cozy sandy beaches and rocky coastline.
Hiking through the rainforest is one of the most common activity here that usually leads to some of the famous waterfalls of the area like Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls. This is also an Important Bird Area with species like Rufous Bristlebird and Pink Robins. If you want to see koalas, then Kennet River is a definite stop and its eucalyptus forest.
7. Daintree National Park
Daintree National Park in Queensland traditionally owned by the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people is one of the most famous ecotourism areas in Australia. It is believed that the forest of Daintree is over 100 million years old which makes it older than Amazon Rainforest. However, this park was established in 1981 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Daintree Rainforest Discovery Center allows visitors to explore the forest on 3000 feet of boardwalks. Unique wildlife living in the trees includes more than 400 bird species, 23 reptile species and animals like Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo and Swamp Wallaby.
Lastly
Whichever of these stunning national parks of Australia you choose, it is certain you will have a wonderful experience getting to know amazing Australian nature. While Sydney is still the most popular destination for tourists, more and more people decide to meet another, more rural side of Australia.