The Best National Parks and Reserves in Australia – State by State
This article on the best National Parks and Reserves in Australia first appeared in Issue 7 of our digital magazine.
When it comes to National Parks and reserves, the land down under is truly blessed. In fact, Australia tops every other country by a country mile when it comes to sheer amount, with over 680 national parks and countless more reserves.
National parks and reserves are a fantastic choice when it comes to family travel and activities. Since Covid gave us a not-so-gentle reminder that the outdoors in Australia is amazing, this has never been more apparent.
Parks and Reserves are often low-cost or free to visit with camping nearby. When you combine this with good old fashioned foot power, families can experience areas of Australia that our friends overseas can only dream about.
You’ve all heard of Uluru, Kakadu, and the Daintree which are clearly winning the best National Park in Australia popularity contest, right? Well, I think it’s time we got acquainted with some of Australia’s other amazing parks and reserves.
So without further ado, State-by-State, here are some of the best National Parks and Reserves in Australia!
Tasmania
Cockle Creek
Just two hours drive south of Hobart, Cockle Creek is the furthest one can drive south in Australia. It has access to enjoyable short walks and sits right at the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area on beautiful Recherche Bay.
The 2-hour Fishers Point walk is ideal for families, an easy trek from the Whale Sculpture at Cockle Creek. This walk will see you meander along the foreshore with views over Storm Bay to South Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula. You can even visit the remains of a pilot station constructed in 1843!
This area was once a settlement with over 2,000 residents but these days, it’s the departure point for multi-day adventurous treks into the South-West National Park. There is a large campsite, great shorter walking tracks and a rich history in Aboriginal sites, abandoned tramways, gravestones and ruins.
Many visitors say that Cockle Bay feels like the end of the earth …. and that’s the greatest thing about it.
Credit – Jess Bonde
Edge of The World
While we’re on the topic of end of the earth experiences, located in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area on the West Coast of Tasmania is actually a place called, “Edge of the World.” Stretching from the Arthur River in the north to the Pieman River in the South, the conservation area covers over 100,000 hectares.
While technically not a National Park, this reserve in Australia is known for its amazing wildlife spotting opportunities. Families can expect to spot Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons and wombats in the grasslands as well as a rich variety of birdlife, including the majestic wedge-tailed eagle. Fish, surf, camp, horse ride, 4WD or just enjoy a short walk along a windswept beach.
This area is remote but families who take the journey “to the edge” will agree it’s worth it.
Credit – Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Bay of Fires Conservation Area
Named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, The Bay of Fires lives up to its status. From Binalong Bay in the southern end to Eddystone Point in the north, The Bay of Fires is a series of Insta-worth bays stretching along Tasmania’s northeast coast.
Families can relax and enjoy leisurely walks along the secluded beach, stopping to admire the bright orange lichen-encrusted boulders that contrast beautifully against the white sand and turquoise water. Swim in the ocean, fish off the rocks and camp behind the dunes.
Pods of dolphins are seen frequently here and beach activities can be enjoyed by all. Families that snorkel and those with diving tickets will be happy to know the area is known for its abundant sea life and underwater caves.
Credit – Sean Scott
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Another of the popular national parks in Tasmania, Cradle Mountain is exceptionally beautiful at any time of year. Families with little ones will love the kid-friendly enchanted walk and for those with kids that can manage a 6km trek, the Dove Lake Circuit is one for the bucket list.
This is one of my favourite National Parks in Australia!
Visiting in winter will see you wading through snowdrifts, autumn will see you wowing over the yellows, reds and oranges on the mountain, spring will see you spotting echidnas and young joeys and summer will see you smelling wildflowers and dipping your toes in the cool waters of Dove Lake.
Both kids and adults alike will enjoy the fresh mountain air and wildlife spotting here. Expect to see wombats, currawongs and echidnas which all appear regularly. If you can keep the kids quiet long enough as the sun goes down, you may spot a Tasmanian devil or quoll.
Credit – Sarajayne Lada
A park pass is required to visit National Parks and some reserves in Tasmania. Get yours here.
Australian Capital Territory
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Just a 40-minute’s drive from the city centre, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a family favourite offering lovely walks in nature.
Both kids and adults alike will enjoy the easily managed 700m long Koala Path which will take you past eucalyptus trees sheltering Australia’s furry icon. In fact, there are 22 walking trails all up with around 14 of them coming in at under 5km. As a result, this makes them particularly suitable for families.
Spot platypus and a variety of bird species in the ponds at the Sanctuary, where you will also find the Vet Centre. Here you will be able to see the Vet doing health checks on a variety of animals through floor to ceiling windows.
Parents can relax while the kids play on the Nature Discovery Playground with a flying fox, slide, climbing frame, water pump and bouncy toys.
A fee is required to visit Tidbinbilla and is payable at the visitor centre. More information on fees can be found here.
Credit – Visit Canberra
Namadgi National Park
At 45 minutes from Canberra city, Namadgi National Park can be found on the northern end of the Australian Alps. Its proximity to the capital of Australia makes it an ideal National Park to visit when exploring the ACT.
The park features an abundance of wildlife, 160km of walking trails, scenic views and is a wonderful place to explore the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Namadgi National Park covers 106,095 hectares and camping is available in a few different campgrounds.
Credit – Visit Canberra
Northern Territory
Watarrka National Park
Home to the breathtaking Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park is located around 3 hours from Uluru. Many people choose to visit on a road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru.
Families can experience the majestic 300-metre high sandstone walls and palm-filled crevices of Kings Canyon from the 6km rim walk. This circuit begins with a steep incline before reaching the top for amazing views. If you’re not feeling up to it, the Kings Creek Walk is easily managed at a flat 2km return and allows you to view the walls from the bottom of the canyon.
Accommodation in the nearby Kings Canyon resort ranges from camping to glamping through to resort-style accommodation. This is one of the few National Parks in Australia that offers commercial accommodation within the park itself.
Read more about our experience staying in a glamping tent at Kings Canyon here!
Credit – Tourism NT and Matt Glastonbury
Ruby Gap Nature Park
Located on the far eastern edge of the East MacDonnell Ranges, Ruby Gap Nature Park requires a high-clearance 4WD to access. It was the site of Central Australia’s first mining rush in 1886 after ‘’rubies’’ were found in the riverbed. It turns out the rubies were ‘’just’’ red garnets and speaking from experience, they can still be found today in the riverbed quite easily.
The terrain is rugged and is perfect for adventurous families who love a 4WD and camping adventure. Camping is via an honesty box system at the entrance to the park. There are no facilities but the reward is remote camping in a stunning location next to beautiful high gorge walls. Depending on recent rain there could possibly be a waterhole and we can’t forget the red garnets!
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
This one needs no introduction and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park lives up to its reputation, blowing you away with world-heritage listed natural icons, Indigenous cultural learning opportunities and wildlife, all surrounded by the red dirt of Central Australia.
There are many great ways to experience Uluru, including the Field of Lights and pushbiking around it. However, make sure to set some time aside for Kata Tjuta as well as it’s just as amazing as Uluru… and surprisingly, bigger.
We love this National Park in Australia so much we have covered thousands of kilometres twice now to experience it.
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Kakadu National Park
Kakadu is another of the Northern Territories well-known National Park, in fact, it’s Australia’s largest. The rugged and remote beauty of World Heritage Listed Kakadu is unforgettable with roaring waterfalls, lush rainforest, ancient landscapes, exotic (sometimes scary) wildlife, wetlands and rock art.
Around three hours drive from Darwin, families can spot crocs while cruising the Yellow Water Billabong, swim at Maguk and Gunlom Falls, discover ancient rock art, hike one of the Yurmikmik walks, admire Ubirr, visit the Mamukala Wetlands and more.
Credit – Tourism NT and Adriana Alvarado
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park in Australia is known for its beautiful scenery, featuring 13 gorges carved by nature. Accommodation is available within the National Park from camping to chalets through to luxury lodges.
Families can explore the gorge on foot, hire a canoe and paddle along them to discover waterfalls and ancient Aboriginal rock art, watch the colours change on a sunset or sunrise river cruise, and enjoy the wild and wonderful wildlife that calls Nitmiluk National Park home.
Natural swimming holes are memorable, such as Leliyn Falls (Edith Falls) on the western boundary and Butterfly Gorge, a shaded gorge with rocky walls that thousand of butterflies call home.
A fee is required to visit some of the Northern Territory’s stunning national parks. See the individual websites for details.
Credit – Tourism NT and Backyard Bandits
Western Australia
Cape Le Grand National Park
Located in Western Australia’s Golden Outback, Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance is known for its idyllic beaches and stunning scenery.
Families can spot kangaroos sun-baking on the beach, swim, hike, fish and camp. The landscape varies from massive granite outcrops to freshwater pools and beautiful white sandy beaches. As the wildflowers bloom in spring, Cape Le Grand National Park bursts into colour for insta-worthy shots.
Credit – Tourism Western Australia
Karijini National Park
Located in Western Australia’s North West and two billion years in the making, Karijini National Park is a spectacular natural attraction.
Families can hike through ancient gorges, find crystal clear rock pools and waterfalls, explore tunnels of marbled rock, boulder hop and paddle through waterways. There are permanent water pools here so swimming is guaranteed!
Camping is available within the park itself, which takes around two hours drive to reach from the town of Newman.
Credit – Tourism Western Australia
Nambung National Park
Located on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Nambung National Park is known for its unique and fascinating natural landscape. Formed over millions of years ago, lunar-like pinnacles of tall limestone spires rise from the yellow desert sand.
Explore another world by venturing into the Pinnacles either on foot along a hiking trail or on a scenic drive. Secluded white sandy beaches for swimming and snorkelling are also featured at Nambung National Park, with Hangover Bay being a great family picnic spot.
You may even see a Bottlenose dolphin or Sealion swimming offshore!
The park can be reached in under three hours from Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive, just outside the coastal town of Cervantes.
Credit – Tourism Western Australia
Purnululu National Park
Western Australia’s North West is home to World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park which is well known for the Bungle Bungle Range.
Families can camp under the stars, 4WD across the terrain and hike through gorges shaped by nature over millions of year. There are many amazing hikes on offer in Purnululu National Park but the most memorable way to experience it is by scenic flight. As you sweep over the range, the birds-eye views allows you to see a hidden world of gorges and pools with fan palms growing precariously in the rock crevices.
There are two campgrounds within the park itself, Walardi, nearer to the domes and Kurrajong, a larger campground closer to Echidna Chasm.
Credit – Jamie Gilmore
Victoria
Great Otway National Park
Great Otway National Park is well known, stretching along the Great Ocean Road from Torquay and featuring amazing waterfalls, mountain eucalypt forests, windswept coastlines, surf beaches, glow worms and mountain bike trails.
Families can tackle sections of the dramatic coast between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles on food or drive the iconic Great Ocean Road. A highlight is the Cape Otway Lightstation where you can climb to the top for amazing views of the Shipwreck Coast.
Waterfalls include Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Triplet Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Kalimna Falls.
Credit – Visit Victoria
Croajingolong National Park
Home to giant sand dunes, abundant wildlife, pristine inlets and ancient forests, Croajingolong National Park can be found on the remote coast of far-east Victoria.
Croajingolong is about getting back to nature, with campgrounds scattered around the many inlets. Families can enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking and even spot fur seals basking on rocky islets. Take in the historic lighthouse of Point Hicks and if you visit from October to May, families may even see whales on their annual migration.
This is one of the best little known National Parks in Australia!
Credit – Visit Victoria
Budj Bim National Park
The wider Budj Bim Heritage Landscape dates back thousands of years and as an ancient, volcanic landscape, Budj Bim National Park features a tranquil crater lake, lava canals and caves to explore.
Families can explore the dramatic landscape on foot, hike through the lava flow canals and even stroll around the crater’s rim or follow the lake shoreline below. Budj Bim is one of the world’s finest examples of ancient aquaculture and engineering and thanks to modern laser mapping technology, we are learning of the sophisticated and sustainable techniques used by Australia’s traditional owners.
The campground is set among lava rock and twisted Manna Gum trees featuring Australia’s favourite furry icon.
Credit – Visit Victoria
New South Wales
Dorrigo National Park
Despite being only 1 hour from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo National Park feels worlds away. Families can experience a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest with waterfall hikes, picnics and birdwatching. This stunning landscape is millions of years in the making!
Families will love the elevated rainforest walks which features views all the way from the forest to the sea.
Credit – Destination NSW
Myall Lakes National Park
Located on the North Coast not too far from Newcastle, Myall Lakes National Park offers plenty of water fun. There are opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. Featuring one of New South Wale’s largest coastal lake systems, Myall Lakes National Park also boasts over 40km of beaches offering swimming and surfing spots.
When your family needs a break from the water, check out the Grandis, a 76 metre high flooded gum that is reportedly one of the tallest trees in New South Wales. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is also a scenic point of interest and if camping is not your style, there is some great heritage listed accommodation here.
Credit – Destination NSW
Blue Mountains National Park
One of the most well known National Parks in Australia, the Blue Mountains National Park in NSW is home to the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba. Families can be wowed by iconic lookouts and waterfalls, hike historic walking tracks and go adventuring on mountain bikes.
There are six main areas to the Blue Mountain National Park which includes: Katoomba, Blackheath, Glenbrook, Lower Grose Valley, Mount Wilson and the Southern Blue Mountains. Head to Lower Grose Valley for a crowd-free nature escape and to Southern Blue Mountains for wilderness tracks and 4WD routes.
Credit – Destination NSW
South Australia
Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park
The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is one of South Australia’s most iconic destinations. Families will enjoy wildlife, camping, bushwalking, mountain biking, 4WDing, birdwaching and more.
The landscape is ancient and rugged, with tranquil tree-lined gorges, and mountains spread over around 95,000 hectares. Ikara linders Ranges National Park is home to Wilpena Pound, Heysen Range, Brachine gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge.
Families will love the scenic drives, including the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail, a 20km self-guided trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history.
Accommodation options range from working sheep stations to resorts.
Credit – Ben Goode
Flinders Chase National Park
Flinders Chase National Park calls Kangaroo Island home and is known for the iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a long-nosed fur seal colony.
Families can snap insta-worthy selfies at the Remarkable Rocks, their gold-orange colours and surreal shapes are a stand out. The Admirals Arch is another great photo opp with an impressive rock arch shaped by mother nature.
Wildlife spotting opportunities are epic! Snap the resident seal colony and find goannas, koalas, eagles, kangaroos and echidnas among the greenery.
A selection of shorter hiking trails have re-opened after the devastating bush fires of the 2019-2020 summer. This event burnt 96% of the park! Many native plants thrive after a fire and as such, much of the park is regaining its green blanket.
Credit – Ben Goode
Cape Willoughby Conservation Park
Also located on Kangaroo Island, Cape Willoughby Conservation Park is home to South Australia’s first lighthouse. You can even stay in a lightkeeper’s cottage here!
Families can enjoy a guided tour of the light station, the museum at the Cape Willoughby park visitor centre and of course, the 1-hour light station heritage hike. Everyone will enjoy a stay in the lighthouse cottages.
Credit – Tourism Australia
Queensland
Byfield National Park
Located 37km north of Yeppoon, Byfield National Park has a lot to offer adventurous families. Slide down massive sand dunes, swim in freshwater creeks, 4WD along the sandy tracks, hike through pine plantations and ancient cycads or set up your 4WD on the beach for the day.
Camping is permitted in numerous different places in the Byfield National Park, Conservation Park and State Forest. Upper Stony Creek is a great choice for families to take advantage of the cool creek.
Credit – Graham Micheal Freemany and Tourism & Events QLD
K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Located right next door to Hervey Bay, K’Gari doesn’t need an introduction. In fact, it’s already a bucket list destination for many families. Formerly known as Fraser Island, K’Gari is the world’s largest sand island and is a World Heritage Listed area.
Families can swim in stunning lakes, float down cool creeks, slide down sand-dunes and explore the island’s spectacular natural features. Lake McKenzie is a photographed favourite but make sure to visit Central Station for the rainforest scenery. DOn’t miss Lake Boomanjin, the largest perched lake in the world, Lake Wabby and Eli Creek, whose cold water flows through vegetated banks right out to the beach.
K’Gari is 4WD only and there are plenty of tours and hire options available if you don’t have one of your own. Accommodation ranges from camping through to resort-style.
Pssst. If you’re thinking of a family adventure to Fraser Island, make sure to visit our Fraser Island page!
Credit – Tourism and Events QLD
Kroombit Tops National Park
Located in Central Queensland, Kroombit Tops is a little known national park that is of particular interest for families looking for a 4WD adventure.
Families can traverse fun 4WD tracks, camp, explore the woodlands, rainforest and scrublands and even set out to find Beautiful Betsy, the crashed WWII bomber plane.
Camping is available in three different areas but there are no facilities so you must be completely self-sufficient.
Credit – Tourism and Events QLD and Mike Hillburger
Daintree National Park
Daintree National Park in Tropical North Queensland requires no introduction!
Mossman Gorge begins around 80km north of Cairns with a visit to the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre. Here a shuttle bus transfers you nearer to the gorge itself where you can explore family-friendly length tracks and paddle about in the cold water if the conditions are safe to do so. This area is particularly stunning with crystal-clear water cascading over giant granite boulders, all surrounded by lush rainforest growing up the surrounding mountainsides.
Cape Tribulation begins around 110km north of Cairns and is one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world. Families can enjoy the scenic drive, tackle a variety of interesting walks and make use of picnic and day-use areas at Jindalba, Dubuji and Kulki.
Credit – Tourism and Events QLD
