16 Mar 2020
Get lost...in places so magical, you'll wonder why you haven't tried losing your way before. Emus walking right up to you, crocodiles basking in the sun and cod fishing on the Murray River - that's what you'll be rewarded with when you get off the beaten track in one of Australia's most gob-smacking, jaw-dropping and dazzling national parks.
Each state has its own secret hideaways. Find out our top 24 national parks to visit when you're looking for a taste of adventure.
NEW SOUTH WALES
1. Bouddi National Park
Are you a Sydney-sider? Take a weekend to have a breather on the Central Coast. Walk through the red gums forest and meander your way through to calm, unspoilt beaches. To get your legs stretched and moving around after sitting in the car, try the Bouddi Coastal Walk. From Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, make sure to stop at the lookout over Maitland Bay. It isn't the hardest walk you'll ever do, but definitely bring water and wear the right shoes.
Stay at Canton Beach Holiday Park, Norah Head Holiday Park, Budgewoi Holiday Park and Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
2. Crowdy Bay National Park
Don't worry about the namesake - you'll find peace and solitude in this beautiful part of the world. You'll find yourself in the midst of a rainforest, watch whales migrate in their pods and skip through the wildflowers. Take the time to learn about the indigenous Birpai people, with sacred sites dating back 6,000 years. If you consider yourself a bookworm of all reads Australiana, don't miss out on looking around Kylie Tennant's writer's retreat hut.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Harrington
3. Kosciuszko National Park
Skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, hiking - this place has the year-round goods. The heartbeat of Thredbo doesn't stop once the snow melts. Yarrangobilly Caves have a thermal pool to dip your toes into, horseback riders will have a dream afternoon in the trails of High Plains, and you might be lucky enough to see the platypuses peeking out for a happy hello. For a long walk, embark on the (20km) Thredbo Valley Walk. You'll be rightly exhausted, accomplished and hungry for a feed from Maya Asia Cuisine.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Jindabyne
4. Lane Cove National Park
Although this park is only 20 minutes northwest of Sydney’s CBD, it remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Roughly following the course of the Lane Cove River, which flows into Sydney Harbour, this 1000-acre oasis of secluded bushland is a treat for anyone who loves being immersed in nature. For those looking to make a weekend of it - or longer - there’s plenty to do including bushwalking and bike trails, as well as playgrounds and pleasure craft to discover if a gentle river cruise sounds appealing. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife on offer too, city bird watchers have made this a favourite haunt!
Stay at Discovery Parks - Lane Cove
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
1. Nullarbor National Park
The Nullarbor is worthy of a stopover - and the national park that's there is proof of it. The world's largest semi-arid cave landscape, you'll find yourself walking along flat lands before happening upon the Koonalda Cave. The cave is a massive archaeological site with Aboriginal artwork that's on its roughly 20,000th birthday (so don't you yammer on about being over the hill!). We hope you're able to see the famous wedge-tailed eagle - these guys have a wingspan that can stretch up to 230cm. An eagle as big as a door? We're in.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Streaky Bay before you head into the Nullarbor or when you return to South Australia
2. Cleland Conservation Park
Gotta love the beach, but gotta love them hills too. Home to a wildlife park, hugging a koala is guaranteed to put a smile on that dial. The animals here are a friendly bunch and even an emu or ostrich might saunter by. Spend the morning feeding and petting the animals, have a sammie at Mount Lofty summit and then take the afternoon to cruise around the Adelaide Hills wineries and breweries. A convenient drive from Adelaide, and an absolute must if you're got the time.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Hahndorf Resort
3. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
Before you get too excited, you need a 4WD to scoot around here. But that's how you know it's a full-blown, outback adventure to tell your friends about. The lake itself isn't a puddle to splash in; at 144km long and 77km wide, the lake is a spectacular sight (especially when the rains come in). It is so big, you're probably wondering how you'll even have a chance to fully experience this place. Problem solved: get yourself on a scenic flight. The painted hills, birdlife and views of the Flinders Ranges will impress even the pickiest of travellers.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Roxby Downs
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
1. Karijini National Park
The fountain of youth is flowing freely at Karijini - at least, that's how magical this ancient place feels. An oasis in red dirt country, each of its gorges are unique and charming in their own right. Cool off and go for a swim in one of the many natural pools and lagoons. Better to look than to touch the water? The Junction Pool Lookout has a view of the pool itself 100m down below. Now, that's a drop! While Karijini is remote, the isolation and beauty is a gift after driving through the desert.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Pilbara, Karratha
2. Wellington National Park
Who knew there could be 300 species of wildflowers and that they could all be in one location? If you got a canoe for two, glide along Honeymoon Pool and feel anew. Wellington National Park is a place to reinvigorate your senses. Smell the flowers, touch lush leaves of the forest, see the dam in its enormity and hear the birds chirping. Winter, though, adds a dash more green to the bush.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Bunbury Village and Discovery Parks - Bunbury Foreshore
3. John Forrest National Park
Western Australia's first national park, consider John Forrest National Park as your next day trip from Perth. Family's good company to share lunch with, but how about eating next to a few furry guests? Grey kangaroos, kookaburras and wallabies are all common residents to see when exploring the park. We recommend walking out to the waterfalls: Hovea and National Park Falls. The trails to the falls are clear and beautiful, surrounded by native jarrah and red gum trees.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Perth Airport and Discovery Parks - Swan Valley
VICTORIA
1. Barmah National Park
Kookaburras singing in the old gum trees should be the slogan. You can hear them distinctly amidst the calls of wildlife in the forest, basically thinking they’re performing at an arena. The mighty Murray struts her stuff: banks to fish for golden perch, tracks to walk and ponder life on, and a forest full of kangaroos, emus and koalas. Best fact about this place: it has the world's largest river red gum forest.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Echuca
2. Organ Pipes National Park
You won't find ladies playing their church tunes, but columns made from molten lava that look like floor to ceiling organ pipes. These tall, rosette rock formations are a remarkable backdrop for a picnic. The organ pipes are easily accessible, only about an hour's drive from Melbourne. This is definitely for those who love a good walk: the hike to and from the pipes is a steep one.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Melbourne
3. Great Otway National Park
Smack dab in between Warrnambool and Geelong, the Great Otways are worth the effort to visit. This is a large park, so plan your visit before you get there. You can walk a stretch of the Great Ocean Walk, go four-wheel driving on the Goat or Cowley Tracks and be soothed by the cascading waterfalls. Tick this off on your Great Ocean Road journey.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Geelong and Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
4. Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park is an all-year-round nature lover’s paradise. Known for its dramatic granite cliffs, snow gum forests and abundant wildlife, this 76,000 acre ‘island in the sky’ offers something for the whole family - in every season. Loved by tobogganers and cross-country skiers during winter, during warmer climes, its 90 kilometres of walking trails show-off its incredible range of flora (including hundreds of wildflowers unique to the park), tumbling waterfalls and sunset-ready picnic spots. Not to be missed is The Horn Lookout, which provides majestic views from atop the Mount Buffalo plateau. No one leaves here not wanting to come back.
Stay at Discover Parks - Mount Buffalo
NORTHERN TERRITORY
1. Litchfield National Park
The brochures harp on about Kakadu, but Litchfield has to be seen if you're in the Top End. After long hikes in the humidity, swim in the waterholes during dry season when the crocs aren't about. Florence Falls are particularly special: they're double waterfalls rushing down in a monsoon forest. There's a lookout over the falls if you wanna have a bird's eye-view. Unusual but fascinating tip: go see the termite mounds. These solid formations can be metres high and are difficult to believe they were built by puny termites. That's some serious weightlifting.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Darwin
2. Mary River National Park
Billabong beauties! The photographers out there won't know where to stop. From crocodiles soaking up the sun to wallabies in the forest, the fauna is abundant and truly wild. Barra fishermen have to get out to Hardies Lagoon. You'll be casting lines right into the pink sunset. Feeling like going at a slower pace? A cruise is a popular way to see more of the waterways and the park.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Darwin
3. Berry Springs Nature Park
If you stay in Darwin long enough, someone will tell you "get to Berry Springs and stay back for a meal at the tavern". Trust and listen to them, you won't be disappointed. Berry Springs is nature's spa. Warm, calm pools invite you to sit back and relax: pure bliss. Bring noodles if you can! Not the kind you eat, silly, but the foam ones you can sit about on in the water. The park has plenty of shade, but wear a good amount of sunscreen and mozzy repellent just in case.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Darwin
TASMANIA
1. Mount Field National Park
Northwest of Hobart, deep in the swamp gum forests, Mount Field National Park is a wonderland when the snow settles and green as a leprechaun's top hat in the summer. A little secret (sort of) is the potential to see those mythical webbed-footed and furry creatures: the platypuses. Scout them out as the sun rises over Lake Dobson and you could be in for a treat. The feature image of this blog? Oh yeah, that's Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park. They're sort of a really big deal.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Hobart
2. Ben Lomond National Park
Love recycling, learning about the earth and getting your hands a bit dirty? Ben Lomond National Park is your holiday candy. The base of the park is comprised of all types of stone - like quartzite and slates - and it was formed by glaciers. Hundreds of native and rare plant species grow and echidnas have been seen sitting about with their mates drinking Boag's. If you're looking to change direction, drive up the zig-zag road of Jacob's Ladder (but drive with caution, especially in winter).
Stay at Discovery Parks - Hadspen
3. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Walkers, hikers and full-blown adventurers are all catered for at Cradle Mountain. Tell your buddies you walked on the Overland Track and you technically won't be lying. A good stretch of the track passes through this park. For something more leisurely, the circuit around Dove Lake will be breathtaking without leaving you breathless. But of course, you can't get out here and turn down the Tassie devils. Head over to Devils @ Cradle for a tour to see these Looney Tunes.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
QUEENSLAND
1. Mount Archer National Park
While a bit of a climb up to the summit, Mount Archer's views of Rockhampton and Roslyn Bay is the cherry on top of a Capricorn Coast getaway. If you're hungry by the time you get there, drive up instead and use the BBQs for lunch. When looking around, remember to look up! Not for drop-bears, but for black cockatoos perched on the eucalyptus.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Rockhampton and Discovery Parks - Coolwaters, Yeppoon
2. Lamington National Park
Did you know that there was a national park made entirely of lamingtons? Your parents never told you, but that's where all of the lamingtons are taken from - slices of coconut covered chocolate bushes and trees that grow wild.
We wish! What a neat discovery that would be. Would live there and avoid our two fruit and three veg for good. We promise you though, you'll live without seeing a lamington for a day and getting lost in here. The vegetation is thick and lush, a true rainforest. Check out the gnarly Antarctic beech trees that are up to 200 MILLION years old. Waiting at the post office for 10 minutes can feel like eternity - don't know how these trees kill time!
Stay at Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
3. Blackdown Tableland National Park
Bushwalkers,here is your paradise. Jutting out from the dry plains of the Queensland out outback, Blackdown Tableland National Park is entangled with trails leading to creeks, lookouts and ancient Aboriginal art. Rainbow Falls is an easy walk to get to and the most loved hideaway of the national park. A 40m drop into a clear pool, enjoy a cool down while swimming in these relaxing waters.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Blackwater
4. Great Sandy National Park
Divided into two sections between Noosa Heads in the south and Rainbow Beach to the north, 'Great Sandy' is every ocean-loving adventurer’s fantasy come true. Home to the Cooloola Great Walk, this 102-kilometre trail winds its way through rainforest, eucalyptus and dry coastal woodlands, toward the stunning Double Island Point and Teewah Beach. Parts of the park are best accessed by 4WD, including the incredible sand dunes and freshwater lakes of Fraser Island, which you can get to by ferry. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Stay at Discovery Parks – Hervey Bay
Ready to put on your hiking boots? Book now at one of our holiday parks and enjoy getting a little lost in Australia's most stunning national parks.
