13 Aug 2021
Updated Sept 2
One of the best things about living in Australia is that we are never far away from a National Park. Large and small, each one has its story to tell.
During Spring they hit their peak, blooming with the new season as if to say, 'hey, isn't it time we caught up?'
With warmer weather and longer days upon us, take the chance to explore the great outdoors - visit a National Park near you!
SA | WA | VIC | NT | TAS | NSW | QLD
We know it can be hard to plan a holiday at the moment. But we believe that shouldn't stop you from dreaming about getaways together with loved ones. If you can't travel just yet, we hope this inspires you to keep your travel dreams alive. Our flexible booking terms - Book now, pay later - means you can book without risk and pay zero deposit. Payment is not required until 48 hours before your scheduled stay.
SA
Deep Creek Conservation Park
Deep Creek has an extensive network of trails branching off the Heysen Trail, offering days of potential exploration for walkers of all levels. Credit: Ben Goode
Home to families of western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and hundreds of native birds, between June and October you can even spot the majestic Southern Right Whale as they migrate from sub-antarctic waters.
Part of SA’s amazing Fleurieu Peninsula, a trip to Deep Creek also puts you in close proximity to wineries, beaches and Kangaroo Island, which you can see from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area!
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Goolwa
READ ALSO: 24 Stunning National Parks in Australia
Cleland National Park
South Australia is blessed with hills within 15 minutes of Adelaide’s city centre. Credit: Ben Goode
Home to Cleland Wildlife Park, Waterfall Gully and the iconic Mt. Lofty Summit, Cleland National Park also puts you within touching distance of Belair National Park, one of Australia’s oldest and most established reserves.
Even better, being here means it's easy to get to the Adelaide Hills bevvy of wineries and micro-breweries. Don't drink and hike though, book a stay with us!
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Hahndorf Resort
Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) National Park
At 144km long and 77km wide, Lake Eyre is Australia’s biggest salt lake, and at 15.2 metres below sea-level is also our lowest point. Credit: Luke Byrne
This is a full-blown 4WD outback adventure in South Australia’s Far North, approximately 400km from Flinders Ranges National Park.
Standing on the edge of a dry Lake Eyre is sure to bring up some moon-landing vibes, but when there’s water around you can expect to be greeted by pelicans, silver gulls, red-necked avocets and banded stilts, who come here to breed in their thousands.
Push your limits by adding this to your itinerary next time you head to the Flinders, an incredible adventure in an amazing and remote part of Australia.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Roxby Downs
WA
Wellington National Park
A short drive east from Bunbury gets you to this haven of wildflowers inside 17,000 hectares of wooded forest. Credit: Tourism WA
Featuring waterholes and gorges you can swim, canoe or fish in, this park punches well above its weight in terms of things to do.
Known for the picturesque picnic and swimming spot of Collie River Valley, Wellington is a great way to touch nature and be charmed by the birdlife who will sing to you as you go about your day.
Also popular with mountain bikers, there is a wide variety of trails to keep even the most experienced entertained.
Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Bunbury Village Discovery Parks - Bunbury Foreshore
Karijini National Park
Karijini is well worth the drive inland from Karratha, Port Hedland or Onslow. Credit: @4boysandacaravan
This park should be on every Australian travellers bucket list. Simply put, it’s magical at any time of the year.
With dozens of must-see gorges and watering holes, Hammersly, Hancock and Dale Gorges are just a few names worth writing down.
It’s also worth being prepared for a variety of weather, as the climate here varies from semi-arid to tropical. Wildflowers bloom in the cooler months and its teeming with native wildlife.
Start planning for this trip now.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Pilbara, Karratha, Discovery Park - Onslow, Discovery Park - Port Hedland
VIC
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo National Park is an all-year-round nature lover’s paradise. Credit: Visit Victoria
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).
Not to be missed is The Horn Lookout, which provides majestic views from atop the Mount Buffalo plateau.
Where to Stay: Discover Parks – Bright
Great Otway National Park
Smack bang in the middle of Warrnambool and Geelong, the Great Otways are worth the effort to get to. Credit: Visit Victoria
This is a large park, so plan ahead before you arrive.
Walk a stretch of the Great Ocean Walk, go four-wheel driving on the Goat or Cowley Tracks and be soothed by the sounds of cascading waterfalls.
Tick off the Great Otways as part of your Great Ocean Road adventure. A must-do for nature lovers and those who love the sea.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Geelong and Discovery Parks - Warrnambool
NT
Litchfield National Park
Be sure to pack your swimming costume here because the number of swimming holes, waterfalls and gorges is endless. Credit: Tourism NT / Shaana McNaught
While everyone has heard of Kakadu, Litchfield National Park is the real ace in the deck when you’re visiting the Top End.
Florence Falls is a particularly special sight, the result of two waterfalls cascading into a monsoonal forest.
Tabletop Track is a challenging 39km hike and there are loads of 4WD options with access to popular sites. An authentic NT experience.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Darwin
Berry Springs National Parks
Another haven of relaxation in the Top End, Berry Springs is all about cooling off in nature not far from Darwin. Credit: Tourism NT
Full of native wildlife, the park also has an abundance of shaded picnic and barbecue areas close to swimming pools and is surrounded by native vegetation.
It is also home to a significant number of Word War II artefacts, when more than 100,000 armed forces personnel were stationed in the area!
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Darwin
TAS
Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain offers world-class hiking that caters to all levels and is one of the jewels in Tasmania’s wilderness crowns. Credit:Tom Roschi
Home to a rich diversity of native vegetation, the variety of wildlife is first class, too. Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna and loads of bird species all call the park home.
You can also hike sections of the Overland Track, Australia’s premier alpine walk. Not to be missed.
Where to stay: Discovery Park - Cradle Mountain, Discovery Park - Hadspen, Discovery Park - Devonport
Ben Lomond
Jacob’s Ladder is one of Tasmania’s most spectacular alpine roads. Credit: Matthew Donovan
Full of rare plant species and an abundance of wildlife, in certain parts Ben Lomond doesn't feel ike 'Australia' at all. Comprised of all manner of stone types, its peak of Legges Tor is the second highest in Tasmania at 1500m.
A stunning spot with incredible views, this park is typical of Tasmania's frontier-style wilderness.
Where to stay: Discovery Park - Cradle Mountain, Discovery Park - Hadspen, Discovery Park - Devonport
NSW
Kosciuszko National Park
Horseback riders will love an afternoon on the trails of the High Plains. Credit: Destination NSW
Mt. Kosciuszko is an all-year round adventure park with mountain biking, hiking and thermal pools to dip into at Yarrangobilly Caves. There’s also Kosciuszko itself, Australia’s highest point at 2,228 metres above sea-level, and a bucket-list climb best taken on in the warmer months.
For a hiking challenge manageable within a day, take on the 20km Thredbo Valley Walk, then collapse in your cabin at Jindabyne!
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Jindabyne
Lane Cove
Although this park is only 20 minutes northwest of Sydney’s CBD, it remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Credit: Destination NSW
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 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!
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Lane Cove
QLD
Great Sandy National Park
Divided into two sections between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach, 'Great Sandy' is every ocean-loving adventurer’s fantasy come true. Credit: TEQ
Home to the Cooloola Great Walk, this 102-kilometre trail winds its way through rainforest, eucalyptus and dry coastal woodlands, ending at 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.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Hervey Bay
Mount Archer
Archer Point is a short 20 minute drive from Cooktown along the sealed Mulligan Highway and unsealed Archer Point Road. Credit: TEQ
While it is 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 public BBQs for lunch. When looking around, remember to look up! Not for drop-bears, but for black cockatoos perched on eucalyptus.
Stay at Discovery Parks - Rockhampton, Discovery Parks - Coolwaters, Yeppoon
