Nature Next Door: National Park Adventures from Your Discovery Stay
Looking for a holiday where you can dive into the great outdoors and still be back in time for dinner? We’ve got just the thing. From snow-capped peaks to outback gorges and coastal wonders, our Discovery Parks and Resorts are perfectly placed next to some of Australia’s most breathtaking national parks.
Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, wildlife spotting or just in it for the scenery, here are ten stays that bring the best of nature right to your doorstep.
1. Discovery Parks – Lane Cove & Lane Cove National Park, NSW
Just ten minutes down the road, Lane Cove National Park is a leafy escape nestled in the heart of Sydney’s north. Explore bushwalking trails, enjoy a riverside picnic or hire a paddleboat and drift through the Lane Cove River. And when you're ready to trade hiking boots for house slippers, your cabin is right nearby.
2. Discovery Parks – Jindabyne & Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Perched on the edge of the Snowy Mountains, Discovery Parks – Jindabyne is your gateway to Kosciuszko National Park and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko itself. In winter, it’s all about skiing and snow play; come summer, swap skis for boots and hike Australia’s highest peak or explore the alpine lakes and wildflowers.
3. Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain & Lake St Clair National Park, TAS
Smack bang in the heart of one of Tasmania’s most iconic national parks, Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain puts you at the foot of ancient peaks and glacier-carved valleys. Whether it’s snow-dusted landscapes or wombat sightings you’re after, you don’t have to go far – you’re already there.
4. Discovery Resorts – Wilpena Pound & Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA
Want front-row seats to a 600-million-year-old natural amphitheatre? Wilpena Pound is the only accommodation within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – and it's a showstopper. Think rugged hikes, ancient landscapes, Aboriginal rock art, and golden-hour colours that’ll knock your socks off.
5. Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney & Murray River National Park, SA
Set yourself up on the lakefront and enjoy the best of both worlds. Lake Bonney is made for water play and relaxing sundowners, while just 30 minutes away, Murray River National Park offers walking trails, red gum forests, and close-up encounters with native birdlife and kangaroos.
6. Discovery Parks – Goolwa & Coorong National Park, SA
Only 10 minutes down the road lies the Coorong – a wonderland of salt lagoons, sand dunes and birdlife. Walk the boardwalks, kayak the channels or just soak in the serenity. Back in Goolwa, wind down with fish and chips by the wharf or a stroll through the historic port town.
7. Discovery Parks – Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), NT
Base yourself at Discovery Parks – Katherine and spend your days exploring the awe-inspiring Nitmiluk National Park, just 20 minutes away. Take a cruise through the towering gorge walls, canoe the river, or tackle the Jatbula Trail if you’re up for a challenge.
8. Discovery Parks – Narooma Beach & Eurobodalla National Park, NSW
If you’re into coastal wilderness, this one’s for you. Eurobodalla National Park is 30 minutes from Narooma Beach and serves up secluded beaches, rugged headlands, and epic views. Keep your eyes peeled – this is prime territory for spotting whales, dolphins and sea eagles.
9. Discovery Parks – Townsville & Paluma Range National Park, QLD
Tropical Townsville is your jumping-off point for Paluma Range National Park, just an hour away. Think waterfalls, rainforest walks, and mountain pools so clear they look photoshopped. It’s cooler up in the range, so it’s a great day trip when the Townsville sun’s cranking.
10. Discovery Parks – Mt Buffalo & Mount Buffalo National Park, VIC
Image Credit: Tourism Victoria
Only 40 minutes from your stay, Mount Buffalo National Park is a playground of granite cliffs, alpine meadows and waterfalls. Explore by foot, bike or even snowshoe in winter. The views from The Horn are worth every step.
Nature’s Calling – Are You Coming?
From coast to coast and mountain to desert, Discovery Parks and Resorts are the perfect base for your next national park adventure. Pack the walking shoes, charge the camera and hit the road – nature’s never been this close.
