The Best National Parks in Australia

The island of Tasmania is a dream come true for nature lovers, and Freycinet National Park boasts some of its most beautiful landscapes. This is where you’ll find the curving coastline of Wineglass Bay, which is best appreciated from above; take a short but steep hike up to the lookout point for a panoramic vista that seems straight out of a postcard.

Need to know: To make the most of your time in Tasmania, stay at the stunning Saffire Freycinet. This luxurious retreat is located within Freycinet National Park, providing privileged access to its beaches and trails – plus truly incredible views of the Hazards mountain range.

The Flinders Ranges are a group of ancient mountains in South Australia, covering over 400 kilometres (250 miles) from end to end and reaching heights of more than 1,100 metres (3,600 feet). Ikara is the Adnyamathanha Aboriginal word for Wilpena Pound, this national park’s defining feature, where two mountain ranges come together to form a natural amphitheatre.

Need to know: The best time to visit Ikara-Flinders National Park is from April to October (the colder season in Australia). While you’re here, keep an eye out for fascinating animals like emus, kangaroos, wallaroos and echidnas, plus plenty of colourful birds and reptile species.

Kakadu National Park is located in Australia’s northernmost region: the remote section of the Northern Territory known as the Top End. Formerly Australia’s biggest national park (until the establishment of Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park), Kakadu is renowned for its abundance of ancient rock art, as well as waterfalls, woodlands, billabongs and more.

Need to know: This part of Australia has six distinct seasons, three of which are characterised by heavy rain. We usually recommend visiting during the drier months from May to October; the rainy months are less crowded, but some parts of the park may be inaccessible due to flooding.

Also known as Gariwerd (the Aboriginal name for the mountain range it encompasses), Grampians National Park is located on the western side of Victoria, conveniently close to Melbourne. In addition to phenomenal hiking trails and prehistoric rock art sites, the Grampians are also a prime destination for wine tourism, offering several outstanding vineyards to visit.

Need to know: The Royal Mail Hotel is the most iconic place to stay in the Grampians, and for good reason. Open since 1855, the historic hotel is now well known for its refined seasonal cuisine and extensive wine cellar, making it an ideal destination for food and wine lovers.

North Queensland may be most famous for the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s also home to Daintree National Park and the Daintree Rainforest: the oldest tropical rainforest on earth. The national park is divided into two parts; the Mossman Gorge contains densely forested mountains and immense biodiversity, while Cape Tribulation boasts beaches and dramatic coastal scenery.

Need to know: Silky Oaks Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring Daintree National Park in all its glory. Set right beside the Mossman River, the luxury lodge offers guided tours of the park and authentic experiences in which you can learn about Aboriginal culture and history.

Just an hour’s drive (or a two-hour train ride) inland from Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park is among our favourite destinations for an exciting day trip from the city. The park’s vast expanse of peaks, valleys, rivers and gorges make it one of the most beautiful places in New South Wales. Don’t miss the striking sandstone rock formations known as the Three Sisters.

Need to know: The Katoomba Scenic Railway offers a true adrenaline rush along with stunning views. It’s the world’s steepest passenger railway, ascending at a 52º angle through the forest to Eaglehawk Lookout. Active thrill seekers can also go abseiling or canyoning.

Another of the best national parks in Tasmania, Tasman National Park is a tapestry of contrasts: sheer cliffs, crashing waves, yawning caves, soaring dunes and so much more. It’s home to the country’s tallest sea cliffs, towering sea stacks and several scenic trails, including the Three Capes Track: a four-day route that covers 48 kilometres (30 miles) along the edge of the Tasman Peninsula.

Need to know: The best time to visit Tasman National Park for warm weather is from December to February, when highs can reach 18ºC (64ºF), but this is also the busiest time of year. Outside of the peak season you’ll encounter fewer tourists and might even get to spot migrating whales.

The spectacular monolith of Uluṟu is one of the main attractions of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, located in the heart of the Australian Outback. This monumental landmark and the surrounding landscape are rich with spiritual significance and energy. The nearby Kata Tjuṯa is equally enchanting, comprising three dozen enormous rock domes (also known as the Olgas or Mount Olga).

Need to know: Immerse yourself in the isolated beauty of this region at Longitude 131º, a luxury tented camp with direct views of Uluṟu. You can also visit the national park as part of a cross-country journey on the Ghan, one of the best luxury train rides in the world.