Have you ever wondered where you can experience Australia’s untamed beauty, face to face? If Australia’s vast landscapes and wild horizons are calling your name, there’s no better way to explore them than by diving into the country’s national parks. From the rugged coastlines of Tasmania to the red desert heart of the Outback, Australia’s best national parks deliver unforgettable adventures. So pack your gear and get ready to discover the best national parks in Australia—places you’ll want to revisit again and again.
1. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
If Australia had a crown jewel, Kakadu would be it. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kakadu is one of the largest national parks in the world, boasting incredible biodiversity, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and iconic landscapes that shift from wetlands to sandstone cliffs. Start your trip at Ubirr or Nourlangie, where centuries-old rock art blends storytelling with tradition. Come in the dry season for endless skies or the wet season for vibrant waterfalls and lush surroundings.
Best time to visit: May to October for cooler temps and crocodile sightings.
2. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory
Uluru, one of Australia’s most iconic sites, is a must-see destination. Standing majestically in the Outback, this massive sandstone monolith is surrounded by 36 dome-shaped rock formations known as Kata Tjuta. While sunrise and sunset bring out Uluru’s famous red glow, a visit to the Field of Light—a sea of 50,000 illuminated stems—will leave you speechless.
Best time to visit: Winter months (June-August) for mild weather.
3. Daintree National Park, Queensland
Step into the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree, where lush greenery and misty forests seem like they’ve been transported straight out of a dream. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a staggering number of unique flora and fauna, including the rare cassowary. For a surreal experience, take a river cruise and keep an eye out for saltwater crocs.
Best time to visit: May to September for cooler, dry conditions.
4. Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Pink granite peaks, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters define Freycinet. The highlight? Wineglass Bay, one of Australia’s most photographed beaches. Hike the Hazards or take a dip in the impossibly blue waters. Freycinet is the kind of place that makes you realize you never want to leave Tasmania.
Best time to visit: December to February for beach-perfect weather.
5. Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales
Only an hour’s drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a favorite for locals and tourists alike. The landscape is dotted with eucalyptus forests, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Don’t miss the Three Sisters rock formation or a hike down Wentworth Falls. With hundreds of trails, you could spend weeks here and still want to see more.
Best time to visit: Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May).
6. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a hiker’s dream come true, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Tasmania. The famous Overland Track is a must for serious adventurers—a 6-day trek that leads you through ancient forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain, each step revealing new surprises in this enchanting wilderness.
Cradle Mountain’s jagged peaks rise dramatically above the landscape, while the serene waters of Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake, add a touch of mystique. Along the way, you might encounter a wombat grazing by the path, or, if luck is truly on your side, catch a glimpse of the elusive Tasmanian devil in its natural habitat. This is nature at its wildest, purest, and most captivating—like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
Best time to visit: December to February for milder conditions.
7. Great Otway National Park, Victoria
Traveling down the iconic Great Ocean Road, you’ll soon discover the captivating beauty of Great Otway National Park—a true haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This coastal park is brimming with lush rainforests, misty waterfalls, towering eucalyptus trees, and rugged cliffs that seem to touch the sky. For a quick, scenic stop, take the short walk to Erskine Falls, where water cascades 30 meters into a fern-fringed pool, creating a picture-perfect scene.
If you’re up for an unforgettable experience, stay overnight and head to Melba Gully after dark to witness the mystical glow worms illuminating the forest floor in tiny points of light. With everything from forested trails and hidden beaches to wildlife spotting, Great Otway National Park offers a slice of Australia’s wilderness that’s as enchanting as it is diverse.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer (September-February) for warmer weather.
8. Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia
Picture an endless red landscape, rugged and vast, stretching out beneath a big, open sky—that’s the Flinders Ranges. This iconic South Australian park offers an otherworldly experience, where you can hike through Wilpena Pound, a colossal natural amphitheater carved by time, or explore ancient fossil sites that tell stories millions of years old.
To truly appreciate the magnitude of this place, consider a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges for jaw-dropping views of the dramatic gorges, peaks, and rock formations that make it feel like you’re on another planet. And if you’re up for a true outback adventure, the 4-Day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges 4WD Tour from Adelaide is a perfect pick.
You’ll journey from the city deep into Australia’s wilderness, experiencing the surreal beauty of Lake Eyre, driving through the heart of the Flinders Ranges, and even spotting the rare and elusive rock wallaby.
Best time to visit: April to October.
9. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria
Known to locals as “The Prom,” this park offers pristine beaches, forested mountains, and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and emus. Squeaky Beach, famous for its pure white sand that “squeaks” underfoot, is an absolute must-see. Whether hiking, snorkeling, or camping, you’ll find Wilsons Prom a natural playground.
Best time to visit: November to April.
10. Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales
Home to Australia’s tallest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, this national park is perfect for snow sports in winter and hiking or mountain biking in summer. The alpine scenery is breathtaking, and the wildflowers that bloom in late spring create a picturesque landscape you’ll never forget.
Best time to visit: December to March for hiking; June to September for snow activities.
11. Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Nitmiluk National Park is an adventurer’s paradise, with spectacular gorges, rivers, and rocky landscapes that capture the spirit of Australia’s Northern Territory. The star of the park is Katherine Gorge, a series of 13 stunning sandstone gorges carved over millions of years by the Katherine River. For the ultimate experience, grab a kayak and paddle through the gorge at sunset as the light casts golden hues on the ancient rock walls, or soar above it all in a helicopter for jaw-dropping aerial views. Either way, the scenery will leave you in awe.
From Darwin, the Katherine Gorge & Edith Falls Full-Day Tour lets you fully experience Nitmiluk’s beauty. This 14-hour adventure includes a 2-hour cruise through Katherine Gorge, offering close-up views of towering cliffs, wildlife like freshwater crocs, and insights into Aboriginal culture. You’ll also enjoy a refreshing swim at Edith Falls, making it the perfect day trip for nature lovers.
Best time to visit: May to September.
12. Grampians National Park, Victoria
If stunning landscapes are your thing, Grampians National Park won’t disappoint. Known for its rugged sandstone peaks, waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Don’t miss The Balconies for panoramic views, or the climb up Mount William for an even more spectacular vantage point. Explore Indigenous culture at Brambuk Cultural Centre and keep an eye out for wildlife, including kangaroos and emus. With its breathtaking scenery and rich history, the Grampians offer a unique escape into Victoria’s natural beauty.
Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) for wildflowers.
13. Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia
Kalbarri National Park offers a mix of towering red cliffs, deep gorges, and endless river views, making it one of Western Australia’s hidden treasures. The Murchison River Gorge slices through the landscape, creating scenic lookouts that are perfect for photography and exploration.
A highlight of the park is the Kalbarri Skywalk—a striking platform extending over the gorge, offering sweeping views of the rugged terrain below. For more adventurous travelers, the Z-Bend Trail provides a challenging but rewarding hike into the heart of the park.
Beyond the land-based adventures, Kalbarri offers one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences: the Kalbarri Whale Watching Tour. From June to November, Humpback Whales migrate along the coastline, and this cruise brings you close to these majestic creatures. It’s a magical way to observe their behavior as they breach, tail-slap, and glide through the water against the backdrop of the dramatic cliffs.
Kalbarri isn’t as famous as some of Australia’s other national parks, but with its breathtaking scenery, remote charm, and unique wildlife experiences, it’s a destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list. Whether hiking through the gorges or whale watching along the coast, Kalbarri promises an unforgettable adventure.
Best time to visit: Winter months (June-August).
14. Lamington National Park, Queensland
Tucked in Queensland’s hinterland, Lamington National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for lush rainforests, ancient trees, and vibrant wildlife. The popular O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk lets you explore the canopy and spot birds like regent bowerbirds and king parrots.
With over 500 waterfalls, the park is a dream for waterfall chasers. Highlights include Elabana Falls and Moran Falls, offering scenic views over the valleys. After a day of hiking, unwind at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, where nature meets comfort.
Whether you’re exploring rainforests or relaxing by waterfalls, Lamington is a perfect getaway into the wild.
Best time to visit: May to October.
15. Purnululu National Park, Western Australia
Home to the striking beehive-shaped Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park is unlike anywhere else on Earth. These ancient rock formations glow under the sun and make for a surreal hiking experience. The Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge are essential stops.
Best time to visit: May to September.
16. Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
Imagine clear waters, white sands, and kangaroos chilling on the beach. That’s Cape Le Grand. Known for Lucky Bay, this park is where you’ll see roos hopping around with a beach backdrop. The clear blue water and iconic beaches will make you think you’re in paradise.
Best time to visit: October to April.
17. Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Just a short trip from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is perfect for cooling off in tropical waterfalls and pools. Swim at the popular Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, both surrounded by lush greenery.
Don’t miss the giant termite mounds, which align with the earth’s magnetic field and make for unique photo opportunities. For more adventure, explore the Tolmer Falls lookout or relax in the Buley Rockholes’ natural pools.
Whether you stay for a day or camp overnight, Litchfield offers a refreshing mix of waterfalls, swimming spots, and unique landscapes.
Best time to visit: April to October for dry season access.
18. Mount Field National Park, Tasmania
If waterfalls, towering trees, and wildlife excite you, Mount Field National Park is a must-visit. Just an hour from Hobart, this park is home to Russell Falls, one of Tasmania’s most stunning waterfalls, and offers easy access to diverse hiking trails. Walk among some of the tallest trees in Australia, and with a bit of luck, spot platypuses swimming in the streams or catch a glimpse of a Tasmanian devil.
For a full experience, try the Hobart: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong, and Richmond Trip. This guided day tour takes you through Mt Field’s lush forests and up to Mt Wellington, where panoramic views over Hobart await. Along the way, you’ll stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet Tasmanian devils and other native animals. Wrap up your adventure with a leisurely stroll through Richmond’s charming streets.
With its waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic landscapes, Mount Field is an easy yet rewarding escape into Tasmania’s natural beauty.
Best time to visit: November to April.
20. Cape Range National Park, Western Australia
Cape Range National Park is where rugged cliffs meet turquoise waters, offering the best of both coastal and inland adventures. The park’s star attraction is the nearby Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s largest fringing reefs, famous for snorkeling with manta rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Turquoise Bay is a must-see, with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Inland, the limestone cliffs and deep gorges—like Yardie Creek Gorge—offer stunning hiking trails and breathtaking views, adding a dramatic contrast to the coastal scenery.
For an immersive experience, try the Exmouth: Ningaloo Reef Snorkel Adventure. This guided tour takes you to two prime snorkeling locations—the picturesque Turquoise Bay and either Lakeside or Oyster Stacks, depending on the tide. You’ll explore vibrant coral gardens just a few steps from the shore, with opportunities to encounter colorful fish, rays, and other marine life up close.
Whether you’re hiking through rugged gorges or snorkeling in Ningaloo’s sparkling waters, Cape Range offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Best time to visit: March to September.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the best national parks in Australia is like stepping into nature’s greatest art gallery, each park a unique masterpiece. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of Uluru-Kata Tjuta’s red desert, the ancient rainforests of the Daintree, or the vibrant coastal hues of Cape Le Grand, there’s something here for every traveler. From Kakadu’s vast wetlands teeming with life to the dramatic cliffs of the Blue Mountains, each destination offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting for you to dive into.
So why wait? Start planning your trip, pick a park or two, and let the incredible beauty of Australia’s wilderness inspire you. The adventure of a lifetime is calling—pack your bags, lace up your boots, and go make unforgettable memories in Australia’s most stunning landscapes.