Did you know that Australia is one of the driest continents in the world? It is part of a huge land mass called Gondwana, which linked Africa, Antarctica, Australia, India and South America. It broke up more than 100 million years ago.

There are 25 million hectares of National Park in Australia (3% of the total size of Australia,) and this equaes to 516 parks in total.

Most of the parks are serviced by the local state government e.g. parks that are in NSW are looked after by the NSW government. There are some parks however that are seen to be very special and these are run by the Federal Government.

Most of the key travellers’ routes are in a National Park. Your trip to Australia will therefore, more than likely, include a trip to one.

Which ones are the best National Parks to visit? It’s certainly not feasible to visit or tell you about all 516. I will however tell you which are my favourites.

Firstly a little more background on the National Parks. They can be very large and have often acquired National Park status due to its ancient rock art (Uluru Kata Tjuta – Ayers Rock), special plants or trees, or wildlife. Generally the average visitor only gets to visit a small pocket of the park given its size but there are others that are more manageable given they are smaller.

The majority of parks require an entrance fee. This can be by person or by vehicle depending on the park. It’s not normally very much (around $10) but for popular parks such as Ayers Rock, you can expect to pay more. Most passes give you unlimited access to the park for 48 hours.

Australian National Parks and Camping

There’s nothing better than camping in some of the best scenery in Australia. This is for you if you like the open air and don’t have a fear of snakes and spiders (it’s not that bad really!) Most parks have specific areas for camping with strict campfire rules given the risk of bush fires. Don’t expect the luxury of hot running water though. The facilities are usually very basic but there are a few that offer hot showers operated by coins.

Camping requires a permit and you must book well in advance to get a camping spot. You can search the government websites to find the campsites that have the facilities you require. Remember you will need to do this for each state. If your trip falls near Christmas then you really need to book well in advance. This is the most popular time due to the school holidays around this time. Some of the parks even run a ballot where your name is pulled out of a hat if you are one of the lucky ones.

So which are the best National Parks to visit? To be honest, it is a very subjective view and it depends what you are looking for. Whichever you pick, they all have stunning scenery. I’ve only got room here for 3 but but there are lots more recommendations at the website below

Best for Coast and Beaches

Lord Howe Island has won international acclaim and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s not hard to see why with its enchanting walks, forests, mountains, beaches and marine life. The best walks are the Valley of the Shadows and Mount Gower. The first takes you through high forests of Kentia Palms and Banyan trees. The second is a well known day walk to the top of Mount Gower and its known to be one of the best walks in Australia.

Best for Spiritual Rock Formations

Ayers Rock at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park just has to feature in the top 3. Most come to visit the rock. Did you know its also on the World Heritage list? To see the rock you should make sure you get to the viewing platform (just take your car) at either sunrise or sunset. The light at these times makes the rock look particularly amazing. You can also pay to have a dinner or breakfast overlooking the rock at these times. But there are actually two rock formations in the park. The second is the Olgas and these were in my opinion, even more impressive than Ayers Rock. Make sure you visit both but make your first stop the Cultural Centre which gives great information on guided walks and a chance to meet some local Aboriginals. The most popular walk is the Base Walk. It takes your round the base of the entire rock and takes about 3 hours. Please don’t climb the rock though. It’s totally against the local aboriginal customs and beliefs.

The Grampians National Park is one of Victoria’s largest parks and has great walks, scenery and wildlife. Its 260km from Melbourne along the Western or Glenelg highways (takes about 3.5 hours) The Grampians are a series of sandstone ridges with steep slopes and are very picturesque. The most spectacular waterfall is Mackenzie Falls. You can also see good Aboriginal rock art at Billimina and Wab Manja. There are a couple of 2 day walks for the serious walkers amongst you. But for the best view of the park head to Mount Abrupt. Access to the park is at Halls Gap. But if you want to escape the tourists head to Wartook Valley, e.g. Mt Zero and Mt Stapylton. For the really adventurous go for Mount Difficult which is hard going but amazing. Stony Creek Track to the Bundaleer passing Stony Peak is another good one. You can ascend the Wall of China to obtain the vast views to Tower Hill and the picturesque Victoria Valley.