From a six-day hike in the gorgeous alpine ridges of Tassie to hopping your way through the Whitsunday Islands — there’s something for everyone at the best national parks Down Under this year.
Have you ever been homesick for a place that isn’t home? I have. There are moments when I close my eyes and all I see are rivers of white swirls doodling their way across dark night skies studded with stars and distant planets. In that instance, deep breaths only serve to draw in scents of brisk mountain air perfumed with the intermingled fumes from my Pocket Rocket and the bubbling pot of ramen over it. The Finnish describe this unspecified faraway yearning as “Kaukokaipuu” while the Germans call it “fernweh”, the ache for distant places. Sound familiar? If you, too, are experiencing far-sickness — there’s no better way to ease away from the daily grind than by spending some quality time in the great outdoors Down Under. Plus, now that entry requirements to Australia have been simplified in most territories to bypass tests or isolation, you’re all set for your adventure to the best national parks in Australia this Winter and Spring 2022!
️ Now to 31 July 2022: Enjoy more when you book your Singapore Airlines flight ticket with YouTrip Mastercard — Get up to S$320 worth of Cashback and KrisShop e-vouchers! Don’t miss out this time, find out more here.
💜 Check These Out Too:
#1: How To Capitalise On The Australian Dollar Right Now
#2: All You Need To Know About Entry Requirements To Australia
#3: 10 Nearby Beach Destinations Not To Be Missed
Tasmania
1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
I went in the shoulder season of spring when the shrubs covering the rugged hills of the national park were trading in their fiery red and orange coats for softer yellow and vibrant green accents. The leftover chill from spring coupled with the blue summer skies made it great for hiking around the various lakes and especially enjoyable for camping. While most come to this national park to take on the legendary Overland Track (65 km), there are also a ton of shorter but equally iconic walks around the national park that you can enjoy such as the Dove Lake Circuit (6km) and the Crater Lake Circuit (5.7km).
When to go: All seasons are great!
Hiking Difficulty Level: If you’re planning to take on the Overland Track, you will need to have a good level of fitness. An acquaintance with general remote alpine landscapes will be definitely welcomed when you’re out camping in the wild.
Park Passes:
👉🏻 For Overland Track: A$200 (~S$193) per pax, a valid parks pass is required for entry, and an Overland Track walker registration is recommended
👉🏻 General One Day Entry: A$41.20 (~S$39.80) per vehicle (eight pax)
Visitor Centre: 4057 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here, entry fees here, and learn more about booking your walk here.
2. Freycinet National Park
Affectionately referred to as the jewel of Tasmania’s eastern coastline, Freycinet National Park is home to none other than the ever-charming Wineglass bay with its perfect smile of white sand and vast turquoise waters. There are a ton of things to do here at Freycinet National Park. You could take on the three-day Freycinet Peninsula Circuit (27 km), marvel at the curious tangerine-stained rocks at Sleepy Bay, or summit Mount Amos (three hours) at dusk for spectacular sunset views of the national park.
When to go: All seasons are great!
Hiking Difficulty Level: The Freycinet Peninsula Circuit will require you to take on short but steep hill sections and a whole lot of steps. If you have any bushwalking experience — that would be great.
Park Passes:
👉🏻 Holiday Backpacker Parks Pass: A$41.20 (~S$39.80) per person valid for two months
👉🏻 General One Day Entry: A$41.20 (~S$39.80) per vehicle (eight pax)
Visitor Centre: 138 Freycinet Dr, Coles Bay TAS 7215, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here, entry fees here, and learn more about booking your walk here.
3. Tasman National Park
If you’ve only got time to visit just one national park in Tasmania, I would recommend this one that’s pretty near Hobart. Tasman National Park is a playground for nature lovers. Fellow lead climbers, these towering sea cliffs and rock formations (i.e. the Sea Stacks) that surround the Tasman Peninsula are made for climbing. In fact, Tasmanian dolerite is a course rock that can only be found in Australia and make for great handholds! Just remember to be equipped with all the right gear — safety first.
Not a fan of climbing? Don’t worry, you could always view these amazing structures (and an abundance of wildlife) via a cruise or on your feet! Experienced hikers could take on the multi-day Three Capes Track (48km) — but of course, there are also easier expeditions such as the Cape Hauy (9.4km) and Cape Raoul (14km) tracks.
When to go: All seasons are great!
Hiking Difficulty Level: Pretty doable for families, however, just note that there are short steep hill sections and quite a few steps!
Park Passes:
👉🏻 Three Capes Track:
Adult: A$495 (~S$475.80)
Concession: A$396 (~S$380.60)
Child: A$396 (~S$380.60)
👉🏻 General One Day Entry: A$41.20 (~S$39.80) per vehicle (eight pax)
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here, entry fees here, and learn more about booking your walk here.
New South Wales
4. Kosciuszko National Park
Standing at just 2,228 m, Mount Kosciuszko is part of the Australian Alps mountain range in New South Wales — and an excellent way to begin your hiking journey.
There is constant debate on whether this highest mountain peak in Australia is actually part of the Seven Summits (made up of the tallest peaks, one from each continent) — because of the iffy geographical definition of what constitutes the continent of Australia or Oceania. Therefore, according to Nat Geo, most climbers simply summit both Mount Kosciuszko and Puncak Jaya in Indonesia, just to play it safe.
That said, even if you are a leisure hiker not planning on visiting all the roofs of the world, Mount Kosciuszko would be considered a low-hanging fruit compared to the other peaks. In fact, there’s even a chair lift to take you up most of the way.
When to go: All seasons are great! During winter, there are great snow sports to take on.
Hiking Difficulty Level: Bring your whole fam!
Park Passes:
👉🏻 Winter peak: A$29 (~S$27.90) per vehicle per day
👉🏻 Rest of the year: A$17 (~S$16.30) per vehicle per day
👉🏻 Yarrangobilly Caves: A$4 (~S$3.80) per vehicle per day
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here, and park passes for Kosciuszko here.
5. Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is home to some of the oldest remains of homo sapiens outside Africa (Mungo Lady and Mungo Man) which date back some 45-60,000 years. Along with this revolutionary archaeological evidence of human occupation in the Willandra Lakes Region, there are other fossil remains of giant marsupials as well as lakes and sand formations that have earned the national park its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
If you’re here just for the scenery, you won’t be disappointed — the Mars-esque landscape is just mind-boggling, with thick forests of gum set in deep red dirt and fields of wildflowers surrounding sand dunes.
When to go: Spring (September to November). Avoid summer as it can get very hot — and May, because most roads will be closed due to the weather then.
Hiking Difficulty Level: Easy, but we recommend getting a guide for that added educational element
Park Passes:
👉🏻 General: A$8 (~S$7.70) per vehicle per day
Visitor Centre: 3046 Turlee Leaghur Road, Mungo NSW 2715, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here.
6. Kanangra-Boyd National Park
If you’re wondering why you’ve not seen the Blue Mountains on this list of the best national parks in Australia yet, here’s the answer — Kanangra-Boyd National Park. It’s essentially the bigger, lesser-known portion of the popular Blue Mountains. It’s also where you’ll find the majestic Kanangra Walls. We recommend taking a weekend away from the city the next time you visit Sydney and driving in (180km) from the west side. There are also plenty of easy tracks here such as the Kanangra Waterfall walk (1.6km) and the Kanangra-Boyd Lookout.
Hiking Difficulty Level: Easy
Entry fee: free
Visitor Centre: Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan NSW 2790, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here.
Western Australia
7. Karijini National Park
Everyone has probably heard of the Pinnacle Desert in Nambung National Park — but did you know that just 1,400 km north of Perth, more gorge-ous ancient rock formations are to be beheld? Welcome to Karijini National Park, home of Insta-worthy swimming holes in the midst of light crimson cliffs with dramatic waterfalls.
To get the most out of this national park, we recommend joining a local gorge tour, swimming at Fern Pool, or splurging on a glamping retreat.
Hiking Difficulty Level: The Gorge Rim Track (1.9 km) is beginner-friendly, however, there are tougher ones that experienced hikers can check out at the Weano Recreation Area.
Park Passes:
👉🏻 General: A$15 (~S$14.40) per vehicle per day
Visitor Centre: Karijini WA 6751, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here.
Queensland
8. Whitsunday Islands National Park
If you’re not into dramatic mountain ranges or otherworldly desert drives, Whitsunday Islands National Park might be for you. Made up of 74 islands, this national park is perfect for all kinds of water adventures. It’s also the best way to experience the vast array of wildlife in the park — snorkelling with large mantle rays, kayaking beside Green and Loggerhead turtles, and if you’re extra lucky, Humpback Whales! Many have recommended the Ngaro Sea Trail as the starting point for your Whitsunday kayaking adventure up to South Molle and Hook islands. Oh and if you don’t already know, the Whitsundays are also home to none other than the Great Barrier Reef!
When to go: May to September
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here.
Northern Territory
9. Kakadu National Park
A member of the World Heritage List, Australia’s biggest national park is situated in the Northern Territory’s outback. Bucket-list items to do here include taking a river cruise on the billabongs of Kakadu in hopes of spotting a crocodile or two, catching barramundis on a fishing tour, and taking a scenic flight over Kakadu’s waterfalls. There are also many great hikes that you can embark on to explore the park — Sandstone and River Bushwalk (6.5 km), Mamukala Walk (3 km), and the Twin Falls Plateau Walk (6 km).
When to go: May to September
Park Passes:
👉🏻 General One Day Entry: A$41.20 (~S$39.80) per vehicle (eight pax)
Visitor Centre: Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT 0886, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here.
10. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
Last but definitely not least is the stark big red rock that has pretty much become an outback icon. The Ayers Rock, and the spectacular domes of Kata Tjuta, are part of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park that’s right smack in the middle of Australia. There are many educational walks to embark on in this national park — learn about the stories of ancestral beings with the Uluru Base Walk, study the diverse range of flora and fauna on the Walpa Gorge Walk, and get up close and personal with the Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds Walk.
To Note: Respect the Anangu culture by refraining from taking any video or photographs of the rock formations throughout the Valley of the Winds Walk — you may however take close-up photographs of flora, fauna and people.
When to go: May to September
Entry Fee: A$38 (~S$36.50) for three days per pax
Visitor Centre: Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT 0886, Australia
Find out more about these best national parks in Australia here.
Have A Blast At These Best National Parks In Australia With YouTrip!
Now that you’re up-to-date with all the best national parks in Australia, you’re ready for your next adventure in the great outdoors. While booking your flight tickets and planning your trip, don’t forget to check out with your YouTrip card to make full use of our Wholesale Exchange Rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
If you don’t have a YouTrip card yet, sign up now and be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram(@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Stay safe, and happy travels!
Related Articles:
How To Capitalise On The Australian Dollar Right Now
All You Need To Know About Entry Requirements To Australia
10 Nearby Beach Destinations Not To Be Missed
