If you’re itching to trade the hustle and bustle of daily life for breathtaking views and the sounds of nature, grab your caravan and buckle up – Australia’s national parks are calling your name! 

Whether you fancy hiking through lush rainforests, soaking in hot springs, or sipping on a cold drink while watching the sun dip below dramatic red rock formations, there’s a national park out there that’s perfect for you.

Here’s a couple of our favourites. 

Mungo National Park

Home to the famous Walls of China, Mungo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases some of Australia’s oldest landscapes. Here, you’ll find stunning lunette formations, which are a result of wind erosion that creates a dramatic vista of ancient sand dunes. 

The park is also significant for its Aboriginal heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back more than 40,000 years. 

Join a guided tour to learn about the park’s cultural importance and discover its fascinating wildlife, including emus and kangaroos. 

Kosciuszko National Park

This alpine wonderland is perfect for year-round fun.

In winter, the park transforms into a skiing paradise with resorts like Thredbo and Perisher offering slopes for all skill levels. During the warmer months, hikers, mountain bikers and fly-fishers flock to the park to explore its trails and pristine rivers. 

The Main Range Walk takes you to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, providing breathtaking views that are worth every step. Be sure to stop by the pristine lakes and lush meadows – perfect spots for a picnic.

Carnarvon National Park

Carnarvon Gorge is the crown jewel of this national park, showcasing sheer sandstone cliffs and lush microclimates home to a surprising array of flora and fauna. 

Take a leisurely walk along the gorge to discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. 

The park offers various walking tracks, including the popular Moss Garden and the Nature Walk, where you can spot wallabies and a variety of bird species. 

Daintree Rainforest

As the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world, the Daintree is a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with biodiversity. 

Take a guided tour to explore the lush canopies and encounter wildlife like crocodiles, tree kangaroos, and the iconic cassowary. 

For an immersive experience, join a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, where you’ll learn about the Kuku Yalanji people’s connection to this ancient landscape. 

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru, the largest sandstone monolith in the world, is a must-see when exploring Australia. 

Join guided walks to learn about its cultural significance to the local Anangu people and discover the spiritual heart of Australia. 

Don’t miss the chance to witness the breathtaking sunsets that set Uluru ablaze with vibrant hues. 

The nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities, so make sure to explore both while soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of this sacred site.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park and a treasure trove of natural wonders. Explore ancient rock art sites that date back more than 20,000 years, cruise on billabongs to spot crocodiles and diverse birdlife and hike through breathtaking landscapes. 

Don’t forget to take a guided tour to learn about the park’s rich cultural history and the Aboriginal people who have called this land home for thousands of years. 

Litchfield National Park

Known for its stunning waterfalls and natural swimming holes, Litchfield National Park is an oasis of beauty. Wangi Falls and Florence Falls are popular spots for a refreshing swim, surrounded by lush rainforest. 

Explore the park’s impressive termite mounds and enjoy scenic walks through the bush. 

With its accessible trails and incredible scenery, Litchfield is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Great Sandy National Park

Between Noosa and Rainbow Beach lies Great Sandy National Park, home to the Cooloola Recreation Area and the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island).

Adventure seekers will love exploring the park’s giant sand dunes, pristine lakes and lush 

rainforests. 

Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, hike through the subtropical rainforest or visit the surreal Carlo Sand Blow – a gigantic sand dune with incredible views of the surrounding landscape. 

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Prom, or “The Prom,” is Victoria’s oldest national park and covers 50,000 hectares of stunning terrain. 

From rugged granite peaks to pristine beaches, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. Hike the Mount Oberon summit trail for panoramic views, or explore the coastal tracks that lead to beautiful sandy beaches. 

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Just two hours from Tasmania’s Launceston, Cradle Mountain is one of the most iconic destinations in Australia. 

The park is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, featuring snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and sprawling grasslands. 

Be sure to bring your camera, as this area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including wombats, echidnas, and the elusive Tasmanian devil. 

Visit in autumn to witness the fiery colours of the fagus trees – an Instagram-worthy moment not to be missed!