Did you know that around 18% of Australia is protected within national parks? That’s almost one-fifth of the entire country! These parks showcase the incredible diversity of Australia's natural beauty, from tropical rainforests and desert plains to alpine peaks and coastal cliffs.

It’s a testament to how much Australia values its stunning wilderness and the wildlife that calls it home, offering us the perfect playground to explore, connect with nature and leave a positive footprint.

Ready to explore the wonders of Australia’s stunning national parks? Let us guide you in planning the perfect national park road trip, from picking the right park to managing your budget and timing, ensuring you don’t miss any of the hidden gems along the way.

Your adventure begins here!

Alpine National Park (Victoria)

As you head into the heart of Victoria’s Alpine National Park, drive along the Great River Road, and you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains, alpine meadows and crystal-clear rivers.

One of the highlights of the drive is the iconic Mount Hotham, where panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and valleys will give you a deeper appreciation for Victoria’s mountain beauty. Keep an eye out, as you may even catch sight of the rare alpine wildflowers that bloom in the warmer months, adding vibrant pops of colour to the Snowy Mountain backdrop.

Along the way, make sure to stop and explore the picturesque towns that dot the Alpine Mountains. From the historic beauty of Bright to the charming village of Dinner Plain. These towns are rife with welcoming locals, fresh produce and if you’re lucky, a chance to indulge in the Man From Snowy River Lore.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a lover of outdoor activities or simply looking for free camping spots for you and the family, the Alpine National Park is one of Victoria’s most pristine National Parks.

Kosciuszko National Park (NSW)

Continue along the GRR route and you’ll eventually end up in Kosciuszko National Park. As the home to Australia’s highest peak, this National Park has more on offer than just skiing and snowboarding.

In winter, while some resorts require special transport like snowcats or chairlifts, you can still enjoy drives through the park, especially in areas like the Snowy Mountains Highway or the Alpine Way. These iconic routes offer views of snow-covered mountain tops, with plenty of spots to pull over and soak it all in.

The park’s ski resorts, including Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass, are accessible by car in winter, though be prepared for conditions that may require snow chains and always check local road conditions before heading out.

Summer brings even more opportunities for a road trip as the park’s hiking trails, unspoiled rivers and the famous Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk become accessible to drivers. A visit to Yarrangobilly Caves and the nearby natural thermal spring pool is a must if you’re in need of a more relaxing experience.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (Tasmania)

Cradle Mountain National Park, part of the Wilderness World Heritage Area, should be making the list regardless of the type of trip to Tasmania. Arriving in Devonport, the drive to Cradle Mountain takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

The park is split between two major areas: Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. At Cradle Mountain, the visitor centre serves as the starting point for exploring the park. Here, visitors can purchase permits and take the shuttle bus, which is required for travel within the park. A Cradle Mountain icon daily pass costs $25 per adult, covering shuttle bus access.

Along the drive, stop for the Enchanted Walk. A peaceful 20-minute loop through a moss-covered forest, giving you a moment in time to see the Pencil Pine River and spot local wildlife. The Dove Canyon Track leads to the Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls, both easily accessible via a boardwalk.

Lake St Clair, situated to the south, is the deepest lake in Australia. The lake is the end point of the Overland Track, where visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or introspection. The area around Lake St Clair also has multiple walking tracks, including the Cynthia Bay walk, which has great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

In addition to hiking, the park offers various other outdoor activities, including kayaking, horse riding and wildlife spotting after dark. While sightings of some animals, like wombats, may be rare, the opportunity to observe wildlife up close makes it an unforgettable destination (especially for the kiddos!).

Kangaroo Island (South Australia)

Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is the third largest island in Australia, known as KI by locals. Taking a day trip with kids to Kangaroo Island starts with a ferry ride, giving you the chance to see some wildlife (like dolphins!) along the way.

Once you’ve arrived, the town of American River is a great place to start, with its beautiful views, quaint cafes and the fascinating boat-building museum. From there, you can explore Clifford's Honey, where you can sample local honey and learn about the unique Ligurian bees that have called the island home since the 1800s.

As you venture further into Kangaroo Island, you’ll discover more gems like the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, where you can see how eucalyptus oil is made and enjoy a small tour. Kingscote, the island's largest town, has everything from lovely local shops to beaches and natural sights.

In the mornings, you can swim in the Kingscote Tidal Pool or even dive for fresh scallops. If you're looking for something a little more relaxing, the Emu Bay Lavender Farm offers a lovely spot to grab lunch, with gorgeous views and a selection of lavender-themed products.

The island is also home to numerous beautiful beaches, like Stokes Bay, where you can take a hike through boulders to discover a hidden beach. And don't forget a visit to the Kangaroo Island Brewery, a popular spot for a drink after a long day of exploring.

Flinders Chase National Park is a must-see destination, especially for its famous Remarkable Rocks (often featured in tourism ads for South Australia). The park also offers other stunning views and natural wonders, including the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Admirals Arch, where you can spot long-nosed fur seals basking on the rocks.

Kalbarri National Park (Western Australia)

Our choice for the best in the west is Kalbarri National Park north of Perth. Typical of the Australian outback, the best time is from May to September when temperatures are milder, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Summer can be too hot for hiking, with temperatures often higher than in the town and the Loop Trail closes after 7am during the hotter months.

Nature's Window, a rock formation that frames views of the Murchison River Gorge, is a must. It’s a short and scenic 800-meter hike. The Kalbarri Skywalk is another highlight, with cantilevered platforms that extend over the gorge.

For a longer hike, the Loop Trail takes you along the river, passing through lush areas before reaching the riverbank. It’s a challenging 9-kilometer loop that takes 3-5 hours to complete. Z Bend Lookout is a shorter, easier walk that rewards with amazing views of the gorge and the Z Bend River Trail leads you down to the river for a swim (safe depending on conditions).

On the coastal side of the park, Red Bluff, just a short drive from Kalbarri town, is a great spot for whale watching. And the Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley trail is one of the best coastal hikes, featuring fascinating rock formations.

Pot Alley, with its stunning beach, is a fantastic sunset spot. Eagle Gorge (named after the Eagles calling it home) provides another dramatic viewpoint, and the Bigurda Trail connects it to Natural Bridge and a chance for some more epic snapshots. Shellhouse Grandstand is a quieter lookout along the Bigurda Trail, while Island Rock and Natural Bridge, located at the southernmost point of the park, are highlights that show the forces of nature at work.

Aside from the park, there’s plenty to do in Kalbarri town itself, from pelican feeding to river cruises. A short drive south will take you to Hutt Lagoon, a stunning pink lake that’s a must-see.

Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory)

From the moment you begin your journey, you’ll find yourself smack bang in the park’s beauty and history. For an immersive experience take a cultural tour with a local Aboriginal guide. You’ll learn about traditional bush foods and medicine, try your hand at weaving, and even have the chance to throw a spear or play the didgeridoo.

Exploring Kakadu's rock art sites is another must-do, with places like Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of the area. The park is home to some of the world’s oldest and most significant rock art, depicting creation ancestors and scenes from ancient life.

During hot weather, Kakadu's beautiful waterfalls and swimming locations provide excellent opportunities for cooling down. The secluded Maguk Falls in the Mary River area provides access to a pristine plunge pool perfect for a refreshing swim. Visitors enjoy boat cruises and birdwatching at Yellow Water Billabong due to the wildlife-rich wetlands.

Cultural centres like the Bowali Visitor Centre and the Warradjan Cultural Centre offer educational exhibits and interactive displays to connect with the Indigenous history.

K'gari National Park (Queensland)

This is our final state park and for this one, you'll need a 4WD to fully explore. The terrain here includes soft sand dunes and difficult tracks, so a vehicle with high clearance and low-range capability is essential to navigate the island’s unique landscape.

As you travel along the Central Lakes Scenic Drive, you'll pass through towering forests and expansive banksia woodlands until you reach the eastern beach and Lake Wabby lookout. You should enjoy this picturesque route while avoiding the busiest period between 10 am and 3 pm when more visitors are present.

If you spot some of the island’s wild dingoes (known as wongari to the Butchulla people), make sure to give them space and let them find their own food. Remember, K’gari is their home and not only are you at risk of a fine for feeding dingoes, but it's important to respect their space.

Adventure seekers can discover the Lake Garawongera Scenic Drive, which takes you through a 19 km remote rough terrain stretch. Driving through dense forests, you'll encounter the striking tannin-stained Lake Garawongera before proceeding to Poyungan Valley and heading back toward the eastern beach.

The Northern Forests Scenic Drive leads through Yidney Scrub where huge brush box and kauri trees stand tall. The remote drive takes you to the stunning Lake Allom before leading to a magnificent viewpoint at Knifeblade Sandblow and ending with breathtaking ochre red sandcliffs at The Pinnacles.

Drivers with advanced skills should take note that the final two routes require expert 4WD capabilities. The Lake Garawongera drive lacks mobile phone reception, so drivers need to bring recovery and communication equipment. Parts of the track may have overgrown vegetation or fallen trees blocking the way.

Discover the Beauty of Australia’s Scenic State Parks

Whether it’s the iconic structures like the Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island or the towering trees in the ancient forests of Kosciuszko, every trail, every river and every rock has a story to tell.

The old towns, roads and buildings within state parks offer a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, while remnants of past industries continue to tell the story of the country’s evolution.

By following park laws and leaving the land untouched, we ensure that these natural wonders remain unspoiled for years to come.

Don’t wait - get out there and start your journey today!

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Saturday, 7th June 2025

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