Western Australia comprises almost half of Australia's landmass and has striking contrasts in terrain and climate. The south coast has sand plains and jagged ranges overlooking the southern ocean, while north of Perth there are beautiful landscapes and unusual rock formations in Kalbarri and Nambung National Parks. Further north there are arid ranges formed millions of years ago and huge gorges, notably Geikie Gorge in the Kimberleys.

Western Australia has more than 8,000 named species and 2,000 unnamed species of wildflowers, a quarter of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The best months to see them are August - October. This is also the best time for camping trips and bushwalking.

Most of Western Australia's national parks have a day use fee, but it is possible to purchase annual, 'holiday' (four week) and other special passes.

South Australia. Nowhere else in Australia can wildlife be seen in such close proximity and in such profusion as in the parks of South Australia. To protect its valuable native animals and plants and to conserve the natural features of the landscape, this state has set aside 17% of its total area as national, conservation and recreation parks, and regional and game reserves.

The range of climatic zones in South Australia means that visitors can enjoy national parks throughout the year. The coastal parks are cool in summer and autumn, and the dry mountain areas are best visited in winter and spring.

Tasmania's national parks feature rainforest, dry eucalypt forests, coastal heathlands, high country plateaus, fast-flowing rivers and jagged mountain peaks. Five of them are on the World Heritage list. There are walking tracks in all national parks. Some are challenging, long-distance adventure treks, others are relatively undemanding.

Fees are payable for entry into Tasmanian national parks, but visitors can purchase 'holiday' (2 month) or annual passes.