About Australia - National parks & Aboriginal land

National parks and forests

Australia's National parks are a testimony to this continent's diverse landscapes, ranging from desert dune to lush rainforest, from unspoiled coastline to vast alpine regions.

	Queensland's national parks lure visitors by the millions each year. People are drawn not only to the endless sandy beaches and magnificent Great Barrier Reef, but also to the cooler southern ranges, the inland plains and semi-arid areas, and the unique wilderness of Cape York.
		Location map - main parks Parks & Wildlife Service - all parks Contact

	New South Wales covers over 800,000 square kilometres, about 5% of which is allocated as national parks. They encompass World Heritage-listed rainforests, dramatic desert landscapes, snow-covered alps and over 1400 kilometres of unspoiled beaches. Most national parks in the state have a day-use fee, but obtaining an annual permit (calendar or financial year) allows entry to all parks without further payment. Kosciusko National Park can be included at an additional cost.
		Location map - main parks National Parks & Wildlife Service - all parks Contact

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.

Location map - main parks
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	Victoria. Although it is Australia's smallest mainland state, Victoria boasts over 100 national, state, wilderness and regional parks; among them there will be something for everyone in every season. They range from alps to coast, from desert mallee to rainforests. IN spring and summer, wildflowers bloom and sunlovers can head for the coast; autumn, with its mild weather, beckons the bushwalker, and winter means skiing at alpine parks. Most of Victoria's national parks do not charge a day-use fee; however, it is possible to purchase an annual state-wide permit for those that do.
		Location map - main parks Parks Victoria- all parks Contact

	Northern Territory has nearly 90 national parks, reserves and protected areas. The major ones are grouped into two sections 15,000 kilometres apart; one group is at the Top End, close to Darwin, and the others around ALice Springs. THe top End group includes Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Parks. The southern group includes Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta. (the Olgas)
		Location map - main parks Parks and Wildlife Commission - all parks Contact

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.

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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.

Location map - main parks
Parks & Wildlife Service - all parks
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National Parks & Aboriginal land