Posted by admin | Posted in Adventure-Travel, Australia | Posted on 28-09-2009
Australia is the driest continent in the world and is part of a former giant land mass, Gondwana, which connected the southern continents of Africa, Antarctica, Australia, India and South America, and broke up more than 100 million years ago.
There are 25 million hectares of National Park in Australia (3% of the total size of Australia,) and this equaes to 516 parks in total.
The parks are looked after by state governments but there are some National Parks that are deemed so significant that they are looked after by the Federal Government.
A trip to Australia should include a trip to an Australian National Park. In fact, its hard not to as most of the key attractions or travellers routes will take in some of the best National Parks.
Which ones are the best National Parks to visit? It’s certainly not feasible to visit or tell you about all 516. I will however tell you which are my favourites.
Firstly a little more background on the National Parks. They can be very large and have often acquired National Park status due to its ancient rock art (Uluru Kata Tjuta - Ayers Rock), special plants or trees, or wildlife. Generally the average visitor only gets to visit a small pocket of the park given its size but there are others that are more manageable given they are smaller.
Generally you will be asked to pay an entrance fee. The entrance fee is either per person or per vehicle. Its not usually very much (around $10 per person) but it can be more expensive in very popular areas such as Ayers Rock. The pass is usually valid for 48 hours.
Camping in the National Parks
There’s nothing better than camping in some of the best scenery in Australia. This is for you if you like the open air and don’t have a fear of snakes and spiders (it’s not that bad really!) Most parks have specific areas for camping with strict campfire rules given the risk of bush fires. Don’t expect the luxury of hot running water though. The facilities are usually very basic but there are a few that offer hot showers operated by coins.
You generally need a permit to camp in the National Parks and places are limited. In the peak of summer it can sometimes be hard to find camping spots available so you need to book well in advance. The government websites will allow you to search for campsites. Remember that you will need to do this for EACH state given that the parks are run by the state government. Over Christmas when it is really busy, some of the national parks run a ballot system. If your name is picked out of the hat, you are one of the lucky ones (this is how it works in Freycinet National Park in Tasmania)
It’s hard to pick which are the best National Parks and it can be a little subjective as it depends what you like. All have stunning scenery and below you can find my top 3. There are over 15 on the website featured below.
Best for Coast and Beaches
If you are looking for pristine beauty then head to Lord Howe Island. It is one of the only islands of Australia to be awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Listing. The island manages to keep the area unspoiled as it only allows 400 visitors onto the island at a time. The island has something for everyone - great marine life, mountain and forest walks and beautiful beaches. The day walk to the top of Mount Gower is known to be one of the best day walks in Australia. You can also take the Valley of the Shadows walk through 40 metre high forests or walk to Kim’s lookout and enjoy the view over the lagoon and island.
Best for Spiritual Rock Formations
Uluru Kata Tjuta is probably the most visited National Park in Australia given its the home of Ayers Rock. This is a world Heritage listed site for its culture and natural values. It is the heart of the red centre and a very spiritual place indeed. Clearly its about visiting the rock, either at sunset or sunrise (when the rock is at its very best due to the light that is cast upon it.) There are special viewing platforms where you can park up and enjoy the views. Get there early though as the best positions go quickly. The sunrise and sunset dinners are also worth going to but not both. Just pick one. The park itself is split into two ” Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta, where the Olgas are. I personal thought the Olgas were more impressive than the rock so a visit to both is highly recommended. There is a great Cultural Centre that you should visit first. This will inform you of all the walks and when the guided ones are available. Theres often some Aboriginals here too selling locally made products. The most popular walk is the Base walk which takes in the entire base of the rock which is about 9km in total. It says to leave approx 4 hours but you can do it much more quickly than that and still have time to take photographs. Some get to the rock and insist on climbing it. First, if its a hot day, they close the climb. More importantly, you just shouldnt make the climb given its totally against the local aboriginals culture and beliefs. Its also extremely steep and apart from a small iron rope to hold onto, there is nothing. Its very dangerous.
The Grampians National Park, 260km from Melbourne is one of the most popular parks in Victoria. To get there you need to take the Glenelg or Western Highway from Melbourne and the journey will take you about 3.5 hours. There’s lots to do and see apart from the Grampians themselves (a series of sandstone ridges with steep slopes.) Try a 2 day walk or Mount Abrupt for the best views over the park. The Mackenzie falls are very popular but if you want to get off the tourist trail, go further into the park away from Halls Gap. Try Wartook Valley (Mount Zero and Mount Stapylton) or for something more strenuous, go for Mount Difficult. Stony Creek which goes via Stony Peek is also good as is the Wall of China which offers great views to Tower Hill and picturesque Victoria Valley.