There are many national parks in Australia that are not only famous throughout the nation, but also throughout the world. Let’s face it, as incredible as Uluru is, everyone in the world has heard of it, its other name (Ayer’s Rock), or has seen the pictures. While absolutely stunning, it is hardly the type of destination that someone for whom walking off the beaten path is a prerequisite to enjoying the holiday to its fullest. Don’t despair! Take care of that campervan hire, prepare for a great trip, and take a look at these five lesser known Australia parks to enjoy the best the continent has to offer!
1) Great Keppel Island, Queensland
A long time ago this was a resort area with an Ibiza level of partying, but after that resort shut down years ago the tourists stopped arriving and this left behind a really interesting set up. Great Keppel Island is full of beautiful natural beaches and forests, places to camp, outstanding options for fishing enthusiasts, and even permanent tent villages for hikers and campers.
In other words, it has become an outstanding and low key option for the off the beaten path traveller who loves the idea of seeing Australia but doesn’t want to be stuck in a resort town.
2) Mount Field National Park, Tasmania
Many people forget about Tasmania, but it is home to some of the best (and most overlooked) national parks in all of Australia. Mount Field National Park is an incredible example, featuring an area where elevations and landscapes change radically ranging from temperate eucalyptus rainforest to alpine moorland and everything in between. Be prepared at the possibility of seeing bandicoots, echidnas, platypuses, wombats, and the famous Tasmanian devil.
There are multiple walks, long hikes, and trails and tours that show a wide array of different things. The park has such a wide array of options, not to mention waterfalls, that there will be something for everyone and in the winter season there are even skiing options!
3) Purnululu National Park, Western Australia
An amazing park in and of itself and home to the stunning sandstone domes that have come to be known as the Bungle Bungles, this is an area that was so remote that no one was aware of the Bungles until 1983 – well past what you would assume is the age of exploration and discovery. These stone patterns look like giant beehives from above and when you get close the different layers of colour, tone, and texture create a truly unique and stunning experience. There is no place quite like it and helicopter tours are available in addition to foot hikes and camping options.
4) Lake Hillier, Western Australia
Ever see a picture of a pink lake? Lake Hiller is a salt lake located on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago and deserves the attention it gets. This incredibly pink lake is surrounded by white beaches which are surrounded by lush green forest. This is a stunningly unique Aussie experience for sure.
5) Hinchinbrook Island, Queensland
The entire Hinchinbrook Island is a National Park and it doesn’t take long to see why. Off the beaten path? This uninhabited island stretches over 37 kilometres and the strong tidal currents have created narrow channels and snake-like crevasses that carve through the island. This is really off the beaten path and for that extra bit of adventure those up for the challenge can take on the 32 kilometre long Thorsborne Trail.
