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.
Australia has 516 National Parks to explore. The parks cover an amazing 25 million hectares. That's actually only 3% of the total land mass of Australia!
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.
It is not my intention to tell you about all 516 parks but I will share with you which ones I think are the best.
Before I do though, understand how the National Parks operate. A National park can literally be a park but its more likely to be a larger area where wildlife and plant/tree species are special or sacred. It can also be sacred rock formations e.g. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to Ayers Rock. A national park can span for huge distances with the average visitor only touching a small corner of it. Others are more manageable and you can see much more.
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
Many people choose to camp in National Parks. This is a great idea if you like the open air and arent too worried about snakes or spiders (only joking!) There are usually designated areas for camping and there are strict campfire regulations given the risk of bush fires. The facilities are usually quite basic though so dont expect hot showers. That said, some of them do!
Camping requires a permit and you must book well in advance to get a camping spot. You can search the government websites to find the campsites that have the facilities you require. Remember you will need to do this for each state. If your trip falls near Christmas then you really need to book well in advance. This is the most popular time due to the school holidays around this time. Some of the parks even run a ballot where your name is pulled out of a hat if you are one of the lucky ones.
So which are the best National Parks to visit? To be honest, it is a very subjective view and it depends what you are looking for. Whichever you pick, they all have stunning scenery. I've only got room here for 3 but but there are lots more recommendations at the website below
Best for Beaches and Coastal Views
Lord Howe Island has won international acclaim and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It's not hard to see why with its enchanting walks, forests, mountains, beaches and marine life. The best walks are the Valley of the Shadows and Mount Gower. The first takes you through high forests of Kentia Palms and Banyan trees. The second is a well known day walk to the top of Mount Gower and its known to be one of the best walks in Australia.
Best for 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.
Australia has 516 National Parks to explore. The parks cover an amazing 25 million hectares. That's actually only 3% of the total land mass of Australia!
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.
It is not my intention to tell you about all 516 parks but I will share with you which ones I think are the best.
Before I do though, understand how the National Parks operate. A National park can literally be a park but its more likely to be a larger area where wildlife and plant/tree species are special or sacred. It can also be sacred rock formations e.g. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to Ayers Rock. A national park can span for huge distances with the average visitor only touching a small corner of it. Others are more manageable and you can see much more.
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
Many people choose to camp in National Parks. This is a great idea if you like the open air and arent too worried about snakes or spiders (only joking!) There are usually designated areas for camping and there are strict campfire regulations given the risk of bush fires. The facilities are usually quite basic though so dont expect hot showers. That said, some of them do!
Camping requires a permit and you must book well in advance to get a camping spot. You can search the government websites to find the campsites that have the facilities you require. Remember you will need to do this for each state. If your trip falls near Christmas then you really need to book well in advance. This is the most popular time due to the school holidays around this time. Some of the parks even run a ballot where your name is pulled out of a hat if you are one of the lucky ones.
So which are the best National Parks to visit? To be honest, it is a very subjective view and it depends what you are looking for. Whichever you pick, they all have stunning scenery. I've only got room here for 3 but but there are lots more recommendations at the website below
Best for Beaches and Coastal Views
Lord Howe Island has won international acclaim and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It's not hard to see why with its enchanting walks, forests, mountains, beaches and marine life. The best walks are the Valley of the Shadows and Mount Gower. The first takes you through high forests of Kentia Palms and Banyan trees. The second is a well known day walk to the top of Mount Gower and its known to be one of the best walks in Australia.
Best for 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.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years experience in traveling Australia. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here to learn about over 15 of the best Australian National Parks
0 comments:
Post a Comment