Visit the National Parks of Australia

The people of Australia have dedicated about 4 percent of the country to its national park system. In over 500 locations land has been dedicated to the preservation of wildlife, plants and scenic wonders for the enjoyment of international and domestic visitors. Many of these parks preserve areas of rare or unique habitat that would have been lost if it not for the national park designation. The park system has a long and active history including the second national park in the world.

Royal National Park

Only Yellowstone National Park in the United States predates Royal National Park’s founding in 1879. Originally known only as “The National Park” it was given the Royal designation following a 1955 visit by Queen Elizabeth II. The park is popular with Australians for its long history and convenient location near Sydney. It remains a sanctuary to wildlife and a place for visitors to get in touch with nature.

Purnululu National Park

Listed as a World Heritage List park in 2003, Purnululu National Park features amazing rocky landscapes that often defy description. The area also includes living areas inhabited by aboriginal peoples some of which participate in the management of the park. The park includes the Bungle Bungle Range of Mountains known for the colorful sandstone and rock formations. Ground transportation to Purnululu National Park is limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles with the track only passable during the dry season.

Snowy River

Snowy River National Park is largely considered wilderness area with no vehicular traffic possible or allowed. The mountain range includes the Little River Gorge known as the deepest in Australia. The gorge is also home to an endangered species of wallaby. The Snowy River National Park is adjacent to Alpine National Park which features Mount Bogong and the Bogong High Plains. The road or track separating Snowy River and Alpine National Park is considered unsafe for large vehicles including recreational campers.

Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Not all of Australia’s National Parks are located on land. Great Australian Bight Marine Park features about 5,700 square miles of ocean and sea floor. The park preserves the reefs and marine habitat off the southern coast of Australia as a protected area.

Coffin Bay National Park

Surfers and beach enthusiasts will enjoy Coffin Bay National Park. The park includes the beaches along the Point Avoid peninsula as well as the reefs and islands off the coast. The park’s camping area is located at Yangie Bay although much of the rest of the park’s land is only accessible by unimproved trails suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles. The park is known for its seabirds and is noted as an Important Bird Area.

Booti Booti National Park

The white sands of Seven Mile Beach attracts visitors to Booti Booti National Park. The park also includes Cape Hawke. This coastal area was named by Captain Cook in 1770. Overall, the park, located about 175 miles from Sydney caters to those who like their beach and coastal experiences to be wild and lonesome.

Walls of Jerusalem National Park

The island of Tasmanian, located south of the Australian continent, includes a number of notable national parks. Walls of Jerusalem National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The geographic features of the park is said to resemble the walls of Jerusalem. To check it out you will have to do some hiking. The Walls of Jerusalem National Park has no developed roads or tracks.

Getting There

Australia features a well developed transportation network featuring roads, rail and air systems. Getting to Australia has become more affordable with some airlines offering budget or cheap flights to Australia.

Australia's Snowy Mountains Has More to Offer Than Just Snow

European explorers tended to be more literal than poetic when naming their Australian discoveries. When Australia's highest peaks were discovered in the 19th century, they were simply called the "SnowyMountains." While of course that's true enough throughout the Southern Hemisphere winter months, especially June through September, by the time November rolls around, you'd be forgiven for wondering how they got that name. Ironically, there is arguably more to see and do in the SnowyMountains in summer than there is in the winter. These are just a few of the activities you can enjoy:

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Mountain Biking
The SnowyMountains have become a mountain biker's mecca in the summer. In fact, there are now internationally renowned mountain bike races held on some of the SnowyMountain's more treacherous slopes. One extreme example of this is Thredbo's Cannonball Run, a hair raising 2 mile downhill run that attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world. Of course, with thousands of acres of pristine mountains to explore, there are also hundreds of less death-defying mountain bike trails to explore in the SnowyMountains.
Horse Riding
The classic Australian film, "The Man from SnowyRiver" did a lot towards cementing the SnowyMountains in the public's imagination as the premier horse riding destination in Australia. Amazingly, if you go to the SnowyMountains for a horse riding adventure, it will live up to its legend. There are trails and guided tours for all levels of ability, including half-day rides in the foothills for beginners to multi-day adventures for experts. You can try your hand at mustering cattle if you think you're up to the challenge or just take it at a more leisurely pace and wake up each morning to a campfire and a "cuppa" brewed in a "billy" before you hit the trail again.

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Hiking
Call it hiking or call it bushwalking as the Australian's do, there's no better place to put on your hiking boots and explore than Kosciusko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. You can take self guided hikes on well-established trails or get an experienced guide to take you on overnight or multi-day treks into lesser travelled areas of the mountains. Either way, you'll love hiking in the SnowyMountains in summer.

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Climbing, Caving and Abseiling
If you like roped sports or like the idea of trying them, there are rock climbing, caving and abseiling adventures waiting for you in the SnowyMountains in the summer. In Jindabyne and the other major villages in and around the SnowyMountains you can find dozens of outdoor adventure shops that have experienced guides who can take you to secret spots throughout the SnowyMountains that will not only get your heart pumping, but will briefly stop it with their breathtaking beauty.

Jack enjoys the different seasonal activities on offer in the Snowy Mountains in summer and winter. If you are looking for some open space and fresh air then check out some of the accommodation in the Snowy Mountains NSW on bookitnow.com.au.