We are proud of our national parks and conservation programmes in Australia. There are over 650 national parks across Australia, and here are the ten largest ones.
Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park (36,000 sq km)
One of our newest national parks, only added in late 2021, The Munga-Thirri-Simpson desert has been declared Australia’s biggest national park after a campaign over many years by different groups to protect the area from mining or environmental damage.
This new national park is in first position in this list of the largest national parks in Australia, and is found 1,445km from Adelaide in South Australia’s Lake Eyre Basin, however it also covers lands out to the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Kakadu National Park (19,804 sq km)
Australia’s very famous Kakadu National Park is located between the East Alligator and Wildman rivers, roughly 200 km east of the state capital of Darwin. Kakadu extends 100 kilometres east to west, and close to 200 kilometres north to south.
The Kakadu area has been inhabited continuously for over 50,000 years by indigenous Australians, and is a beautiful example of a variety of ecosystems, such as lowlands, floodplains, tidal flats and plateaux.
Kakadu is blessed with an immense range of cave paintings, rock carvings and archaeological elements that have preserved details about the region’s inhabitants over tens of thousands of years.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park (13,488 sq km)
Located 697 km north of Adelaide, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park contains the largest salt lake in Australia. This area is considered one of the harshest environments in Australia, and which is transformed when it fills with water on the rare occasion.
The north lake itself is huge. It covers an area 144km long and 77km wide, and at 15.2 metres below sea level, is also the lowest point in Australia. The south lake is 64km long and 24km wide.
Judbarra / Gregory National Park (12,882 sq km)
Once known as Gregory National Park, Judbarra National Park is located 359 km south of Darwin. The park sports an impressive 12,882 km² of ranges, gorges, sandstone and escarpment. Monsoon rainforest, eucalyptus and tall, arid grasses contrast with distinctive boab trees.
Judbarra National Park features spectacular range and gorge scenery and significant traces of Aboriginal culture, European exploration and pastoral history.
Karlamilyi National Park (12,837 sq km)
Located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Karlamilyi National Park is 260 kilometres northeast of Newman and 1,250 kilometres north-northeast of Perth. Proclaimed an A Class Reserve in April 1977, Karlamilyi is the largest national park in Western Australia.
Karlamilyi National Park is fifth in this list of the largest national parks in Australia, and is also one of the most remote places in the world. The park is very difficult to access, and the general public are not encouraged to visit the park as the conditions are rough.
Martu Aboriginal people have inhabited this area for tens of thousands of years, and have a deep connection to this country. There are two Aboriginal communities in the park – the Punmu and the Parnngurr. Both communities have limited shop and fuel facilities.
Munga-Thirri National Park (10,120 sq km)
Located 1,495 km west of Brisbane, the Munga-Thirri National Park is the largest national park in Queensland, Australia. Bordered by South Australia and the Northern Territory, it covers an area of 10,120 km² and is accessible by four wheel drive vehicles only.
Munga-Thirri National Park is inhabited by more than 185 bird species as well as many reptiles and numerous mammals. Stunning valleys spotted with wattles and scrub, accentuated by thousands of red sand dunes, makes this an amazing place to visit and appreciate the remoteness.
Witjira National Park (7,727 sq km)
Located in the very far north of South Australia, 987 km north of Adelaide, Witjira National Park has vast jaw dropping landscapes that include plenty of geological, archaeological and biological uniqueness and interest.
Located within the Witjira National Park, the Dalhousie mound springs are home to rare aquatic species, such as the Dalhousie goby and other aquatic life.
Kosciuszko National Park (6,904 sq km)
Kosciuszko National Park lies in Australia’s state of New South Wales, near the Victorian border. Its rugged alpine landscape is defined by gum trees, wildflowers, waterfalls and limestone gorges. It’s home to mainland Australia’s highest peak, at 2,228 metres, Mount Kosciuszko, as well as the very famous Australian Snowy River.
Kosciuszko National Park is very popular all year round. The snow lies for months in winter, with well known snow sports areas, such as Perisher Ski Resort and Thredbo Resort.
During the summer period, the wide variety of its flora and fauna attracts bush walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Alpine National Park (6,474 sq km)
Alpine National Park is Victoria’s largest and highest varied alpine environment.
You can get the adrenaline pumping on a white-water rafting trip down the Mitta Mitta River, or explore the park for historic huts that legendary cattlemen called home scattered throughout the Bogong High Plains.
During the summer months, you can enjoy the four wheel driving, bushwalking and varied and beautiful summer wildflowers, and discover a whole range of other plants and animals, all adapted to cope with climatic extremes.
In the winter months, the Alpine National Park boasts some of the best ski touring opportunities in Victoria. Extensive snowfields are the primary winter attractions, from downhill runs to remote cross-country skiing trails.
Murray-Sunset National Park (6,330 sq km)
Victoria’s second largest national park, and in 10th position in this list of the largest national parks in Australia, the Murray-Sunset National Park, displays colourful wildflowers in Springtime, and abundant wildlife and birds throughout the year. It is home to Victoria’s largest flower, the beautiful Murray Lily, as well as Australia’s rarest bird, the Black-Eared Miner.
The Murray-Sunset National Park consists of a variety of diverse habitats, such as native woodlands, Mallee covered dunes, billabongs and floodplains near the Murray River, grasslands, saltbush flats and their famous Pink Lake.
Conclusion
There may be hundreds of National parks across Australia, however the above ten are by far the largest national parks in Australia. If you can’t get to any of these, then visit your closest national park for a day of outdoor activities. Take a picnic, go for a walk, it’s all fun and very cheap entertainment for the whole family!