Australia has about 650 national parks and thousands more nature reserves, stretching from tropical Queensland to the chilly climes of Tasmania. Places such as Uluru, Kakadu, Cradle Mountain and the Daintree lure thousands of overseas visitors each year, but Australians have not always shared the same passion for these wide-open spaces.That scenario, it seems, is changing. NSW government statistics show that 65.5 million people visited one of the state’s national parks in the 2024-2025 – the highest visitor numbers recorded. Numbers in the other states are equally strong, with Victoria estimating that some 121 million people visited the state’s parks and reserves, including those in metropolitan Melbourne, during the same period.What is driving this renewed interest in our national parks? Clearly, the hunger for affordable short breaks is a factor, but many families are discovering that our national parks provide the ideal base for an active and rewarding holiday close to home.As this selection demonstrates, today’s national parks are no longer stuck in the 1950s but offer a dazzling range of outdoor activities, guided tours and accommodation options. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your tent, hiking boots and kids and head out into the Great Outdoors.Great Otway National Park, VictoriaGreat Otway National Park serves up tall trees, tumbling waterfalls and fern-packed valleys.Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletterGet exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.Why Do you like to combine your wilderness with a bit of surf? Tucked away behind Victoria’s rugged south-west coastline, the Great Otway National Park serves up tall trees, tumbling waterfalls, fern-packed valleys and plenty of native species. The park is a delightful excursion for anyone driving the Great Ocean Road – and easily accessible from Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay. Hikers and mountain bikers alike will find much to enjoy in these temperate rainforests and shaded gullies. Other drawcards include the Californian redwood forest and the picturesque hamlets that pepper the Otway region.See A canoe trip on Lake Elizabeth is a must-do with the lure of spotting a platypus in the wild (or at least some bubbles left by one). A visit to one of the many waterfalls, such as Hopetoun Falls or Beauchamp Falls, is an essential photo opportunity.Walk The park offers several short trails but for something more demanding try the 6.5 kilometre Triplet Falls & Little Aire Falls Walk, which takes in stunning woodland and plenty of white water. The walk is rated easy to moderate and will suit anyone with reasonable fitness.Spring and summer are the best times for hiking here.Stay There are several small camping sites in and around the park. Wye River Beachfront Campground is a popular option and comes with barbecues, hot showers and a laundry. Non-campers can book a luxury suite at Sunnymead, a private hotel in Aireys Inlet with a day spa and heated swimming pool. See greatoceanroadparks.com; sunnymeadhotel.com.auKnow The park is a 211-kilometre drive from Melbourne and is best reached by car, although some campsites are only accessible by four-wheel drive. Spring and summer are best for hiking. Expect to see some evidence of the bush fires that swept through the park in January 2026. See parks.vic.gov.auBarrington Tops National Park, NSWThunderbolts Lookout in Barrington Tops National Park.Destination NSWWhy If you crave solitude and birdsong in a pristine upland that offers temperate rainforest, stunning views and challenging hiking trails, then look no further. Barrington Tops National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a region of international significance. Its location, 260 kilometres north of Sydney, ensures the park is free from day-trippers and coach parties. There is plenty of bush camping, but nearby Gloucester offers motel and guesthouse accommodation.See Rising to a height of 1500 metres the Barrington Tops is celebrated for its glorious views, so make sure you visit Devil’s Hole Lookout, Thunderbolts Lookout or Carey’s Peak Lookout. The Barrington River is another highlight and a favourite spot for canoeing and kayaking.Choosing stream-time over screen-time at Barrington Tops.