Australia's Most Underrated National Parks

Australia’s superstar national parks such as Kakadu, Daintree and Kosciuszko sure soak up the attention, but we reckon these 10 deserves a whole lot more love too.

1.Millstream-Chichester, WA

This Pilbara-based park is the little sister to nearby Karijini National Park. Spring water feeds permanent pools and paperbarks line creeks in defiance of surrounding ochre cliffs and spinifex. The 1920s-Millstream Homestead acts as a visitors’ centre, outlining the area’s activities, and the culture of the Yindjibarndi people (and the ‘Warlu serpent’).

WA’s Millstream-Chichester NP is home to the mythical ‘Warlu serpent’.

2. Mirima, WA

Mirima is a miniature version of the Bungle Bungle Ranges and it’s right on the doorstep (two-kilometres east) of relaxed Kimberley town, Kununurra. ‘Hidden Valley’ offers a selection of walks, from laid-back to sweat-inducing, around the home of the Miriwoong people. There is a flock of choice for bird watchers too, with species such as the white-quilled rock pigeon colonising the sandstone hills. parks.

Views from Mirima National Park in Kununurra, Wester Australia

3. Ku-ring-gai Chase, NSW

Around 20 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD is a surprisingly diverse, 15,000-hectare park. This Mecca of wildlife spotting, rock art and outdoor activities is set in valley after valley of classic Sydney sandstone stretching from the Hawkesbury River to the sea. A great place to start is the Kalkari Discovery Centre with nearby Bobbin Head a tranquil place for a family picnic and a dip.

Morning sunrise, fog was blanketing the park.

4. Gundabooka, NSW

South of outback icon Bourke, craggy Mount Gundabooka stands half a kilometre above the surrounding plains, overlooking the Darling River. The Mulgowan Aboriginal Art Site walking track takes in rock art (animal motifs and hand stencils) and the hunting tools of the Ngemba and Paakandji peoples. Keep an eye out for pink cockatoos around the woodlands, floodplains and sandhills at Gundabooka .

Bennetts Gorge Walk Gunderbooka National Park - OEH David Finnegan.jpg — A stroll through the craggy Gundabooka NP, south of Bourke, NSW (David Finnegan).

5. Coorong, SA

Around two hours’ drive south-east of Adelaide will land you in 130 kilometres of lagoon-scape of Coorong National Park. The wetlands are a fecund breeding ground for pelicans (the film Storm Boy was set here) and an array of other wild birds. Mounds of ancient shells mark the campsites of the Ngarrindjeri people. The park is ripe with walking, four-wheel-driving and kayaking opportunities.

The diverse and sweeping Coorong NP in South Australia.

6. Tasman, Tasmania

Across the bay from the modern history lesson at Port Arthur in Tassie’s south-east, lies the 300-metre columnar dolerite cliffs and isolated beaches of Tasman National Park. The Cape Pillar Walk is the highlight of the sublime coastal walks, a great way to see the majestic cliffs. The northern tip can be explored by car or cruise the coast from Port Arthur , to spot seals, penguins, dolphins and whales.

7. Litchfield, NT

Ticked off Kakadu? Litchfield , only a couple of hours’ drive from Darwin, is accessible most of the year and, unlike Kakadu, you can swim here without the threat of saltwater crocs. The park’s four spectacular waterfalls – Florence, Wango, Tjaynera and Surprise Creek – are full year-round. Magnetic termite mounds, with perfect north-south orientation, are one of many reasons for the trip.

Florence Falls Litchfield National Park NT — Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, NT.

8. Limmen, NT

A national park since 2012, Limmen lies in the heart of the remote tropical savannah, 305 kilometres south-east of Katherine. Its cultural footprint extends from indigenous culture to foreign seafarers, Macassan trepangers, European explorers and pastoral pioneers. The sandstone pillars of the ‘Lost City’ are worth the journey alone. Prepare well before heading this way and avoid the wet season.

9. Lamington, QLD

Flee the bustle and neon of the Gold Coast to this hinterland oasis , situated on a 900-metre high plateau – a pristine World Heritage Area, with Mount Tamborine your ever-present backdrop. Come face-to-face with the dense subtropical rainforest and its birdlife during a canopy stroll around O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk , up to 30 metres above the forest floor.

Views over Lamington National Park to Hinze Dam in Queensland's Gold Coast hinterland — Views over Lamington National Park to Hinze Dam in Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland

10. Great Otway, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Cruise past all of the Great Ocean Road’s main towns to reach Cape Otway National Park , with its rugged coastline, rock formations, beaches, ferny forests and lakes. It’s easy and rewarding to get off the beaten track here and trek to breathtaking waterfalls such as The Cascades. It’s equally close to the region’s delicious produce nestled in the nearby hinterland towns.

The Great Ocean Road at Great Otway National Park

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Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Australia’s 10 most underrated national parks