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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We round up the luxe, the lovely and the latest places to stay in regional Victoria.

1. Hotel Ernest, Bendigo

Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit.

2. Norsu Cabin, Macedon

a look inside Norsu Cabin, Macedon — Settle into this Scandi-inspired abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu . Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment.

3. Islay House, Woodend

the bedroom at Islay House, Woodend — Bed down at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. (Image: Tiffany Warner)

Lean all the way into a country luxe state-of-mind with a stay at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House . This bed and breakfast sleeps up to nine guests and is just a short walk from town, but you’ll want to spend most of your time curled up fireside in the elegantly styled rooms as you admire the collection of antiques.

4. Nerissa Rye, Mornington Peninsula

This Rye beach pad is just a 10-minute walk from 16th Beach, and while a morning walk is lovely, returning to the barefoot luxe vibes of this four-bedroom escape is just as enlivening. Bright, open and welcoming, this is the place to settle in for endless cups of tea and a good book between beach jaunts.

5. Hotel Vera, Ballarat

a close-up of the bed at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — Modern meets bygone elegance.

This Ballarat beauty set in a 1900s mansion is all bygone elegance edged with modern style. Just seven boutique suites, each with its own distinct personality, makes it a singularly luxe stay. Sister to Bendigo’s Hotel Ernest, Vera is similarly bequeathed with a stand-out fine diner, Babae, which plates up the best of the region’s produce.

6. Hotel Sorrento, Port Philip Bay

The historic and iconic clifftop Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay is mid-refurb and will reopen 1 December 2025, just in time for Amalfi-style beachside stays.

7. The Idle Lake House, Lakes Entrance

Enjoy a ripple of serenity when you step aboard this water-top abode on the Gippsland Lakes. Once a Chinese restaurant, this spacious and stylish two-bedroom stay offers unbroken gazing of the shimmering surface in a beautifully private bay. Lounge on the deck and enjoy the onboard bathhouse; come evening, sit by the sleek suspended fireplace.

8. The Monty, Anglesea

the bedroom at The Monty, Anglesea — Bed down at the vintage motel, The Monty.

Palm Springs makes an entrance on the Great Ocean Road with the opening of The Monty in October 2025. Its vintage motel meets modern muse at this playful boutique stay complete with pool and a vibrant Mexican cantina. You’re just a stroll from the beach here, which tells us it’s ripe for summer vacays this season.

9. Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura

vibrant bedroom wall and pillows at Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura — The bright and retro-style bedroom at Trentham Waters Resort.

Another new property lands in regional Victoria in time for an endless summer with Trentham Waters Resort expected to open by February 2026. Breezy, subtly retro and brightened by the big Mallee sky, this river’s-edge escape is perfect for settling in for a spell with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. There’s a lagoon-style pool, riverside hot tubs and onsite dining for all your relaxation requirements.

10. Crowne Plaza, Geelong

the Trattoria Bar in Crowne Plaza, Geelong — Sink a cold one at the Trattoria Bar.

Geelong is getting its own Crowne Plaza in 2026. Its arrival on the waterfront will make it the city’s largest (and newest) hotel with 200 contemporary rooms and suites, a Skybar, all-day dining, indoor pool and gym, and event spaces. Keep it on your radar.

11. Re’em, Yarra Valley

a private tub with lush views at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Sip and soak in tranquillity.

With verdant Yarra Valley views that take in the linear beauty of tended grapevines, the 16 suites and rooms at Re’em are set amid the Helen & Joey Estate and invite sipping and sitting in tranquillity. The onsite restaurant deftly balances Chinese and Australian flavours and if you’re staying over the weekend, be tempted out of your stylish room for yum cha that features delicate handmade dumplings and vineyard vistas.

12. Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians

the yard front door of Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — Spend an overnight stay in the Natimuk stone house. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

These 1880-era mountain-adjacent digs have been tenderly restored to provide rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers a chic place to rest. You’ll find four bedrooms in the Natimuk stone house, as well as a heated pool out the back and plenty of luxe embellishments. There’s also a two-person ‘Crash Pad’ in the confines of the Clubhouse with its own separate entrance.

the lounge at Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — The Crash Pad offers a resting place for rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

Australia’s 10 most underrated national parks