National Parks · NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIPS IN AUSTRALIA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 national park day trips in Australia worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend 13 hours exploring Gariwerd, the Grampians National Park, from Melbourne. Your English-speaking guide leads walks to Silverband Falls, the Grand Canyon, and MacKenzie Falls, with stops at Reed and Boroka lookouts, wildlife viewing, Wi-Fi, and audio commentary in 16 languages.
“Guide, Lucy, was wonderful. A long, but very interesting day. Very worthwhile!”
Spend 12 hours travelling from Darwin into Kakadu with an English-speaking guide such as Becs, Daryl, Dani, Leigh, or Tim. See ancient rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie, watch crocodiles, visit wetlands, and learn about Country. Expect 620 km of driving, heat, walking, and memorable scenery.
“Was a wonderful tour. We saw the countryside in a way that would not be possible without Rachel as a guide and the great itinerary from this tour. Definitely gave us a taste for more, we want to come back to see even more of this wonderful park.”
Travel from Darwin to Litchfield National Park with an AAT Kings guide such as Cameron, Libby, Jas, or Prem. Visit Florence, Tolmer, and Wangi Falls, see giant termite mounds, stop at Howard Springs, and swim when park conditions allow. Hotel pickup, lunch, transport, and commentary are included.
“A superb day out Jas is an excellent guide and very safe on the road. The highlights were definitely the termite mounds and the swim in the Wangi Falls. Punctual pickup and drop off. Recommend any of AAT KINGS tours. You won’t be disappointed.”
Travel from Hobart to Freycinet National Park in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Gino, Phil, or Bryony. Walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout, choose from several hiking options, stop at scenic beaches, and buy fresh seafood or Tasmanian wine along the way.
“Jack was the spirit of the tour. Thank you for this great experience.”
Travel from Darwin in an air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Pascal, Daryl, Leigh, or Becs. See Fogg Dam, Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, Kakadu scenery, and possibly saltwater crocodiles. The optional Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise adds a thrilling start to this long day.
“Friendly guide, Rick was very knowledgeable about the various species, and also gave good descriptions about the aboriginal rock art and way of life without shying away from difficult topics. He also placed emphasis on safety for everyone, and handled a minor emergency perfectly. Would highly recommend this tour!”
Travel from Hobart by coach and ferry to Maria Island with guides such as Heather, Hannah, Nick, or Trevor. Walk to the Painted and Fossil Cliffs, explore Darlington’s convict buildings, and look for wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, and birds on a full day outdoors.
“A fantastic day. Heather was a great driver, knew a lot about Maria Island and it's lovely creatures, and it all made for a fabulous tour. A shame there was one couple that kept holding us up, and that meant we had a very short lunch break, which as an oldie didn't leave a lot of time to catch your breath (we were a group of 4 aged between 69 and 71 years old)!! Would have been even better with an extra half an hour on the island!!”
Spend a full day exploring Litchfield National Park from Darwin with an experienced English-speaking guide such as Leigh, Dani, or Daryl. Visit Florence Falls, Buley Rockholes, Magnetic Termite Mounds, and Adelaide River, with swimming time and an optional jumping crocodile cruise.
“Guide Becs, was full of knowledge and good humour, which made this long day feel not as long. Must do trip when coming to Darwin, plenty of stops, many toilet opportunities and plenty of cold water on board with ample opportunities to grab a coffee or icy pole along the way. Considering my husband had recent knee surgery, this tour gave him many opportunities to still enjoy even when unable to walk far, Becs was patient and always ensured he was ok and not missing out.”
Travel from Darwin to Kakadu on a 12-hour guided day with Ubirr rock art, Nadab Lookout, lunch, and the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise. Guides such as Norm, Neville, Mike, and Becs bring the park’s stories to life, while traditional custodians explain Arnhem Land culture and spot crocodiles along the East Alligator River.
“Good guide for the land segment. The guide on the river cruise projected a cynical attitude towards white Australians, but was informative about bush food, the river etc.”
Spend 10 hours exploring Litchfield National Park with a local English-speaking guide and no more than 11 people. Swim at Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, Buley Rockholes, and seasonal Berry Springs, with guides such as Lars, Naomi, and Reuben adding local stories along the way.
“Driver was great and easy going Very informative Waterfalls were beautiful”
Travel Tasmania with a local English-speaking guide such as Phil, Brendan, or Keygan, choosing easy to moderate walks each day. Expect hostel or motel stays, national parks, wombats, devils, Bay of Fires beaches, Cradle Mountain, and a flexible route for visitors without a car.
“The agenda was great and the schedule was planned well. Our tour guide Brendan was amazing! It's a shame that they changed our guide for the last day as we had bonded so well as a group with Brendan. Garreth nonetheless was a good and knowledgable guide too. Tasmania is a great place and I highly recommend booking this tour to make most of your visit here!”
Fly over Kakadu with an English-speaking pilot guide, cruise Yellow Water Billabong, eat lunch at Barra Bar and Bistro, and visit the Warradjan Cultural Center. Hamish, Liam, and Matthew have earned praise for clear commentary. Wet-season flights may include Jim Jim and Twin Waterfalls.
“Fastest way to get to Kakadu if you are short on time. Views from fixed wing plane vary by seat location (you want to sit in the last row, away from the wings which block the view). Our guide, Matthew, was FANTASTIC! Very knowledgeable and spoke just enough to be interesting but not too much to be distracting. River cruise was also excellent, although quite brief. Would have liked more time in the Cultural Centre but we knew going in it would be a short visit. Overall, if you are short on time and want to get to Kakadu, this is a great option. If you have time, plan to…”
Join Greg of Sydney Nimble Tours for a flexible 9-hour private trip from Sydney into Royal National Park. Choose Eagle Rock or Wedding Cake Rock, see Wattamolla, Bald Hill, and Sea Cliff Bridge, then add Symbio Wildlife Park if you wish.
“Journée très intéressante. D'abord, une marche dans la lande jusqu'à "Eagle Rock", suivi de la visite du "Symbio Wildlife Park", puis le "Sea Cliff Bridge", ... Beaucoup de découvertes, de points de vue fantastiques, avec un guide amoureux de cette région de Sydney.”
Pick a continent, a gate, or a kind of day.
