Part 1: The best national parks walks across Australia
There is simply no better way to take in the great Australian outdoors than getting up close with the bush by walking. There are countless walks across Australia – ranging from easy to challenging. Just don’t forget your sunscreen, mobile phone and a bottle of water!
Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
From the Three Sisters to the Jenolan Caves, the beauty of this part of Australia is indescribable. And the beauty of this walk is that you can follow it from the Echo Point Visitor Centre as far as you like. So it's great for both light walkers and those who are more serious about getting the hiking shoes on. Don't miss one of the highlights which is right near the beginning: a pedestrian platform suspended between two of the three rock-hewn towers that comprise the Three Sisters rock formation. Just remember to stick to the path becuase this can be a seriously rugged area in parts and it also plunges into the valley below.
Tjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls Walk, Litchfield National Park, NT
A fabulous route that snakes along a creek and past cycads, there are a number of amazing plunge pools and streams which are sacred Aboriginal sites. So while you have to refrain from taking a dip there, there's a plunge pool at the end of the walk in which you can dive in. The walk should take less than two hours return.
Kuku Yalanji Walk, Mossman Gorge, Qld
If you feel safer going on a guided walk, this is a great option. Leaving three times a day, the traditional owners of the land start this walk from the Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime walks centre. As well as gaining insights into the local flora, fauna and animals, there's a post-walk tea and question time. It's a short but rough track, taking two hours in its entirity but it's well worth gaining the rare insight to the indigenous culture that isn't usually so accesible.
To find holiday parks nearby, head to www.turu.com.au.