Part 2: The best national parks 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!
Sacred Canyon walk, Flinders Ranges, SA
Although this one is a short walk of an hour-and-a-half, it takes you along an increasingly narrow canyon past ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. So while it's quite amazing, keepin mind the pink and orange rocks and rubble you will have to navigate. The good news is, it's not far by car from the Wilpena Pound visitors centre and is spectacular.
Lake Dove walk, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tas
Walking along rough-sand beaches, skirt granite cliffs and a cool-climate forest, you'll be able to see the twin peaks of Cradle Mountain watching over you. It takes about three hours all circumnavigating the chilly alpine Lake Dove.
Tidal Overlook and Loo-Errn track, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Vic
If you're partial to a touch of animal spotting, this walk takes in coastal scrub and estuarine forest and takes under two hours to loop. Keep your camera at the ready for the aptly named Tidal Overlook.
Dales Gorge, Karijini National Park, WA
Walking along the gorge rim, this walk should take a couple of hours and allows you to take a dip in one of the Pilbara's favourite swimming pools if you so wish. There's also the nearby Fern Pool - complete with a wooden swimming platform. Expect to take in waterfalls, sunken gardens and an incredible sunset, if you time it right.
To find holiday parks nearby, head to www.turu.com.au.