National Parks in Australia.

The first laws to protect scenic areas in Australia were passed in Tasmania in 1863. In 1879, Australia's first and the world's second, national park was declared at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. Since then, Australia has established over 3,400 reserves; including 11 World Heritage listed regions to protect some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world.

Over 6.4% of the Australian land mass and 158 marine/estuarine areas has been set aside for protection. Australia's national parks represent many diverse areas, from rainforest to desert, or perhaps alpine to a marine reef, and everything in between these.

Most national parks and reserves are within easy reach of main cities and towns. Many contain samples of Aboriginal culture such as rock art, paintings, burial grounds and ceremonial sites. In some cases the parks are leased from traditional owners and managed by park rangers.

An estimated 4 million people visit Australia's national parks. As a result most parks have good walking trails, picnic spots and camping areas, visitors’ centres, lookouts and even activities.

Some national parks are located in remote, isolated regions accessible only by 4WD vehicles. These parks often have fewer facilities, yet allow bush camping, so consequently, entrance fees vary from park to park and state to state.  For more information about a particular park contact the relevant authority. Some, if not all, have annual permits available, and this may be a better option for you if staying in one are for any length if time, so be sure to check out this option.

See also Aboriginal, Boating, Fishing, Sightseeing, State Borders, Weather

National Parks Offices

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services
F59-61 Goulburn Street, Sydney
Postal: PO Box A290, SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1232
Phone: +61 (02) 9995 5000
TTY: +61 (02) 9211 4723 (Telephone typewriter for hearing impaired callers)
Fax: +61 (02) 9995 5999
Website:  National Parks
Email Enquiries

Parks & Wildlife Commission of the NT
Goyder Centre
25 Chung Wah Terrace, Palmerston NT 0830
PO Box 496, PALMERSTON NT 0831
Phone: +61 (08) 8999 4555
Fax: +61 (08) 8999 4558
Website: Parks & Wildlife NT 

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
EPA Customer Service Centre,
160 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Postal: PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
Phone: +61 (07) 3227 8185
Fax: +61 (07) 3227 8749
Website: Queensland Parks and Wildlife 
Email Enquiries

National Parks and Wildlife SA
DEH Information Line
Postal: GPO Box 1047, ADELAIDE SA 5001
Phone: +61 (08) 8204 1910
Fax: +61 (08) 8463 3966
Website: National Parks and Wildlife SA
Email Enquiries

Parks Victoria
Level 10, 535 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 13 1963 (within Australia)
Website: Parks Victoria
Email Enquiries

Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
134 Macquarie St
HOBART TAS 7000
Postal: Parks and Wildlife Service
GPO Box 1751, HOBART, Tasmania, 7001 AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 (03) 6233 6461 or 1300 135 513
Fax: +61 (03) 6223 8603  Website: Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania

ACT Parks & Conservation Service
Lvl 2, Macarthur House, 12 Wattle Street, Lyneham ACT
Postal: PO Box 144, LYNEHAM ACT 2602
Phone: +61 (06) 207 335 or 13 22 81
Fax: +61 (06) 207 2334
Website: ACT Parks & Conservation Service

WA Dept of C.A.L.M.
Head Office - Hackett Drive, CRAWLEY 6009
Postal: Locked Bag 104, BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE 6983
Phone: +61 (08) 9442 0300
Fax: +61 (08) 9386 1578
Website: WA Dept of C.A.L.M.
Email Enquiries


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