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8 Of The Best Australian National Park Escapes for 4WD Riders

Charge up your SUV and 4WD batteries and buckle up because we’re about to unveil the ultimate off-road escapes through Australia’s greatest national parks!

Our beautiful country is as varied as it is large and features some of the most diverse terrains in the world. As Australia’s most trusted roadside assistance provider, we’ve had the pleasure of exploring these landscapes firsthand.

It wasn’t easy to choose, but we’ve picked our favourite National Park for each State and Territory to make you fall in love with Australia’s great outdoors all over again. So dust off those cameras, get that battery checked, and let’s get you out on the long and winding Australian road.

 

1. Port Campbell National Park, Victoria

Where: Located on the aptly named Shipwreck Coast, Port Campbell National Park is just a hop, skip and jump from Melbourne along the famous Great Ocean Road.

Highlights: The rough Southern oceans have worked their character on the limestone cliffs, forming some of the most beautiful and iconic attractions in Australia.

The top five attractions you can’t miss at the Port Campbell National Park:

  • The Twelve Apostles
  • The London Arch
  • Loch Ard Gorge
  • The Gibson Steps
  • The Grotto

Perfect for a weekend trip and with many coastal towns to stop by along the way, this National Park has something to keep everyone entertained – and the most spectacular coastal scenery around Australia.

 

2. Ikara – Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia

Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

Where: Situated 95 kilometres to the northeast of Hawker in the South Australian region.

Highlights: For spectacular views unique to Australia’s outback, the rough mountain ranges, sparse stretches of river red gums, and deep gorges are just a small part of the raw beauty of Flinders Ranges National Park.

The park features the breathtaking Wilpena Pound, a crater over 80 square kilometres in size. Walk through the single entrance to the naturally formed amphitheatre and marvel at the sheer size and shape of the rock.

The park is also home to a number of heritage features, such as impressive Aboriginal rock art and the remains of early settlement. You can literally breathe in the history of this unique part of Australia!

Need Emergency Roadside Assistance? Holler For A Marshall at 1300 627 742

If you ever need urgent help while exploring Australia’s best national parks – don’t worry. We’ve got your back with our 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Whether you need a quick battery replacement, jumpstart, flat tyre change or a tow to the closest mechanic, our Marshalls are just a call away! Find out the closest battery store here.

 

3. Royal National Park, New South Wales

Burning Palms Beach

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

Where: Located within just an hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD and Wollongong

Highlights: Royal National Park is Australia’s first area, pronounced as a national reserve and the second park named so in the world!

The park features a diverse range of Australian wildlife, plenty of bush walks and a cool ocean pool to dip your feet in at the end of the day. If you’re there between May to November, you can watch whales from one of the park’s many ocean lookouts.

Because of its close proximity to Sydney, Royal National Park is perfect for a day or weekend trip. The park offers BBQ facilities and campgrounds – the perfect combination!

If you happen to need a replacement for your SUV or 4WD battery when visiting the Royal National Park, call Battery Base Campbelltown or Batteries Galore Wollongong for urgent roadside assistance.

 

4. Purnululu National Park, Western Australia

Where: Located approx. 300 kilometres south of Kununurra.

Highlights: Ever wondered where the distinctive photos of those beehive rock formations are from? Purnululu National Park in Western Australia has long been a wonder for many a visitor.

The Bungle Bungle Range is the result of 20 million years of erosion. Crowned as a World Heritage Site, the Purnululu National Park is a beautiful area rich in Aboriginal artwork and burial sites.

The park isn’t the easiest to get to, and access is only available by four-wheel drive, but it’s well worth the effort.

Make sure your 4WD battery is well charged and pack plenty of water and a thirst for adventure – it’s at least a weekend trip!

 

5. Daintree National Park, Queensland

Daintree National Park, Queensland

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

Where: Located in North Queensland, you can reach the park by car from Cairns and Port Douglas.

Highlights: A testimony to the diversity of the Australian landscape, the luscious rainforests of The Daintree National Park host some of the oldest forests in the world.

The park is split into two sections: Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. You can experience the dark sparkling waters of Mossman River and the dense mountains and beaches of Cape Tribulation on the same day.

The park provides an important safe space for endangered Australian fauna, including tree kangaroos and cassowaries.

 

6. Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Petermann ranges

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

Where: Located a 450km drive from Alice Springs, the park is reachable by car by taking Australia’s famous Red Centre Way, an adventure in itself.

Highlights: Literally the heart of Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park features one of the most prominent icons of Australia. People travel from all over the world to view the geographical marvel, and for good reason. The park is 1325 square kilometres of stretching red desert!

It is named after its two most prominent and famous features, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga).

 

7. Bimberi Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory

Bimberi wilderness mountain and landscape

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

Where: The rolling green hills of Bimberi Nature Reserve are 30 kilometres south-west of Canberra in the wilderness between Kosciusko National Park and Namadgi National Park.

Highlights: Mount Gingera, the Ginini Flats and the Wetlands Ramsar site are the best spots to explore in the reserve.

Divided by the ACT/NSW border, the 10886-hectare reserve is ideal for a day or weekend visit with plenty of quiet activities for the family and kids.

 

8. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania

Where: Located a 1hr 45min drive west of Launceston

Highlights: Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit. If visiting in spring and summer, you’ll be treated to a brilliant display of wildflowers, including waratahs, orchids, banksias and leatherwoods. You may even spot a rare Tasmanian Devil lurking in the rich vegetation!

The Overland Track provides a six-day walk passing through the heart of some of the world’s finest mountain terrain to the deepest lake in Australia, Lake St Clair.

For those after a more leisurely stroll, drive to Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, which have basic camping sites and forest walks.

If your national park adventure finds you camping, make sure to read our best beach camping spots and arm yourself with a deep cycle battery to make the most out of your stay.

And remember, if you get stuck with a flat SUV/4WD battery, need roadside assistance, or even need a fuel top-up, call Marshall Batteries at 1300 627 742, and we’ll send a team from our battery store that’s closest to you.

Happy travels, and happy exploring!

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