Ultimate Guide to National Parks in Australia: Best Parks, Where to Camp, and What to See

Australia’s national parks are truly the heart of the country, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable natural beauty. Touring these parks in a motorhome is the ultimate way to see it all up close.

When you’re in a motorhome, you need parks with sealed roads and easy access. No worries—we’ve got you covered! This guide takes you through the best national parks in Australia that are fully accessible, where to camp, and what not to miss in each one. So buckle up and let’s roll!

Curracurrong Falls, Destination NSW

Royal National Park, New South Wales

Where to Camp: Bonnie Vale Campground
Just an hour south of Sydney, Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest national park and a fantastic choice for motorhome explorers. With well-maintained sealed roads, you can effortlessly navigate through this beautiful slice of New South Wales. The park boasts lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and charming eucalyptus forests.

• Top Things to See: The iconic Figure Eight Pools are a must-see, along with Garie Beach for a surf or a picnic. Don’t miss the Coast Track—although you might need to park the motorhome and stretch your legs for a while to really enjoy the spectacular clifftop views.
• Camping Tip: The Bonnie Vale Campground is perfect for motorhome travellers. It’s equipped with hot showers and powered sites, and it’s an easy drive within the park. Book ahead, though—it’s a popular spot!

Redwood Forest, Santiago Gonzalez Redondo

Great Otway National Park, Victoria

Where to Camp: Johanna Beach Campground
Great Otway National Park offers an incredible blend of coastal scenery, fern-covered rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. With its fully sealed roads and easy access, it’s an ideal park for a motorhome journey. You’ll get some of the best views along the famous Great Ocean Road, which runs adjacent to the park.

• Top Things to See: Hopetoun Falls is a standout, and Maits Rest Rainforest Walk offers an easy but awe-inspiring stroll through towering tree ferns. Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, also provides sweeping views of the southern coast.
• Camping Tip: Johanna Beach Campground is close to the action with easy access. It's a great spot for beachfront camping, and though it’s unpowered, the experience of waking up to waves crashing nearby is worth it.

Hollow Mountain, Jarrod Andrews

Grampians National Park, Victoria

Where to Camp: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
Grampians National Park is filled with dramatic mountain landscapes, making it a top destination for those wanting to explore rugged terrains—all accessible by sealed roads. This park offers stunning rock formations, ancient Indigenous rock art, and incredible wildlife.

• Top Things to See: Mackenzie Falls is one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls and a must-see in the Grampians. The Balconies, offering breathtaking views of the valley below, is another great spot, especially at sunset.
• Camping Tip: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park provides a motorhome-friendly option with both powered and unpowered sites. It’s conveniently located near popular hiking trails and town amenities, with everything from swimming pools to camp kitchens to make your stay comfortable.

Noosa National Park, Tourism and Events Queensland

Noosa National Park, Queensland

Where to Camp: Noosa River Holiday Park
Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast is a dream for those who prefer ocean views paired with easy walks. This coastal park has sealed roads that lead directly to the lush forests and glistening beaches.

• Top Things to See: The Coastal Track is perfect for stunning ocean views, and you might even catch sight of dolphins or a koala perched high in a tree. Tea Tree Bay is a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet beach day.
• Camping Tip: Noosa River Holiday Park, just a short drive away, is the ideal place to park your motorhome. With powered sites along the river, you’ll have easy access to both the national park and the laid-back vibe of Noosa itself.

Wineglass Bay, Chad Dewson

Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Where to Camp: Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park
Freycinet National Park, with its breathtaking views of Wineglass Bay, is a must-visit for those keen on a Tasmania road trip. The roads are sealed and provide direct access to the main highlights, which makes exploring in a motorhome a breeze.

• Top Things to See: Wineglass Bay is iconic, known for its pristine, crescent-shaped beach. The Hazards Range also offers fantastic short walks with panoramic views over the bay and beyond.
• Camping Tip: Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park offers comfortable powered sites with modern amenities, just a stone's throw from the national park’s entrance. This location makes accessing all the main attractions convenient.

Kosciuszko National Park, Destination NSW

Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales

Where to Camp: Jindabyne Holiday Park
Kosciuszko National Park isn’t just for winter sports—this diverse park is accessible year-round with sealed roads leading to incredible viewpoints, alpine walks, and the country’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

• Top Things to See: The Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is perfect in the warmer months. It’s an accessible way to get to Australia’s highest point without needing any off-road capability.
• Camping Tip: Jindabyne Holiday Park is a fantastic motorhome-friendly option, offering powered sites right by Lake Jindabyne. The location gives you great access to all the high country highlights without sacrificing comfort.

Tips for Exploring National Parks in a Motorhome

• Plan Your Route Ahead: Many national parks have sections of unsealed roads—make sure to plan your journey to stick to sealed routes. A good GPS and checking online park maps in advance are a must.
• Book Early: During peak seasons, campgrounds fill up quickly. Booking early guarantees you’ll have a spot.
• Stay Powered Up: National parks often have limited powered sites, so it’s helpful to have a backup battery system for any free camping. This will keep your lights and essentials running smoothly.

FAQs

1. Can I take my motorhome into most Australian national parks?
   Absolutely! Many national parks in Australia have sealed roads that are accessible by motorhomes. The key is to plan your journey and stick to parks that advertise 2WD-friendly access, such as those mentioned in this guide.
2. Do I need a special permit to camp in national parks with my motorhome?
   Most national parks require a park pass or camping permit, which you can often buy online. Some campgrounds also require specific booking due to limited powered sites, so it's always wise to check the individual park’s website beforehand.
3. When is the best time to visit these parks in a motorhome?
   Spring and autumn are generally ideal for comfortable weather across most of Australia, avoiding the extreme heat of summer or the chilly alpine temperatures of winter.
4. Are there dump points for motorhomes in these parks?
   Most larger national parks and nearby campgrounds have dump points for your motorhome. Some campgrounds also offer this service, but it's always a good idea to ask in advance or check park facilities online.

It’s Time For A National Park Road Trip!

Road-tripping in Australia's national parks doesn’t mean you have to rough it or go off-road. Plenty of parks are accessible with well-maintained sealed roads, allowing you to take in everything from stunning coastlines to ancient rainforests without worrying about getting bogged down. With so many beautiful, accessible national parks to choose from, your motorhome adventure is guaranteed to be unforgettable. From the sunny shores of Noosa to the dramatic heights of Kosciuszko, these national parks offer a wealth of experiences for those ready to explore.

So, pack up, plan your route, and hit the road—Australia's beauty is just a drive away!

Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!