National parks you MUST visit in 2020

WA's regional boarders are now open, which means we can once again explore our spectacular national parks.

We've put together a list of five national parks that we recommend you visit this year to experience the beauty of WA and capture special moments in nature.

1. Millstream Chichester National Park 

A desert oasis in the heart of the north Pilbara, Millstream Chichester National Park is a must-see for travellers.

Complete with freshwater pools, fishing, canoeing, scenic wildflower walks and bird watching - this is one camping trip you should put on your bucket list for 2020.

Only two hours from Karratha, visitors can enjoy the cultural insights of Warlu Way trail, learning the story of the dream time sea serpent, while enjoying local plant species and wildlife.

For more information visit https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/millstream-chichester

Credit:  Shayne Jennings Images


2. Karijini National Park  

Probably the most popular national park in WA, Karijini offers some spectacular natural attractions, with amazing hiking trails through ancient gorges and crystal clear rock pools and waterfalls.

Karijini National Park is the second-largest national park in WA, covering 627,422 hectares.

Erosion has slowly carved this landscape out of rocks that are over 2.5 million years old, which makes it ideal for adventurers who want to explore this ancient place.

There are many breathtaking sights to see in Karijini, but we recommend you put Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls, Regan's Pool and Weano Gorge on your list of places to see while you're there.

Karijini is located about two hours drive from Newman and is best accessed by four wheel drive. The park also has some amazing picnic spots, with excellent camping facilities for those who want to stay awhile.

For more information visit https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/karijini

Credit: @naturebynathan 


3. Purnululu National Park 

In the heart of Purnululu National Park is the impressive orange and black beehive-like rock formations known as the Bungle Bungle.

The World Heritage Listed Kimberley landmark contains the most outstanding example of cone karst in sandstone anywhere in the world and owes its existence to several interacting geological, biological, erosional and climatic phenomena.

The Bungle Bungle range is made up of sandstone that was deposited 360 million years ago, which has been eroded by creeks, rivers and weather over 20 million years, which has carved out domes and gorges - creating a surreal experience.

While visiting Purnululu National Park, you may also meet some of the locals, like the nailtail wallaby.

Visitors should check out Piccaninny Creek for an overnight camping experience - as well as Echidna Chasm Walk and Mini Palms Walk.

Purnululu National Park is located in the East Kimberley region, 100km from the town of Halls Creek.

For more information visit https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/purnululu

Credit: @Taostravels

4. Fitzgerald National Park

A botanical wonderland, Fitzgerald National Park is renowned for its spectacular scenery from rolling plains, colourful breakaways, rugged peaks and stunning bays.

Located in WA's Great Southern region and approximated 400km from Perth, the national park has 330,000 hectares of unspoiled wilderness that is recognised globally for its natural diversity and one of the most flora and fauna rich conservation areas in WA.

The national park is also located on one of the most stunning stretches of Australian coastline and home to some incredible animals. In winter you can find it being used as a nursery for southern right whales to shelter with their newborn calves.

Nature lovers can enjoy the park's diverse plant life and wildlife on a number of walks. On the eastern side of the park, visitors can climb the summit of East Mount Barren or stroll along the inland trails of Sepulcralis Hill and No Tree Hill and on the west side the  region’s heritage with a short walk around the Point Ann Heritage Trail or on the path to St Mary Inlet.

Campers will not be disappointed with facilities available for visitors. 

For more information visit https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/fitzgerald-river

Credit: Jaimen Hudson

5. Ningaloo Marine Park 

Escape Perth's winter and head to sunny Exmouth and plunge into the Ningaloo Marine Park!

Part of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast, the marine park is home to the largest fringing coral reef in Australia.

Ningaloo is best known for its vibrant corals and giant whale sharks which visit the park from April to July each year. The park is also home to dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, huge cod, turtles and more than 500 tropical fish species and 200 species of coral.

Lakeside, Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Coral Bay will provide some amazing snorkelling from the shore for visitors.

More coastline of this amazing area will be protected in the future under Plan for Our Parks.

For more information visit https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/ningaloo

Credit:Chris Jansen Images