5 of the most incredible National Parks in Australia
By: Luci

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Photo by Corey Leopold on Flickr

PhotoBy Snuffy

The land that is now Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park was created by the Tjukuritja (creation ancestors). In their travels they left marks in the land and made laws for us to keep and live by. We hope that, during your visit, you will learn about some of our creation ancestors and some of our law and culture. Please respect this knowledge and open your minds and hearts so you can appreciate our enduring culture.

Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is a Commonwealth reserve inscribed on the World Heritage List for both the cultural and natural values of its landscape. the park protects the cultural values of Anangu, the iconic rock outcrops of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, outstanding examples of arid zone flora and fauna, and outstanding scenic beauty.

Info: http://www.environment.gov.au

Port Campbell National Park

PhotoBy virusfreak79

PhotoBy Darren Stones

Famous for the Twelve Apostles and historic shipwrecks, Port Campbell National Park contains the most significant areas of vegetation and fauna native to south-western Victoria. The diverse range of coastal environments includes woodlands, dunes, wetlands, coastal cliffs, limestone stacks and arches.

Watch the thousands of Muttonbirds (Short-tailed Shearwaters) that fly in to their nest burrows from the sea each evening in summer.

Info: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Nambung National Park - Pinnacles

PhotoBy Stefano_p

The most popular attraction of the Nambung National Park is the Pinnacle Desert. Formed by natural processes over thousands of years, today there are thousands of beige limestone pillars rising out of a stark sandy landscape. These amazing formations result from a combination of water, quartz, limestone and sand. There are now over 150 000 of these fascinating formations standing up to 5 meters tall. Some of the Pinnacles have a tombstone-like shape while others rise from the desert plain in jagged columns.

The park features a variety of flora and fauna, including Western Grey Kangaroo, Brush Wallaby, Honey Possums, Snakes, Lizards and an extensive list of bird life. Low scrub throughout the park makes easy walking in much of the park.

Info: http://www.umfulana.com/australiatours.php

Fraser Island

PhotosByhenriette_von_ratzeberg

The world's largest sand island, Fraser Island is an area of remarkable natural beauty. It was listed as a World Heritage Area in 1992. The listing recognizes the island's internationally significant natural features:

evolving dune, lake, soil and forest systems, the extent and age of which are outstanding examples of ongoing geological and biological processes

unique landscapes, which are examples of superlative natural occurrences.

Growing on seemingly infertile sands is a great variety of plant communities ranging from coastal heath, mangrove forests and swamps to subtropical rainforest.

The many archaeological remains on Fraser Island record thousands of years of culture and tradition, providing important links for the Butchulla people of today to their past.

The island is 123 km long and covers an area of 166,038 ha, so you will need to allow plenty of time to explore and appreciate it.

Info: http://www.qld.gov.au/

Kakadu National Park

Photo By digitalreflections

PhotoBy brabantsboerke

Kakadu is place of exceptional beauty and great diversity. As you move through Kakadu, take the time to explore and appreciate the diversity of the areas you visit - each one is truly unique.

Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu is one of very few places World Heritage listed for both its cultural and its natural values.

Kakadu National Park is managed jointly by its Aboriginal traditional owners and the Director of National Parks.

Info: http://www.environment.gov.au