Lyla Lindsey
Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for its unique plants and wildlife. As of 2023, the state is home to 112 national parks, covering just under 2.6% of the state. Western Australia's national parks offer stunning landscapes and diverse natural features, from rugged coastlines and ancient rock formations to wildflower-filled forests and pristine beaches. With so many national parks to choose from, visitors are spoilt for choice, whether they're looking for breathtaking views, unique wildlife encounters, or a chance to explore the state's natural wonders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of national parks | 112 |
| Percentage of Western Australia covered by national parks | 2.6% |
| Oldest national park | John Forrest National Park |
| Latest national parks | Pimbee and Bunuba |
| Largest national park | Karijini National Park |
| Examples of national parks | Wolfe Creek Crater National Park, Nambung National Park, Lesueur National Park, Torndirrup National Park, Cape Le Grand National Park, Kalbarri National Park, Purnululu National Park, Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park, Mitchell River National Park, Stirling Range National Park |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Australia has 112 national parks, covering 6,511,458 hectares
- John Forrest National Park is the oldest, with new parks added in 2023
- The state's biodiversity includes unique plants, wildlife and ancient rock formations
- National parks offer activities like hiking, snorkelling, whale watching and picnics
- Some popular parks include Nambung, Purnululu, Wolfe Creek Crater and Cape Le Grand
Western Australia has 112 national parks, covering 6,511,458 hectares
Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for its unique plants and wildlife. As of 2023, it is home to 112 national parks, covering 6,511,458 hectares. This accounts for just under 2.6% of the state, with over 30% of Western Australia covered by protected areas.
The oldest of these parks, John Forrest, was proclaimed in 1900, while the most recent, Pimbee and Bunuba, were established in 2023. The largest number of national parks to be proclaimed in a single year was in 2004, with 28 new parks. Western Australia's national parks offer breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural features, from rugged coastlines and ancient forests to wide-open spaces and an abundance of wildlife.
Some of the most popular national parks in Western Australia include the Nambung National Park, famous for its Pinnacles area with thousands of limestone pillars; the Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle ranges; and the Cape Le Grand National Park, known for its rolling hills, sand dunes, and pristine beaches. Other notable mentions are the Wolfe Creek Crater National Park, the Mitchell River National Park, and the Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
These national parks provide a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, swimming, whale watching, and wildlife spotting. They showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of Western Australia, offering a unique experience to explore and connect with the environment.
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John Forrest National Park is the oldest, with new parks added in 2023
Western Australia is home to a plethora of national parks, boasting over 100 of them. The oldest of these, John Forrest National Park, was proclaimed in 1900, with new parks added as recently as 2023.
John Forrest National Park is located in the Perth Hills of the Darling Ranges, about 24 kilometres (15 miles) east of Perth. The park is a mere 30-minute drive from the city, making it a convenient escape into nature. Rich in both Indigenous and European history, the park offers an abundance of natural wonders to explore. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, walk and bicycle trails, historic buildings, and an array of wildlife. The park is particularly renowned for its stunning wildflowers, with over 500 different species creating a vibrant display of colour in the late winter and early spring months. Visitors can also admire the two waterfalls, Hovea Falls and National Park Falls, and explore sections of the park that remain undeveloped, providing a glimpse of native Australian woodland.
The park offers a variety of trails to suit different abilities and interests. The 4.6-kilometre Wildflower Walk Trail is a popular choice when the wildflowers are in bloom, typically between August and November. For those seeking a challenge, the 14.8-kilometre circuit walk offers breathtaking views across the Swan Coastal Plain to Perth city and the distant ocean. The trail takes walkers through a variety of pristine habitats, including beautiful waterfalls and wildflower displays. The Glen Brook Trail is a picturesque 4.5-kilometre route with the option of a shorter 2-kilometre loop, leading walkers through scenic gullies and past impressive granite outcrops. Additionally, the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which includes the John Forrest Heritage Trail, allows visitors to explore the park's history and enjoy the natural surroundings.
John Forrest National Park is also a great place for picnics and barbecues, with plenty of beautiful spots to choose from. The park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, and standard park entry fees apply. The park has improved accessibility in recent years, making it more welcoming to a broader range of visitors. The Every Kid in a Park project also aims to connect children of all abilities with nature, providing free resources to explore and enjoy Western Australia's parks.
While John Forrest National Park holds the distinction of being the oldest, Western Australia continues to expand its network of national parks. In 2023, the state proclaimed two new national parks: Pimbee and Bunuba. With each new addition, Western Australia enhances its conservation efforts and provides more opportunities for people to connect with the natural environment.
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The state's biodiversity includes unique plants, wildlife and ancient rock formations
Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting unique plants, wildlife, and ancient rock formations. The state is home to an impressive 112 national parks, showcasing the region's natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Among these parks are ancient rock formations that tell a story of the Earth's geological history. Mount Augustus, for instance, is an iconic landmark with granite rock estimated to be 1650 million years old. The mountain was formed from the uplift of an ancient seabed, resulting in the distinctive shape it bears today.
Another notable rock formation in Western Australia is Wave Rock, located near Hyden. This granite cliff, resembling a wave about to break, stands at 14 metres high and 110 metres long. Its distinctive curved shape was crafted by the forces of nature, as water erosion and weathering sculpted the underlying granite over millions of years. Wave Rock is a testament to the region's ancient past, formed over 2700 million years ago.
The state also boasts a diverse range of unique plant species. Southwest Australia, in particular, is a biodiversity hotspot, encompassing Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub ecoregions. The region is home to approximately 10,551 native vascular plant species, contributing significantly to the overall flora of Australia. Western Australia's vast expanse covers a variety of landscapes, from coastal plains to weathered granite uplands, each supporting its own unique plant communities.
When it comes to wildlife, Western Australia offers a plethora of opportunities to observe rare and endangered species. The state's coastline, where the desert meets the sea, presents a dramatic backdrop for an array of marine life. The Ningaloo Coast, known for its rich underwater world, is home to corals, thousands of fish species, manta rays, dolphins, whales, turtles, and sea snakes. It is also an important habitat for the endangered black-flanked rock-wallaby, which finds refuge in the steep, ancient gorges that carve through the landscape.
In addition to the marine life, Western Australia is known for its unique terrestrial fauna. Numbats, for example, are one of the world's most endangered animals, with only around 800 mature individuals remaining in the wild. Other notable species include orcas and whale sharks, which can be found along the state's coastline. The ancient rock formations and diverse landscapes provide habitats for these species to thrive, contributing to the region's ecological significance.
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National parks offer activities like hiking, snorkelling, whale watching and picnics
Western Australia is home to 112 national parks, covering just under 2.6% of the state. These parks offer a plethora of activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, snorkelling, whale watching, and picnics.
Hiking is a popular activity in Western Australia's national parks, with many parks offering scenic walking trails that showcase the region's diverse landscapes. For example, the Wolfe Creek Crater National Park in the Kimberley region features interesting rock formations, pristine beaches, caves, and heavily wooded forests. The park also offers easy walking trails, lookouts, and a suspension bridge. The Torndirrup National Park, located on the peninsula south of Albany, offers a variety of viewpoints accessible via Frenchman Bay Road, as well as coastal walks such as the Bald Head Track. Lesueur National Park, located north of Perth, is another excellent option for hiking, with many walking trails to explore during the wildflower season.
Snorkelling is another exciting activity offered by Western Australia's national parks. The coast between Rottnest Island and Ningaloo Reef is renowned for its diverse marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage-listed site, offers snorkelers the opportunity to swim alongside graceful humpback whales and whale sharks, which is a humbling experience.
Whale watching is a thrilling activity that can be enjoyed in Western Australia's national parks. The South West coast is a popular destination, with over 60,000 humpback whales migrating through its warm waters each year. Tours operate from Augusta and Dunsborough, offering unforgettable encounters with these majestic creatures. Bremer Bay also provides the opportunity to witness killer whales hunting from December to April.
Picnics are a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of Western Australia's national parks. Hammersley Drive, located on the scenic coast, offers various walking trails and picnic spots. The Fitzgerald River, with its rugged coastline and wild beaches, is an ideal setting for a relaxing picnic. Torndirrup National Park also provides a unique picnic experience with its wild and rugged coastline, beaches, and viewpoints.
With its diverse range of national parks, Western Australia offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and connect with nature through activities like hiking, snorkelling, whale watching, and picnics.
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Some popular parks include Nambung, Purnululu, Wolfe Creek Crater and Cape Le Grand
Western Australia is home to 112 national parks, with just under 2.6% of the state covered by national parks. Some popular parks include Nambung, Purnululu, Wolfe Creek Crater, and Cape Le Grand.
Nambung National Park is located in the Wheatbelt region, 200 kilometres northwest of Perth. The park was established in 1994 by combining three separate reserve areas. Nambung is known for its diverse wildlife, with 176 observed animal species, including mammals such as the western grey kangaroo and red kangaroo, and birds like the silver gull and raven. The park also features the Pinnacles Desert, an area with thousands of limestone formations, as well as coastal dunes and flowering plants.
Purnululu National Park gained World Heritage status in 2003 and is recognised for its unique natural beauty. The park is accessible via a challenging 53-kilometre four-wheel-drive track during the dry season or by helicopter.
Wolfe Creek Crater National Park is a remote park that is recognised for its cultural significance to the Jaru people. The park features the second-largest meteorite crater in the world, formed around 300,000 years ago. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing, nature watching, and photography, with the option to camp overnight to watch the sunrise over the crater rim.
Cape Le Grand National Park offers wild coastal scenery, with large granite outcrops and white sandy beaches. The park provides opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating. It is also home to diverse wildlife, including pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos, and colourful wildflowers. The Le Grand Coastal Trail is a challenging 20-kilometre walk trail that showcases the best of the park's scenery.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are 112 national parks in Western Australia, with just under 2.6% of the state covered by national parks.
Some of the most popular national parks in Western Australia include Nambung National Park, Kalbarri National Park, Karijini National Park, Purnululu National Park, and Cape Le Grand National Park.
The national parks of Western Australia offer a range of activities, including hiking, swimming, whale watching, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also enjoy stunning landscapes, ancient rock formations, wildflowers, and rugged coastlines.
