Explore these 10 Coastal National Parks in Australia

This blog is imported from the old Hikezilla website.

Australia might not be known for its mountains or forests (compare to everywhere else..), but when it comes to beaches and coastlines, we’re absolutely top tier! There are over 100 national parks in Australia that falls under Coastal environments!

To make the cut for this list, a national park has to be mostly on the coast or have a popular trail that hugs the shoreline. Here are 10 coastal national parks ranked, in no particular order:

1. Royal National Park, NSW

Location: Just south of Sydney, about an hour’s drive. Size: 15,091 hectares Things to Do: This is Australia’s oldest national park and a great spot for coastal walks like the famous Coast Track. There’s swimming at Wattamolla, fishing, and plenty of picnic spots. Don’t miss out on the Figure Eight Pools! Must do hike: Royal Coast Track (1-2 days)

2. Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria

Location: Around 2.5 hours southeast of Melbourne. Size: 50,512 hectares Things to Do: Known as “The Prom,” this park offers incredible beaches like Squeaky Beach, hiking trails to Mount Oberon, and camping. Wildlife spotting is a highlight with wombats, kangaroos, and emus. Must do hike: Wilsons Promotory Southern Ciruit (2-3 days)

3. Port Campbell National Park, Victoria

Location: Just off the Great Ocean Road, a 3-hour drive from Melbourne. Size: 1,750 hectares Things to Do: Famous for the Twelve Apostles, this park has dramatic cliffs and rock formations. There’s also the Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps. Ideal for photography, coastal walks, and enjoying the stunning views. Must do hike: Great Ocean Walk (4-6 days)

4. Southwest National Park, Tasmania

Location: About 2 hours southwest of Hobart. Size: 618,251 hectares Things to Do: This remote and wild park is perfect for those who love rugged beauty. Bushwalking, boating, and even a scenic flight to see the untouched wilderness are must-dos. Lake Pedder and Bathurst Harbour are highlights. Must do hike: South Coast Track (5-7 days)

5. Cape Le Grand National Park, WA

Location: Near Esperance, roughly 8 hours from Perth. Size: 31,801 hectares Things to Do: Known for its pristine beaches like Lucky Bay, where kangaroos often lounge on the sand. Great for camping, hiking up Frenchman Peak, and snorkeling. The turquoise waters and white sands are unforgettable. Must do hike: Le Grand Coastal Trail (1-2 days)

6. Great Sandy National Park, QLD

Location: Near Noosa, about 2 hours north of Brisbane. Size: 219,400 hectares Things to Do: Home to the famous Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Activities include 4WD adventures, swimming in freshwater lakes like Lake McKenzie, and exploring the sand dunes. It’s also great for whale watching during the season. Must do hike: Cooloola Great Walk (3-5 days)

7. Croajingolong National Park, VIC

Location: Around 6 hours east of Melbourne. Size: 87,500 hectares Things to Do: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers a diverse landscape with beaches, rainforests, and estuaries. Ideal for bushwalking, birdwatching, and camping. Point Hicks is a notable spot for its historic lighthouse. Must do hike: Wilderness Coast Walk (2-3 days)

8. Flinders Chase National Park, SA

Location: On Kangaroo Island, accessible by ferry from Cape Jervis, about 2 hours from Adelaide. Size: 32,632 hectares Things to Do: Known for the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Great for wildlife spotting – think koalas, kangaroos, and seals. There are also plenty of walking trails and rugged coastal scenery to enjoy. Must do hike: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (2-4 days)

9. Cape Range National Park, WA

Location: Near Exmouth, about a 12-hour drive or short flight from Perth. Size: 50,581 hectares Things to Do: Adjacent to the Ningaloo Reef, it’s perfect for snorkeling and diving. Yardie Creek Gorge offers stunning hikes, and there’s plenty of wildlife, including rock wallabies and emus.

10. Murramarang National Park, NSW

Location: About 4 hours south of Sydney. Size: 11,978 hectares Things to Do: This park features beautiful beaches and cliffs. Popular activities include hiking the Durras Mountain, spotting kangaroos on Pebbly Beach, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Camping by the beach is a must-do here. Must do hike: Murramarang South Coast Walk (1-3 days)