Best Australian Travel Destinations for Nature Lovers

Australia is a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant coral reefs, ancient rainforests, majestic mountains, or expansive ochre-red deserts, Australia has it all. In this blog, we will guide you through the best natural wonders in Australia, as well as a roadmap to exploring some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Australia in a campervan. 

From the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef to the mystical Uluru and the enclave of Margaret River, we'll explore the natural wonders that make Australia a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast. So whether you're planning a family trip in a campervan or looking for wildlife holidays in Australia, let’s dive into the top natural wonders of Australia that make a perfect addition to any campervan hire adventure! 

Why you should explore Australia if you’re a nature lover

Australia's vast and varied landscape is a welcomed refuge for nature lovers. The natural wonders of Australia are both diverse and breathtaking, offering something for every type of nature lover. Here are a few reasons why the natural attractions of Australia should be at the top of your travel list:

• Diverse Ecosystems: From the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Queensland to the ancient rock formations of Uluru in the Northern Territory, the natural wonders of Australia are incredibly varied. You can explore lush rainforests, arid deserts, pristine beaches, and rugged mountains, all within the same country.

• Unique Wildlife: Australia is home to some of the world's most unique wildlife. Kangaroos lounging on the beach at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park - not to mention the surplus of koalas, wombats, and platypuses roaming the country. These are just a few animals you might encounter on your travels as you explore Australia. Many of these species are found nowhere else on Earth, making Australia a truly special destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Stunning Landscapes: The natural attractions in Australia are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're gazing at the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia or hiking through the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, the beauty of Australia's landscapes will leave you in awe.

• Adventure Opportunities: For those who love outdoor adventures, Australia offers a wealth of activities. Snorkeling, diving, hiking, and camping are just a few ways to immerse yourself in the country's natural beauty.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

The best way to get around the natural wonders of Australia

When it comes to exploring Australia, nothing beats the freedom and flexibility of an Apollo campervan. Travelling in a campervan allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Here's why campervan travel is the best way to explore Australia's natural wonders:

1. Flexibility: With a campervan, you can travel at your own pace and change your itinerary on a whim. Want to spend an extra day at Thala Beach Port Douglas or take a detour to the Kuranda Rainforest? No problem! A campervan gives you the freedom to explore without being tied to a strict schedule.

2. Comfort: Modern campervans are equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable road trip, including beds, kitchen facilities, and sometimes even bathrooms. This makes it easy to travel with family, especially young children and ensures you have a cozy place to rest after a day of exploring. (For more tips on planning a family-friendly campervan, check out our (top 10 tips for campervan road trips with kids.)

3. Accessibility: Some of the best natural attractions in Australia are off the beaten path. With a campervan, you can easily access remote areas that might be difficult to reach with other types of transportation. This means you can explore hidden gems like the Natural Bridge Springbrook or the secluded Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.

4. Cost-Effective: Traveling by campervan can be more economical than staying in hotels and eating out daily. You can cook meals in the campervan and stay at beautiful, budget-friendly campervan campsites.

Overall, exploring the natural wonders of Australia in a campervan offers an unparalleled experience, allowing you to connect with nature on a deeper level. Whether you're traversing the rugged landscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park or marvelling at the vibrant hues of Kuranda Rainforest, a campervan adventure is the perfect way to discover the natural wonders of Australia. If you're considering if a campervan might be the best way to see Australia for you and your family, check out our guide on why hiring a motorhome is the best way to see Australia.

The best Australian travel destinations for nature lovers

Now for the good stuff. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the best Australian travel destinations for nature lovers and how to navigate your way to these destinations via campervan. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient rainforests, diving into underwater marvels, or hiking through rugged landscapes, these wonders of Australia will captivate even the wildest of adventurers. 

1. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 2,300 kilometres, it is the largest coral reef system on the planet. This underwater paradise is home to a dazzling array of marine life, including colourful corals, tropical fish, and majestic sea turtles. For nature lovers, the reef offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling and diving, where you can get up close to the vibrant marine ecosystem. If you are not one for the water, you can opt to take a scenic flight over the reef to appreciate its vastness and beauty from above. Located just off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit destination for any wildlife holidays in Australia.

How to get here: This natural attraction in Australia is easily accessible from Cairns, with an airport close by. Alternatively, this is a perfect addition to longer campervan road trips departing from Brisbane. From Brisbane to Cairns, it takes approximately 19 hours driving, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.  

Where to stay: NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

2. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, estimated to be over 180 million years old. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure of Australian biodiversity, home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Whether you choose to take a guided walk to learn about the unique plant species, cruise the Daintree River to spot crocodiles lurking in the shallows, or meander along the banks of Mossman Gorge, this area is jam-packed with the natural wonders of Australia. The Daintree is not only a haven for wildlife but also offers spectacular scenery with its lush greenery and crystal-clear streams.

How to get here: Driving from Cairns, the nearest major city, it takes about 2 hours to reach the heart of the Daintree Rainforest.  

Where to stay: Daintree Siesta

3. K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland

K'gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning beaches, freshwater lakes, and ancient rainforests. For nature lovers, Fraser Island offers a unique natural environment to explore. Highlights include Lake McKenzie with its crystal-clear waters, the towering sand dunes of Eli Creek, and the historic Maheno Shipwreck. The island's diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting.

How to get here: From Brisbane, the closest capital city, it's about a 3.5-hour drive to Hervey Bay, where you can catch a ferry to K’gari (Fraser Island). Since vehicle access on the island is limited (and campervans are prohibited), it's best to park your campervan at the Hervey Bay car park and take a day trip to the island.

Where to stay: Hervey Bay Caravan Park

4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

Home to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the lesser-known but equally impressive Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), this Outback national park is a spiritual heartland for the Anangu people. Nature lovers can witness the changing colours of Uluru at sunrise and sunset, explore the walking trails around both formations and gain a deeper understanding of the area's cultural significance through tours led by local Aboriginal guides. The park's stark beauty and cultural richness make it one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Australia.

How to get here: From Alice Springs, the closest major city, it's about a 5-hour drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. For those travelling by campervan, the park offers designated parking areas close to the main attractions.

Where to stay: Ayers Rock Campground

5. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park is a vast wilderness area covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres in the Northern Territory. It is renowned for its stunning Outback landscapes, Aboriginal rock art, and outlandish wildlife. Highlights of Kakadu include the dramatic Jim Jim and Twin Falls, the rich wetlands of Yellow Water, and the ancient rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie. A campervan trip to Kakadu offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a top destination for those looking to explore Australia’s natural heritage. 

How to get here: From Darwin, the nearest capital city, it takes about 3 hours to drive to Kakadu National Park in a campervan.

Where to stay: Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park. 

Image: Lachlan Gardiner

6. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Stretching over 240 kilometres, it offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush rainforests. Some natural attractions along Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road include the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising from the ocean, and the charming seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. For nature lovers, the nearby Great Otway National Park bordering this coastal route is also a perfect detour, with its magnificent waterfalls, ancient rainforests, and diverse wildlife. This drive packs a punch with its dramatic coastal landscapes and endless opportunities for hiking, surfing, and wildlife spotting.

How to get here: The drive from Melbourne, the closest capital city, to the start of the Great Ocean Road in Torquay is approximately 1.5 hours. For those travelling in a campervan, there are numerous spots to park and stop along the way, including designated parking areas near key attractions such as the Twelve Apostles and Great Otway National Park.

Where to stay: BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park

Image: Visit Victoria

7. Wilson's Promontory National Park, Victoria

Affectionately known to local Aussies as 'The Prom,' Wilson's Promontory National Park is another natural attraction in Australia renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, granite mountains, and abundant wildlife. Within this park, nature lovers can explore the pristine beaches of Squeaky Beach and Norman Bay, hike to the summit of Mount Oberon for panoramic views of the coast, and enjoy the diverse ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to heathlands. The park is also home to a huge variety of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and emus, making it a perfect destination to meet the native fauna.

How to get here: The drive from Melbourne to Wilson's Promontory National Park takes about 3 hours. Campervan travellers can find convenient parking at the Tidal River Campground, the main camping and accommodation area within the park.

Where to stay: Tidal River Campground

Image: Visit Victoria

8. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania

Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is renowned for its rugged beauty. Cradle Mountain, with its distinctive granite peaks, is a popular destination for hikers, with the Overland Track being a must-do for serious trekkers. The park also features beautiful glacial lakes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, including meandering wombats and the elusive Tasmanian devil. For nature lovers, the park offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and wildlife spotting to boat tours on Lake St Clair.

How to get here: From Hobart, the closest capital city, it takes about 4.5 hours to drive to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Campervan parking is available at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, which serves as the main access point to the park.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain

9. Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a stunning escape into nature. This natural wonder of Australia is known for its dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls and is perfect for those looking to add a little bushwalking and rock climbing to their campervan hire road trip. Key sights include the Three Sisters rock formation, Wentworth Falls, and the Jenolan Caves, one of the world's oldest cave systems. For nature lovers, the Blue Mountains provide a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.

How to get here: The drive from Sydney to the Blue Mountains takes about 1.5 hours. For those travelling by campervan, parking is available at various locations, including Echo Point, where you can get a spectacular view of the Three Sisters.

Where to stay: Katoomba Falls Tourist Park

Image: Destination NSW

10. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Often referred to as the 'other' great reef, Ningaloo Reef is undoubtedly one of the most impressive wonders of Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rivals its eastern counterpart. Ningaloo is most famous for its annual whale shark migration, providing a unique opportunity to swim with these gentle giants of the ocean as they make their ocean trek. Snorkelers and divers will find their very own slice of heaven as they explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter a diverse array of marine life, most of which is accessible just a few meters from shore. Ningaloo Reef offers an unforgettable underwater adventure and is one of the best natural attractions in Australia for ocean lovers. 

How to get here: From Perth, the closest capital city, it takes about 13 hours to drive to Exmouth, the gateway to Ningaloo Reef. Campervan travellers can park at the Exmouth Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort, which offers a perfect base and a short drive to the reef.

Where to stay: Exmouth Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort

Ready to travel Australia with Apollo?

Exploring the natural wonders of Australia in a campervan offers an unparalleled wilderness experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in this country's natural beauty. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Blue Mountains and the endless beauty dotted in between, these natural attractions in Australia are a perfect addition to a road trip looking to experience true Aussie nature. Ready to travel Australia with Apollo? You can book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from any Apollo branch before setting off to immerse yourself in these natural wonders of Australia!