ParksandGardens, Alice Springs

In Australia's biggest national park you'll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 20,000 years old. Learn about Aboriginal culture from traditional owners the Bininj/Mungguy people, take in thundering waterfalls and witness millions of migratory birds among the wetlands. Experience Kakadu's magic in six dramatically different seasons. http://www.australia.com/en/places/darwin-and-surrounds/guide-to-kakadu-national-park.html

Stunning waterfalls, natural pools and a dramatic landscape lure visitors to Litchfield National Park.http://www.australia.com/en/places/darwin-and-surrounds/guide-to-litchfield-national-park.html

Crocodylus Park is the best place in Australia to come face to face with the largest reptiles on the planet! Built upon 30 years of experience in crocodile research and conservation, Crocodylus Park plays host to over a thousand crocodiles from 30 cm long hatchlings to massive adults measuring over 4.8 m and weighing more than half a ton! http://www.crocodyluspark.com.au/

This pretty little beach is located a few minutes’ drive from the centre of the historic pearling town and overlooks the stunning turquoise coloured Roebuck Bay. Town Beach is a popular draw-card for holidaying families. Its spectacular calm aqua water makes for perfect photo opportunities. Bring your own picnic and spread out on the grass or on one of the picnic tables or enjoy dishes from the café near the water’s edge. A bonus for parents is the small water playground, ideal for the children to cool down. Town Beach is also a popular gathering point to see the natural attraction of the Staircase to the Moon on certain dates throughout the year. The moon rises above the exposed mudflats creating an optical illusion in the darkened sky of stairs reaching to the moon. The Town Beach Markets often complement this event and provide an opportunity for you to purchase craft items, dinner from the stalls and relax and enjoy the entertainment. https://www.australiasnorthwest.com/business/attractions/town-beach

Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park is a network of purpose-built, single-track mountain bike trails located in the Herberton Range State Forest. Trails meander through an open forest of gums, bloodwoods, mahoganys, she-oaks, grasstrees and cycads and some of the trails pass former forestry experimental plots of teak, blackbutt and tallowwood trees. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/atherton-forest-mountain-bike-park

This popular park features a deep crater lake surrounded by cool lush rainforest. Lake Barrine, part of Crater Lakes National Park, is a maar—a crater lake formed by two massive volcanic explosions. Take the short stroll to the giant bull kauri trees or stretch your legs on the longer 5km track around the lake. Look for rainforest animals, such as the colourful but cryptic Boyd's forest dragon, along the way. Paddle your canoe onto the smooth lake and look for fish, turtles, eels and waterbirds along the shallow, reedy edges. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/lake-barrine-crater-lakes-national-park

Anderson Gardens is the largest of Townsville's botanic gardens, offering 25 hectares of fauna and flora to explore. Wander through the collection of garden displays or find a shady spot to sit back and relax. Centrally located in Mundingburra, the Garden contains fine specimens of tropical trees, palms and Pandanus. The World Cycad Garden, Grand Avenues and Tropical Orchard are of particular note. A representative collection of Cape York Peninsula rainforest specimens is displayed along with native plants and flora of the dry tropical regions of the world. Anderson Gardens were named in appreciation of the work of William Anderson, City of Townsville's first Curator of Parks from 1878 to 1934. Anderson Gardens is a quiescent beauty amongst Townsville's abundant natural attractions. https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/things-to-do/product-things/?anderson-park-botanic-gardens-56b25e722cbcbe7073ad7f37

Today Paronella Park remains a unique eco-friendly experience where history and romance are seamlessly fused together. Paronella Park is a magical, unforgettable place nestled amongst heritage gardens and 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest situated on the banks of the crystal clear waters of Mena Creek, south of Innisfail. The ruins of the Spanish Castillo feature prominently on the grounds of Paronella Park, as do several other distinctive structures that were designed and built by the original owner of Paronella Park – Jose Paronella. Visitors can explore the architecturally unique ruins of the Castle and buildings of yesteryear, or wander through the lush gardens and Australian rainforest while being transported to another time and place altogether. https://www.cairnsattractions.com.au/explore/family-attractions/paronella-park.401.html

The marine park has significant cultural, natural, and socio-economic values to the Australian community. The marine park protects habitat for endangered sawfishes and boosts food supplies for the hundreds of thousands of migratory shorebirds that use the adjacent Eighty Mile Beach, one of the most important shorebird sites in Australia. Natural oyster beds in the area provide crucial seed stock for the pearling industry. The marine park is about halfway between Port Hedland and Broome, adjacent to Western Australia’s Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park. The marine park covers 10,785 square kilometres, with depths from less than 15 metres to 70 metres. Charter fishing and recreational fishing are allowed in the marine park, though most people tend to stay a little closer to shore. https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/parks/north-west/eighty-mile-beach/

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has been in operation for over 20 years and is the largest butterfly flight aviary in Australia. More than one million guests have enjoyed the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary since its inception. Come experience why the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has been such a long lasting success. The aviary at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary has been designed to recreate the butterfly's natural tropical habitat. Enjoy the tranquility of the flowing fresh water streams, complete with waterfalls and surrounded by exotic tropical plants and flowers. This is the perfect natural haven for the spectacular butterflies. As you wander along the large paths that snake through the aviary take time to appreciate the vast variety of Lepidoptera (species of butterflies and moths). The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is also home to the world’s largest moth – the Hercules Moth. The Hercules Moth is endemic to Tropical North Queensland Australia and is a majestic creature of the jungle that really has to be seen to be believed! The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is an all weather activity, perfect for rainy days typical of the tropics. For guests that want to gain a greater appreciation for butterflies 30 minute complimentary tours are conducted every 15 minutes, providing visitors with a greater understanding of the butterflies life cycle and behaviour. https://www.cairnsattractions.com.au/explore/wildlife-parks/australian-butterfly-sanctuary.432.html

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park prides itself on its authenticity. The Tjapukai people inhabited the tropic region that extends from Cairns to Port Douglas and inland to Kuranda. Their name means ‘People of the Rainforest'. The displays and cultural dances within the park portray the Dreamtime through to the present reality of today's Tjapukai people. https://www.cairnsattractions.com.au/explore/aboriginal-culture/aboriginal-cultural-park-tjapukai.403.html

A wonderland of waterfalls, refreshingly cool rainforest and the chance to see a platypus in the wild awaits in Eungella National Park. Australia's longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, Eungella, is a must-see attraction. Travel through the lush lowlands of the Pioneer Valley, surrounded by sugar cane, stop in at Platypus Beach just after Mirani or visit the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. Scuba dive with the platypus, fly among rainforest canopy on a zipwire or take a stroll to one of Finch Hatton's waterfalls, before driving up the range to Eungella. See a diverse range of flora and fauna on a rainforest walk and experience breathtaking views of the Pioneer Valley, truly spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Travel to Broken River for the chance to see a platypus in the wild. Eungella National Park can be experienced as a day trip, or extend your visit to enjoy warm hospitality from one of the rainforest's many accommodation and dining establishments. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/journey/pioneer-valley-and-eungella-national-park-the

A wonderful landscape of waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulder formations make Finch Hatton Gorge a must-see attraction. There are many walking tracks which weave through sub-tropical rainforest. One of the most popular trails starts at the Finch Hatton picnic area and takes you on a 1.6 kilometre journey to the beautiful Araluen waterfall. The granite boulders and surrounding vegetation make this an ideal place to take in the scenery. Take a refreshing dip in one of the nearby rock pools, a cooling haven favoured by locals in summer. Keep an eye out among the rainforest for rare and unusual flora and fauna, such as the rare gastric brooding frog, the orange-sided skink, Mackay tulip oak, Eungella spiny cray and Eungella honeyeater. Adventure opportunities are plentiful, with the opportunity to scuba dive in the rainforest waters with platypus, or to zip-line through the tree-top canopy. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/finch-hatton-gorge

Located just five kilometres from the Mackay city centre, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the beautiful tropical flora from Mackay and the Whitsundays, along with other beautiful Australian native and exotic plants from similar climates around the world. This young botanic garden opened in 2003 and provides many resources to visitors - from over three kilometres of walking and cycling trails, wetland boardwalks, a unique cafe and gallery perched high above the wildlife filled lagoons, to excellent bird watching opportunities. Feature gardens include the luxuriant Fernery, the Regional Forest, rare and threatened flora of the tropical Shade Garden and the unique Coal Garden - tracing the evolution of plants and the importance of coal. https://www.mackayregion.com/mackay-regional-botanic-gardens

Relax and enjoy the beautiful Orchid House, intricately placed in the historic Queens Park gardens, boasting a broad collection of unique and exquisite orchids. With about 25,000 species the fascinating orchid family (Orchidaceae) is the largest group of flowering plants in the world and over 3,000 new hybrids are added every year. The Orchid House is one of the largest and finest orchid display houses in Australia. Built in 1988, the orchids are displayed in a natural type-setting around circular walkways. Stroll through the large collection of stunning orchids in all shapes and sizes, from the bizarre to exotic looking. The Orchid House displays over hundreds of varieties of orchids on show including native and tropical orchids from all over the world. The seasonally changing display, which is rotated between the Orchid House and the Council Nursery ensure a broad range of orchids are on show all year round. https://www.mackayregion.com/queens-park-orchid-house

Award winning Spinnaker Park was officially opened in 2001 by the Gladstone Ports Corporation, the park has become the premier recreation area of Gladstone City. Two and a half kilometres of educational walking tracks along the ocean wall, through native wetlands and ponds makes the park excellent for walking, riding or rollerblading. The beached cove is wonderful for a dip on a warm day while the barbecue and picnic areas make it a great place to entertain. https://www.gladstoneregion.info/spinnaker-park

One of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens feature a remarkable collection of mature trees and marble statues set amongst colourful bedding displays. Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, approximately four kilometers from Ballarat’s CBD, the Gardens are a popular and invaluable heritage and recreational location for residents and visitors. The Gardens cover 40 hectares and are divided into four distinct zones. The central part of the Gardens features the traditional, 'gardenesque' style, open parkland on either side are known as the North and South Gardens and the area alongside Lake Wendouree as the Lake foreshore precinct. https://ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au/

Founded in February 1985 through a passion for conservation of wildlife and the environment. The Parker family have long realised the value of allowing people and animals to come together in a relaxing, friendly and educational environment. The selection of animals is truly unique and features animals that can only be described as natural wonders of the world. http://www.visitballarat.com.au/attraction/ballarat-wildlife-park

Geelong Botanic Gardens, founded in 1851, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Australia. It is celebrated for its heritage trees, many of which are classified by the National Trust. Come to admire these ancient giants in the heritage garden or simply wander amongst the many colourful shrubs and perennials or picnic on rolling green lawns. The 21st Century Garden is a complete contrast: a stunning modern garden, which celebrates local and drought resistant plants. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/parks-and-gardens/friends-of-geelong-botanic-gardens

The Queen Victoria Gardens, which are set out on 4.5 hectares opposite the Victorian Arts Centre in St Kilda Road, are Melbourne's memorial to Queen Victoria. The gardens feature trees, roses, flowering shrubs, ponds and flower beds set in manicured lawns. There is a large emphasis on floral displays. Located within the gardens are ornamental ponds and monuments to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. The Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda is a bandstand erected in memory of a 19th century philanthropist who worked for the welfare of women. The main feature of the gardens is a superb floral clock with 7000 flowering and bedding plants located in front of the King's memorial. The plants are changed twice yearly. The clock was given to the City of Melbourne in 1966 as a decorative timepiece by a group of Swiss watchmakers. The Queen Victoria Gardens are also known for their artwork, including Paul Montfords Water Nymph, which is set in the smaller pond, and two marble busts by Theodore Fink. A contemporary piece by The Genie , a sculpture designed for children to touch and play on. http://www.melbourne.com.au/qvg.htm

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is one of the world's leading botanic gardens and a centre of excellence for horticulture, science and education. Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens was established in 1846 by Lieutenant Governor Charles La Trobe. Over the next 60 years this swampy site was transformed into the world-famous landscape we know today. In 1958, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the ‘Royal’ prefix on the Gardens. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is dedicated to the conservation, display and enjoyment of plants and extends over two locations, Melbourne and Cranbourne, and incorporates the National Herbarium of Victoria. https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/visit-melbourne

Just a short drive from Canberra, Brindabella National Park offers a remote alpine bush experience, a great day trip or weekend escape for the whole family. https://visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/56b247a0d270154b455496a9/brindabella-national-park

Scattered over more than 260,000 hectares and part of the UNESCO-protected Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Blue Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in NSW and a favourite playground for Sydneysiders.Renowned for the Three Sisters rock formation, the park incorporates many other spectacular landmarks and offers opportunities for exploration and immersion into nature. Explore exhilarating walks, discover Aboriginal history, hike to tumbling waterfalls and enjoy picnics in parks with stunning, far-reaching vistas of ancient escarpments and forest-clad valleys.https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/blue-mountains/blue-mountains-national-park

See acres of stunning world class gardens at Tulip Top Gardens each spring. Look out for the watercourse and sensational waterfall - a natural landscape with 1000 blossom trees and hundreds of thousands of tulips all to be seen from the 70 metre high lookout. https://visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/56b2441eb042386245d4cecb/tulip-top-gardens

Only 12km from Brisbane City, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary with 130 koalas. Hold a koala, hand feed kangaroos and meet a large variety of Australian wildlife in beautiful, natural settings. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opened in 1927 as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and oprhaned koalas, at a time when the species was being culled for the fur trade. Founder, Claude Reid, recognised something had to be done to help protect one of Australia's most iconic species. Today, Lone Pine remains as a destination for local and international guests to not only see native Australian animals, but to also connect and learn, and to leave feeling inspired to make small, positive changes in their daily lives to help protect their own native wildlife and habitats. https://koala.net/en-au/

Experience one of Australia’s most popular attractions. Each night at sunset you’ll be amazed by Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the visitor centre and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten. https://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/penguin-parade/

Roma Street Parkland sits on 16 hectares in the centre of the Brisbane CBD and a veritable oasis in the middle of the city. The parklands are adjacent to the Brisbane Transit Centre and Roma Street Station and are considered to be the world’s largest subtropical garden in a city centre. The parklands are home to grassy picnic spots, subtropical plant displays, colourful flower displays, fern groves, rocky peninsulas, barbeque areas and playgrounds for kids.There's something for people of all ages with a visual feast everywhere you look. One major drawcard is the artworks displayed in The Roma Street Parklands. When the site was first developed, 16 Queensland artists were commissioned to create a collection of 15 pieces of works for the parkland. They each tell a story in a different medium including sculptures, mosaic, paving, bronzes and murals.There’s a self guided walk which you can take to lead you past all the different works. http://www.brisbane-australia.com/roma-street-parklands.html

Walk among the roses in the magnificent Victoria Park rose garden in Goulburn. The garden includes some 1,500 roses of 100 varieties. All the roses are named for easy identification. Picnic tables and barbecue facilities can be accessed from Faithfull Street. There is an oval, playground, bicycle tracks and preschooler bicycle park available nearby. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/goulburn-area/goulburn/attractions/victoria-park-rose-garden

South Bank Parklands is Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, open 365 days a year. Its world-class entertainment and leisure facilities include South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, Grey Street and South Bank Cultural Precinct. South Bank Parklands covering 17 hectares of riverfront land, the free swimming facilities, walking tracks, licensed picnic areas and more. It is also home to a year-round calendar of events and plenty of eateries, including the award-winning River Quay. Little Stanley Street known as one of Brisbane’s most popular eat-streets, is bursting with more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants offering an array of cuisines styles including Vietnamese, Italian and more. Like its sister street Little Stanley, Grey Street is a foodie haven - a stroll along the street will offer you plenty of places to eat. Grey Street is also home to the South Bank Cineplex, which is renowned for its cheap prices. The South Bank Cultural Precinct has something to suit all ages. It includes the Queensland Performance Arts Centre; Queensland Museum and Sciencentre; Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art; and State Library of Queensland. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/shopping/south-bank-parklands?sc_lang=en-au

Brisbane City has a unique blend of historic and modern buildings dotted with city parks and gardens where you can sit back, unwind and watch the thriving city go about it's business. Visit museums, go shopping, eat a picnic in one of the gardens or take in a show at the theatre. There's something for everyone in the Brisbane City CBD. http://www.brisbane-australia.com/brisbane-city-centre.html

The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are located at Gardens Point and are bordered by the Brisbane CBD and the Brisbane River. Originally the gardens were planted by convicts in 1825 with food crops to feed the prison colony. Then in 1828 the botanist, Charles Fraser, selected the site to become a public garden and by 1855 the garden was established. The gardens are now Brisbane’s oldest and most mature with many rare and unusual botanic species. There are many areas in the gardens ranging from large open grassed areas perfect for picnicking on, rainforest, beautiful lilly ponds and a fascinating mangrove boardwalk with an avenue of bunya pines. You’ll also find the Gardens Cycle Hire at the Alice Street Main Entrance so you can explore the gardens by bicycle, follow the trail along the Brisbane River and then hop on board a CityCat and visit further suburbs. There’s over 500 kilometres of bike paths in Brisbane so you can explore it all. There are bikes for everyone including kiddie carriers, baby seats and tandems. http://www.brisbane-australia.com/city-botanic-gardens.html

Only three CityCat stops from the Central Business District, the inner-northern village of New Farm has long been a place to connect with others. Relax in the beautifully shaded surrounds of New Farm Park, where picnickers seem almost permanently perched on deck chairs and checked rugs. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/parks-and-gardens/new-farm-park?sc_lang=en-au

Located in Brigadoon, this picnic and bush walking spot at Bells Rapids is a prime viewing area to see competitors in the annual Avon Descent White Water Race battle the rapids. Explore the streams and waterfalls as you wander along the nature walks beside the Avon River. The area is not recommended for swimming. Access to the rapids is via a gravel road which leads to a car parking area. Bells Rapids is also the habitat of the beautiful grey kangaroo which can be seen at certain times of the year in abundance. You will enjoy scenic views of the countryside and coastal plains on this unique circuit walk trail. https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Attraction/Bells_Rapids/56b268dad5f1565045dac057#/