Outback national parks and reserves

Australia's Golden Outback national parks and reserves contain a dazzling diversity of plants and wildflowers, native animals and breathtaking landscapes. This should come as no surprise when you learn that the region covers 54 per cent of the entire State.

The sand plains, eucalypt forests, freshwater swamps and salt lakes that make up the outback national parks and reserves of the Goldfields region are rich in plant and animal life. Here, tiny, fragile looking marsupials hide in the undergrowth, bush birds flit through the branches and water birds migrate for miles to reach the wetlands and waterways.

Within the national parks of Esperance and the south coast, you can stand on the edge of granite cliffs overlooking miles of brilliant white beaches and an ocean of dazzling blues. Behind you, acres of natural bushland boast an incredible array of native animals, birds and plants.

In the harsh yet spectacularly beautiful landscapes of the Gascoyne-Murchison, vast plains give way to the towering landforms of Mt Augustus and the Kennedy Range. Well known for their ever-changing colours, both national parks also boast spectacular wildflowers from June to September.

Deep in the heart of the Wheatbelt you’ll find the unique Dryandra Woodland, a prime location for viewing some of Western Australia’s most weird and wonderful bird and animal life. Look out for the rare malleefowl, possums, wallabies and kangaroos and threatened species such as the western barred bandicoots, banded hare-wallabies, boodies, bilbies and rufus hare-wallabies.

Help preserve this pristine environment for future generations and follow the principles of Leave no Trace. To enter any of Western Australia's stunning national parks you will need to obtain a National Park Pass. For more information about Australia's Golden Outback national parks and reserves, visit the Department of Conservation and Environment's Naturebase website.