Top 0 most beautiful nature parks in Oceania2026 ranking

Purnululu National Park is one of the most unusual parks I visited in Australia. The landscape, with its orange and black striped domes, looks like nothing else. What stood out to me the most were the gorges in the north of the park, like Mini Palms Gorge, a hike that crosses a rocky riverbed before opening up into a true oasis tucked between the walls, lined with Livistona palms that have been growing there for generations. A bit further on, Echidna Chasm is an even narrower and dizzying passage, sometimes barely a meter wide for 200 meters high, where sunlight filters through in thin lines and sets the rock ablaze with orange hues, almost as if the wall were on fire. One important point: it gets very hot and most of the trails offer very little shade. I really recommend setting off early in the morning to enjoy the park before the heat becomes hard to handle.

I did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during my year in New Zealand, and it is one of my best hiking memories. This hike on the North Island is close to 20 kilometres through a volcanic landscape, between craters and steam rising from the ground. I felt like I was on another planet. The earth goes from red to ocher, and suddenly the Emerald Lakes appear, green lakes colored by the volcano's minerals. One tip if you go, the hike is not a loop, the start and end are at two different places, and parking is limited to 4 hours. So book a shuttle to connect the two points. Also remember to register for free online on the DOC website before leaving, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended for your safety.

Maria Island is located in Australia, just off the coast of Tasmania. It is only accessible by boat from Triabunna, about a thirty-minute crossing that is already part of the charm of this stop. You can explore the island on your own or opt for a guided tour. No cars are allowed there, and you get around on foot or by bike, which gives a real feeling of untouched nature. It is also one of the best places I have ever visited to see wombats in the wild. I was lucky enough to run into plenty of them on the island, just grazing peacefully. You can also spot kangaroos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils there. One important point, these animals are in their natural habitat, so you always have to observe them with respect and not disturb them. Plan for at least half a day on site, and do not miss the historical site of Darlington, a former penal colony listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I visited Karijini National Park and it is one of my top three favorite parks in Australia. It is not just beautiful, it is a truly physical experience. The hikes take you down into deep gorges, sometimes in the water, sometimes between the rocks, all the way to natural pools or waterfalls that you cannot find anywhere else. I especially loved Hancock Gorge with Kermit's Pool. Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool are more accessible and perfect for cooling off after the effort. Plan for at least two days there to enjoy the park without feeling too rushed, or even more if you want to explore more gorges. A tip if you are heading there, good water shoes or high-traction footwear make a real differ…

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Karijini National Park is located on the opposite side of the Australian big cities you have probably planned to visit (Sydney, Melbourne...). So it is legitimate to wonder if it is worth traveling thousands of miles to see this park? My answer is yes, without hesitation! The landscapes, the canyons, the colors, the wildlife, everything there is magnificent! If you are lucky, you might run into a passionate guide who will make you see things with emotion and make you fall in love with the place.