Australia has a huge and diversity of national parks, from coastal and marine deserts to rainforest and desert environments. There are over 700 gazetted national parks in Australia – more than any other country in the world (Thailand holds the second spot with 147 parks). While they are called “national parks”, almost all of them are really “state parks” which are managed by each state or territory. 

A number of Guides to National Parks are grouped by state (or territory) – they are focused on the bushwalking trails and outdoor activities in each park. 

State
Protected land (hectares)
% state protected
No. national parks
No. protected areas
Annual park visitation
NSW
7,596,000
9.6%
225
890
50.1m
NT
33,552,700
24.8%
40
86
3.76m
QLD
14,200,000
8.26%
237
27,300
59.2m
TAS
3,622,200
50.4%
19
806
1.3m
VIC
3,927,300
18%
139
2,919
130.8m