Nestled in the alpine region of Mount Field National Park are a collection of magnificently rustic huts that come with bunk beds and a roaring fireplace. Built in the 1940s, they’ll set you back just $45 a night and make the perfect base for exploring the rich diversity of the park’s many waterfalls, glaciated landscapes and eucalypt forests. The best part? The park staff build the fire before you even arrive – all you have to do is chuck on a match and settle back with a Northern in hand. Mount Field National Park is just an hour from Hobart, with the drive there winding past many pretty streams, berry farms and pubs.

Government Huts, Mount Field National Park 

On palawa/pakana Country

Though there are really only a few months of the year that you actually need to cool off in Tassie, Apsley Waterhole is a ripper spot to do so. This tranquil swimming spot is actually a section of the majestic Apsley River – which opens up to a bigger gorge a steep 7km hike away. The water is chilly and clear (and home to a very endangered native fish called the Australian Grayling), and the surrounding national park is beautiful and offline. Pack a picnic in nearby Bicheno and come up for the day; the waterhole is just a gentle stroll through dry open forest from the carpark.

Apsley Waterhole, Douglas-Apsley National Park

Beneath the craggy twin peaks of Cradle Mountain lies a beauty of a walk called Dove Lake Circuit. As its name suggests, the 6km trail circles the glacially carved lake and is mostly boardwalk, making it suitable for most. As you stroll, you’ll be taken through a rich mix of landscapes: from temperate rainforest to scrubby buttongrass, past waterfalls and sandy lake beaches. You’re also likely to be sharing the trail with wombats, potoroos, quolls and echidnas. Though it’s all delightful, keep your eyes peeled for the three jewels in this walk’s crown: Ballroom Forest, Glacier Rock and the Boatshed. 

Dove Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park

Jump on a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering to be transported to wild and remote Bruny. The island is riddled with gorgeous beaches, hikes and even penguins, with plenty of camping on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Load up on cheese, oysters and bread from the fantastic local producers (the perfect accompaniment to a Northern!) as you make your way south to Jetty Beach for the night – ideally arriving in time to watch the sunset. This family-friendly campsite set is amongst the trees and hugs a creamy bay where you can swim, snorkel and kayak. Facilities are basic – just a drop dunny, and you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood.

Jetty Beach, Bruny Island

On nuenonne Country

As its name suggests, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is some seriously woolly country, with much of it rugged and very, very remote. Think jagged peaks, stunning gorges and thundering rivers. But for those without trekking poles and a 4WD, there are still many epic spots that are super accessible – such as Nelson Falls, which can be reached via a flat and wheelchair-friendly 1.4km return path. Along the way, you’re likely to spot seven kinds of fern along with a whole bunch of ancient plant species that have been kicking around since Tassie was part of the supercontinent of Gondwana.

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Blackdown Tableland National Park is a literal oasis amongst the dry plains of Queensland’s central highlands. Located close to the tiny town of Dingo – with its outstanding pub and population of 340 people – the park is stacked with giant ferns, sandstone gorges and crystalline creeks with waterfalls just begging you to take a dip in them. The Tablelands are the traditional home of the Ghungalu people, whose magnificent rock art that can still be seen today represents thousands of years of living culture. The 2.5km Goon Goon Dhina circuit will take you there, with other highlights including Yaddamen Dhina lookout and Gudda Gumoo gorge.

Blackdown Tableland National Park

On Ghungalu Country

Thousands of years of flowing water carved Carnarvon Gorge out of sandstone, creating a haven for remnant rainforest and its associated critters to thrive in. The steep-sided gorge is home to many significant cultural sites for the Bidjara and Garingbal people, and is also lined with lush narrow side gorges – with some of the overhangs showing engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings done thousands of years ago. You can camp in the visitor area during the school holidays; otherwise, your only sleeping option in the park is to hike in to Big Bend – a cool 19.4km return walk! There’s also a Big4 Holiday Park a short drive away, so come and stay for at least a night so you can treat yourself to all the wonders this Zero G gorge has to offer.

Carnarvon Gorge

This tastily-named Zero G national park is a wet, green paradise – which has a lot to do with it being part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. With over 160km of trails, there are walks to suit every kind of hiking enthusiast. The 1km return Booyong and Treetop walk is wheelchair accessible, and about halfway along you’ll find a ladder up a fig tree that will take you to the forest’s upper canopy. Picnic Rock and Elana falls is a 7.2km return track where you can reward yourself with a swim at the end. If you feel a nibble on your bum in the water, not to worry: it’s likely just a spiny blue crayfish – more commonly known as a yabbie.

Lamington National Park

On Yugambeh Country

Sandwiched between lowland tropical rainforest and vibrant reef in Kutini-Payamu National Park is Chilli Beach campsite. Lined with coconut palms (which you should refrain from napping under!), this beauty of a sleeping spot offers panoramic ocean views and plenty of places to fish, canoe, birdwatch and simply soak up your surrounds as you sip on a Northern. Located on the sand, the campsite is 4WD access only, but it seems fairly unlikely you’d be up in Cape York without one! Also be aware that the sea is not a safe place to swim up here thanks to the stingers, crocs and sharks that frequent the waters. ‘Straya!

Chilli Beach, Iron Range National Park

On Kuuku Ya'u Country

The huge crevasse that is Porcupine Gorge was carved into the earth over millions of years by the mighty Porcupine Creek. Here, sweeping sandstone cliffs encompass startlingly clear water, and native trees pop up through the rocks. The national park spans a whopping 25km of creekfront, with the lookout 60km north of Hughenden (known as ‘Hughie’ to the locals) and tranquil Pyramid camping and picnic area 11km further north. Spend a day exploring the gorge’s abundance of waterholes, then head to the Great Western Hotel in Hughie for an ice cold Great Northern. There’s nothing like a cold beer at an iconic country pub after a long day of adventuring through the Queensland scrub. 

Porcupine Gorge National Park

On Yirendali Country

Catch a glimpse of the otherworldly views that can be seen from atop the range, and you’ll see why this is called place Koi Kyenunu-ruff – meaning “mist rolling around the mountains”. The windswept peaks, steep cliff faces and colourful wildflowers are a major drawcard for hikers – with the steep and rocky three-kilometre summit walk to Bula Meela/Bluff Knoll the most popular trail. Keep in mind that the “Buff on the Bluff” craze that lit up social media a while back has been frowned upon by local Indigenous groups, who would like climbers to respect Noongar spirits by not stripping off at the top. Roughly 100km from Albany on the secluded south coast of WA, the Bluff makes a nice day trip from the town and is a sublime spot to watch the sunrise.

Stirling Range National Park

On Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar Country

Madfish Bay is a secluded wonderland with an excellent name that makes up part of William Bay National Park. This part of the world is known as the Rainbow Coast, ostensibly because rainbows are so often seen in the spray of the waves crashing against the rocky coastline – especially in the winter months when huge swells roll in. The sandy coves along the coast are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with Madfish Island creating a safe lagoon in summer. It’s the fishing that is the most phenomenal though – with whiting, bream and salmon all on offer in the shallow waters of the bay. Note that camping is not permitted in this national park, so fry your catch up at home and wash it down with a Great Northern.

Madfish Bay, William Bay National Park

On Minang Noongar Country

There’s nothing like a hot bath in a thermal pool in the middle of a prehistoric forest, right? Zebedee Springs are set at the base of a cliff in El Questro Wilderness Park: a 700,000 acre sprawl of lush rainforests, salt flats and deep gorges. A short and easy walk through a dense cluster of Livistona Palms will take you to this gem of a location, but note that it’s only open between 7am and 12pm. Not to worry though, because you can fill your afternoon with some of the other incredible local offerings – such as Moonshine Gorge Circuit Trail, Emma Gorge Trail or Amalia Gorge Trail. If you’re keen to stay the night, pitch a tent at El Questro Station, where you can enjoy a Northern under the twinkle of the Milky Way. 

Zebedee Springs, El Questro Wilderness Park

On Balanggarra and Nyaliga Country

Pack your camping gear and head out along the rattly road to Carawine Gorge – located near Port Headland in the Pilbara region of WA. Much loved by Marble Bar locals, this remote Zero G recreation spot boasts crystal clear water where you can kayak, swim or even catch your dinner. After snuggling into bed after a stunning sunset and a Great Northern nightcap, set your alarm for sunrise – the changing hues you see as the light bounces off the bizarre rocky landscape are worth the early wakeup!

Carawine Gorge, Marble Bar

On Nyamal Country

Nestled in the Kimberley’s billion-year-old landscape is the biggest human-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Teeming with wildlife – such as fish, birds and shy freshwater crocs – Lake Argyle is a fabulous spot to bushwalk, swim or simply absorb some Zero G tranquillity while you sip on a cold Northern. Note that while croc-human interactions are super rare, a woman was bitten by one in 2022 – but the unfortunate reptile was destroyed shortly afterwards. If you’d like to stay the night, the Lake Argyle Caravan Park has all the usual campground offerings, plus an iconic infinity pool that offers amazing views of the lake. 

Lake Argyle

On Miriwoong Gajerrong Country

Eighty kilometres from Alice Springs, Ellery Creek Big Hole is an incredibly scenic part of the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Here, people flock to swim, picnic and camp, and its range of facilities make it comfortable enough to settle in for an extended getaway. With two campgrounds, gas BBQs, toilets, communal firepits and disabled access, it’s the perfect place for big groups and families. The waterhole happens to only be a five-minute stroll from the carpark too, meaning it’s not too far to carry an esky loaded with Northerns! For the committed hikers, adjoining trails abound – including access to the world-renowned Larapinta Trail, which runs 223km through Central Australia.

Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell National Park

On Arrernte Country

If you’re not used to desert scenery, you’re likely to be quite dazzled with the always-stunning Ormiston Gorge. Located in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, the place has an idyllic vibe – like an unlikely oasis in an old film, so it comes as no surprise that it’s the most photographed gorge in all of the outback. The water is estimated to be 14 metres deep in some parts, and is shockingly icy – but a cold dip is a wonderful thing after a few days under the harsh Australian sun. The sandy banks on the fringe of the gorge make for a comfy place to curl up in the shade with a book and a Northern, and you can even pitch a tent if you’d like to spend the night.

Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell National Park

The magnificent Redbank Gorge lies at the base of Mount Sonder and provides a desert refuge for threatened plant and animal species – as well as humans looking for an epic place to cool off. With turquoise waters, sheer red rock faces that tower overhead and a sandy bank for plonking on, this is a swimming spot like no other. The nearby campsites are equipped with toilets and a BBQ area, making it a perfect spot to cook up a feast, string up the hammock and crack a couple of Northerns after a fun day in the sun. 

Redbank Gorge, West MacDonnell National Park

Kakadu is hands down one of Australia’s most iconic and diverse conservation areas, known for its endless amount of walks, waterfalls, fishing spots and wildlife. It’s also home to Ubirr, a rock formation and open-air art gallery steeped in thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. Garranga’rreli, the Rainbow Serpent, is thought to have travelled through here in human form, painting her likeness on a rock to remind us of her presence. Marvel at x-ray paintings of fish, depictions of European contact and Tasmanian tigers, which are thought to have gone extinct on the mainland around 3200 years ago. It’s a one kilometre walk to the gallery with a short, steep climb to a lookout over Arnhem Land. Note that alcohol here is strictly forbidden, so leave your booze at home.

Ubirr, Kakadu National Park

On Bininj/Mungguy Country

Drive 200km south from Darwin down the Old Stuart Highway’s scenic route, and you’ll come to Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area. This brilliant camping spot on the banks of the Daly River is truly off the beaten track, and it’s highly likely you could spend days here without seeing another (human) soul. The river is home to eight species of turtle, 19 species of reptile and 98 species of fish! Adventurous four-wheel drivers will get a kick out of the rocky trails beyond the campground, otherwise the vivid starry skies are more than enough to make it worth a visit – best enjoyed with a Northern in hand. 

Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area, Douglas-Daly

On Malak Malak and Wagiman Country

You’ll want to bring your hiking boots to Mount Remarkable/Wangyarra, because this national park’s winding trails (complete with multiple creek crossings) are screaming to be explored. The foothills are also home to a handful of campgrounds – including the Baroota Ruins, Mambray Creek, Native Pines and Red Gums – all of which have tent sites and communal firepits. If you’re partial to a spot of mountain biking, head to the trails at Willowie Forest, which offer something for beginners and intermediates alike. Once you’ve had your Zero G fix, the Risdon Hotel at Port Pirie is a great stop for a counter meal and a Great Northern. 

Mount Remarkable National Park

On Nukunu Country

Flinders Chase National Park is an incredibly remote part of this Great Southern Land, boasting a colony of long-nosed fur seals and some truly wild rock formations. Situated on Kangaroo Island (which had 14 wineries at our last count!), Flinders Chase offers a striking coastal landscape, along with all the swimming, hiking and beach time you could reasonably ask for. Though the island is still in a state of recovery in the wake of the last bushfires, it’s steadily regenerating, and many of its hiking trails have reopened. As the South Australian National Parks Service has pointed out, bushfires have played an integral part in shaping our landscape for millennia, and just a few years on from the fires, Flinders Chase is green again: proof of nature’s unending resilience.  

Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island

On Kartan Country

Witjira National Park is home to more than 120 mound springs, with National Heritage-listed Dalhousie its crowning glory. Used by the Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru people as a source of food and medicine for thousands of years, the warm waters of the main spring are a very special place to soak your bones – or flop about on an inflatable lilo! Wildlife in this region is abundant and unique, and you can expect to see dingoes, big red kangaroos and the Dalhousie hardyhead: a rare fish that’s found here exclusively. Ease into Mother Nature’s bath – you won’t want to get out!

Dalhousie Springs, Witjira National Park

On Wangkangurru and Lower Southern Arrernte Country

The staggeringly vast Tallaringa Conservation Park is on the Anne Beadell Highway: a 1300km four-wheel drive track that links Coober Pedy with Laverton in WA. This rough bush road is not for the faint hearted, but makes for a classic Aussie adventure that’s as intrepid as they come. Check out the opals and underground homes at Coober Pedy, then cover another 100km to Tallaringa: an arid region where wildlife thrives on the vegetated dunes and the night sky is alive with stars. There are a tonne of spots to park up and camp for the night, but bring your own firewood, because the dead wood in the park plays a very important role in enriching the soil with nutrients and providing shelter for animals.

Tallaringa Conservation Park

Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara Country

The craggy South Australian coast has no shortage of rockpools, but the ones at Greenly Beach might just be the most picturesque of the lot. With azure blue waters, these tidal delights are flanked by imposing rock formations and waves that splash over the walls. Low tide is the ideal time to go, so be sure to check the times before you visit. BYO fresh water, yummy lunch and cold Northerns. If you’re a seafood fanatic, the nearby town of Coffin Bay is famed for its oysters.

Greenly Beach Rockpool, Coulta

On Nauo Country

Named after the quintessential Aussie larrikin, Jokers Flat Campsite is a high-altitude alpine escape on the banks of the Mitta Mitta River. The area transforms throughout the seasons, offering crisp weather and misty vistas in the colder months. When it’s warmer, the Mitta Mitta becomes a watersports hub – ideal for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. In the spring, wildflowers bloom in abundance. If relaxation is your goal, there are plenty of trees along the river to tie up the hammock and take an afternoon snooze before waking up to roast your freshly caught trout and drink a Northern by the campfire. 

Joker’s Flat Campground, Alpine National Park

On Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Country

The hike down to Sealers Cove in Wilsons Promontory traverses a marvellous array of landscapes and ends at a pristine beach. It’s also a pretty solid trek – 10km each way with steep sections and a creek crossing at the bottom, but as with the best of hikes, it ends with a great reward. In this case, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the local seal colony, who are known to laze on the rocks and bark at visiting tourists. Whether you choose to tackle the hike in a single day or spend a night or two camping at the beach, it’s an incredible walk in the southernmost part of mainland Australia.

Sealers Cove, Wilsons Promontory National Park

On Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Gunaikurna Country

From its source in Kosciusko National Park to its mouth near Goolwa, the Murray River is hardly short of epic spots to pitch a tent and boil a billy at. Koondrook State Forest is just one of them: home to plenty of free sites where you can rock up without booking. Bring your canoe for a meander down the river, throw a line in and hope for some Murray Cod, or if you’ve got a current Miner’s Right, you can even try your hand at a fossick! Be aware that there are absolutely no facilities in this beautiful  Zero G forest – so make be sure to pack a trowel!

Koondrook State Forest, Barham

On Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba and Barapa Barapa Country

Whether you’re a serious multi-day hiker or just in the market for a weekend stroll, the Grampians offer remarkable views and trails that cater to all abilities. To reach Boronia Peak, you’ll have to tackle a 6.6km rocky hike, but trust us: the outlook at the end is nothing short of jaw-dropping. It’s also a corker of a spot to crack a Northern and raise a toast to Lake Fyans below! Speaking of lakes, Bellfield, Wartook and Lonsdale are within striking distance too – and keen anglers might already be aware that the latter is famed for its trout and redfin fishing. Sandy flats on the shore provide a laid back beach vibe – perfect for an arvo in the sun with your mates. 

Boronia Peak, Grampians National Park

On Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali Country

This sensational camping spot is tucked away on – you guessed it – a bend of the Mitchell River in its namesake national park in East Gippsland. Pack some lunch and head out to the Den of Nargun picnic area – which is also the starting point for an impressive loop walk. At the end of the stepping stones you’ll see a cave, which the Gunaikurnai people –  who are the Traditional Owners of these lands – have asked people not to enter. Considering a half-stone, half-human creature called the Nargun is said to live in there, this makes perfect sense. Other activities that can be enjoyed in the national park include canoeing or rafting the rapids, horseback riding and sitting by your crackling campfire drinking a Northern.

Billy Goat Bend, Mitchell River National Park

On Brabralung Country

Nothing says “Australia” quite like the sight of scorched red earth under a brilliant blue sky. Fifty kilometres west of Bourke, you’ll find Gundabooka National Park: an area famed for the creek-fed Bennetts Gorge and the mighty Mount Gundabooka. The Yapa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal art site walking track is a must see, with a snaking path that leads to an immense overhanging rock – the underside of which is decorated with ancient imagery. With depictions of animals, human figures and hunting tools, this outdoor gallery provides a fascinating insight into the world’s oldest continuing culture and instils immense reverence into all who view it. No reception, no worries – Gundabooka is a great Zero G place to get off the tourist trail. 

Gundabooka National Park and State Conservation Area

On Ngemba and Baakandji Country

With expansive views of the Border Ranges, including Wollumbin (also known as Mount Warning) to the south, the Pinnacle is an epic spot to watch the sun peek its head out in the morning or slide away in the arvo, Northern in hand. From the easy-to-miss carpark, it’s a short walk to the viewing point – just 600 metres up the trail. Elsewhere in the World Heritage-listed rainforest that makes up the Border Ranges National Park, you’ll find a heap of other hiking trails and a few camping spots – along with a creek to swim in and scores of native wildlife. Those folks from UNESCO really can pick a winner!

The Pinnacle at Border Ranges National Park

On Bundjalung Country

Whether you’re running amok with the bush turkeys or taking it slow in your camp chair, Barrington Tops National Park is one of the most visually arresting and biologically diverse sites in the country. The pristine wilderness in this park is part of the World Heritage Site Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, and it also happens to be the highest region on the mainland outside of the Snowy Mountains – making it an amazing subtropical haven replete with freshwater rivers, creeks and waterfalls. The 1000-year-old trees that line the Antarctic Beech Forest track are a highlight, along with the Rocky Crossing Walk. 

Barrington Tops National Park

On Wonnarua, Worimi and Birpai Country

Although it’s deceivingly close to the western sprawl of Sydney, Boyd River Campground couldn’t feel further away. Home to sugar gliders, wombats and tawny frogmouths, it’s a peaceful, tech-free sanctuary set amongst the snow gums. With low temperatures and occasional snowfall in winter, this campsite makes for a ripper day trip in the colder months and a cool river escape during summer. The surrounding Kanangra-Boyd National Park is home to a bunch of waterfalls, of which Kalang is the most spectacular. Firetrails throughout the park can be explored by 4WD, mountain bike or foot, and the Kowmung River to the east is where the trout jump. Pack your lures, grab your crew and stock your esky with Northerns!

Boyd River Campground, Kanangra

On Dharug Country

Walk-in Colo Meroo Campground is a heavenly place to pitch your swag for a weekend. Perched on the grassy flats that run along the banks of the Colo River within the majestic Wollemi National Park, it’s an ideal launching point for a kayaking adventure through the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp or a hike up to the magnificent Colo Gorge. Wollemi has a long Aboriginal history that can be appreciated through the vast number of rock engravings, scarred trees and stone arrangements in the park. Whether you’re looking for a few lazy days on the river, a spot of birdwatching or a hardcore hiking expedition, Colo Meroo offers bounty aplenty.

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