Australia's National Landscapes
Australia has some of the world's most distinctive and diverse natural environments, with unique wildlife, and spectacular landscapes, including many national parks and World Heritage Areas. Australia is also home to the world's oldest living culture. Internationally, these assets make Australia one of the most desirable visitor destinations. Recent research confirms that 'nature' and 'journeys' are the most motivating experiences for travel to Australia (Tourism Australia 2010).
What are Australia's National Landscapes?
Australia's National Landscapes are places that capture the essence of our country - our most inspirational environments offering world class natural and cultural experiences. The 'off the beaten track' experiences presented by these landscapes appeal to visitors who want to learn about the world they live in and connect with local culture. Tourism Australia calls this global market 'Experience Seekers'. Learn more about Experience Seekers here.
So far 12 National Landscapes have been announced: Australia's Red Centre, Flinders Ranges, the Australian Alps, the Great Ocean Road, Australia's Coastal Wilderness, Kakadu, Australia's Green Cauldron, Greater Blue Mountains, the Kimberley, Kangaroo Island, Great South West Edge and Ningaloo-Shark Bay. The Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics and Tasmania are working towards inclusion.
National Landscape Environment Facts
Australia's National Landscapes contain some of Australia's most fragile environments. An introduction to the ecology, geology, history and species of each National Landscape is provided in our conservation factsheets.
Would you like to get involved in preserving these special places? Each factsheet highlights ways you can get ‘hands on' or contribute to local conservation efforts.
Select one of the National Landscapes on the right to learn about their environments.
Are you interested in visiting one of Australia's National Landscapes? Click here.
Australia's National Landscapes interactive map
Australia's National Landscapes go beyond individual national parks, World Heritage Areas, and even state borders. It is the distinctive landscape itself, and the experience offered by the environment, that defines each National Landscape. The Australia's National Landscapes interactive map allows you to explore the layers of protected areas and management that conserve and care for these world class environments.
Click the map to access the interactive version
Australia's National Landscapes program delivery
Australia's National Landscapes program is a unique tourism and conservation partnership managed by Tourism Australia and Parks Australia. The program provides a framework to consider tourism infrastructure, conservation and marketing in a united way, encouraging collaboration and partnerships. It brings together the tourism industry and conservation sectors to improve environmental, social and economic outcomes for each landscape.
More specifically, the program aims to:
- Promote Australia's world class visitor experiences
- Enhance the value of tourism to regional economies
- Increase the role of protected areas in those economies
- Build support for protecting our natural and cultural assets
Find out more about Australia's National Landscapes program here.
Outcome report
Australia's National Landscapes Outcome Report 2010 allowed us, our partners and our Landscapes to reflect on our achievements from working together. Learn more about the contribution that Australia's National Landscapes program is making to regional tourism and environmental outcomes here (PDF - 5.62MB).
Share your story
Have you had an amazing experience in one of Australia's National Landscapes?
We are always interested in hearing your stories - what you learnt about nature or culture; how the landscape affected you; or how you were inspired by the people you met.
Share your memorable experiences and photos from Australia's National Landscapes on Parks Australia's blog.
