Hello, Parks!March 02, 2015

There are many reasons to look forward to Hello Parks Week, which will be held from March 2-8. It can be summed up in one word: Outdoors.

The week-long event shows why national parks are important. Can you imagine life without it? Many preserve the breathtaking scenery, which can be reached in a few hours or less. We can assume that not much changed between the year of its discovery and the present time, but think of how untamed these places have been back then. If you're stressed enough or simply want some quality time with your family, then you don't have to look far.

Here are five national parks that you want to take a look (if you haven't set foot). If you do, then prepare for another visit:

Royal National Park. This is the world's second oldest park (after Yellowstone in the United States), which is renamed after the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. There are walking and cycling trails, two options that give visitors an opportunity to appreciate the wide scenery. The Wattamolla beach viewpoint can haunt you during a gray afternoon, but you mustn't pass the winter without going there. The seaside has never been so alluring. If you don't fancy it, then admire the forest. Don't expect to enjoy the silence, as you'll have company. The park is 29 kilometers away, Sydneysiders.

Nambung National Park. This unusual landmark is far from Perth. One hundred and sixty two kilometers, which may not be a pleasant drive. Another thing to consider is the natural limestone formation. You don't need to be a fan of geography to marvel at the sight of it. But the name is a native Australian word for crooked. If you're interested, then well and good. (This arid part of Western Australia has cultural significance. And it can't be better than that.)

Flinders Chase National Park. About 177 kilometers south west of Adelaide is Kangaroo Island. It's a protected area, host to animals that we love to cuddle. Little penguins, doe-eyed seals, sleepy koalas. But it's the natural landscape that is not to be missed. If you haven't heard Remarkable Rocks, or even seen it, then the first week of March is the best time. (Summer may be gone, but the transition months can create a dramatic effect on the place.)

Kakadu National Park. Southeast of Darwin is the site of rock art not found in any part of Oz. It not only reveals the pre-colonial times, which these paintings reveal, but it also shows another side of Australia that many are unaware of. If you haven't figured it out, then you must head up north to see the wetlands. Salt water crocodile, water buffalo, darters - the list is long.

Litchfield National Park. Southwest of Darwin is another park not to be missed. Don't get too close to the termite mounds. Behold the natural forest. Do the waterfall hop. There's more, but you get the picture.

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