Australia's national parks and reserves have an international reputation both as outstanding areas of wildlife conservation and as some of the most beautiful places in the world. The country has more than 520 national parks, ranging in size from tiny coral cays to the immense Kakadu National Park. Australia is a place of incredible natural diversity, with rainforests, eucalypt forests, woodlands, alpine meadows, grasslands, heathlands, shrublands, and deserts among its varied habitats.
The land harbors koalas, kangaroos, wombats, possums, and many other marsupials, including the egg-laying mammals, the platypus and echidna. Through an informative text and superb photographs, this book reveals the key aspects of each featured area: its geography and landscape, its wildlife and plantlife, and its indigenous peoples. Visitor information covers topics such as when to visit, and activities like birdwatching, hiking and diving.