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Australia's
first laws to protect scenic and wildlife areas were passed in Tasmania
in 1863. 16 years after this the Royal National Park was established
just south of Sydney. This was to be Australia's first National Park
and the second one in the world!
Currently
5.3 percent of Australia is classified as a National park, Conservation
Park, Reserve or Refuge. More than 40 million hectares (99 million
acres) of protected land is included in approximately 3200 Parks.
Above this 38 million hectares (94 million acres) is set aside in
228 marine and estuarine areas.
Our
Island, although small, hosts 26 of these Parks, preservation areas
and aquatic reserves . The majority of these are easily accessed by
the public, but access varies within the parks themselves.
Most
of the parks have good walking tracks and picnic spots. A number of
these allow camping in designated areas. Where camping is not allowed,
suitable camping grounds or accommodation can usually be found nearby.
Here
visitors and locals enjoy bushwalking, botanical pursuits, and the
enjoyment of close contact with the Island's plentiful birds, mammals,
and reptiles.
The
Parks, Reserves and Protection areas are listed below. Underlines
indicate further information about these areas.
Remember
the pristine environment is fragile, please TAKE only photographs
and LEAVE only footprints.
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