Douglas Apsley National Park

Douglas Apsley National Park is a short drive north of Swansea.

It’s an understated park, often overlooked in travel guides, but a real local favourite – especially in summer, when the waterholes and rivers offer a refreshing way to cool off.

There are a range of walks in the park, from easy 15-minute loops to 5-hour circuits and multi-day hikes that are best left to experienced bushwalkers.

The forests and heathlands are home to a dazzling array of orchids, wildflowers, and native trees, and this diverse landscape supports a large population of birds, making it a popular spot with birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, spotted pardalote and even endangered swift parrots on their annual migration.