Expert: Ian Smith - 5/28/2004

Question
I am going to spend 18 days visiting National Parks from Perth to Darwing. I have been doing a list of the parks (if I have missed someone tell me) and I would like you recommend me which ones are the best or which ones you have visited. Which ones are the best for wildlife?. We are going to rent a campervan not a 4WD vehicle. Do you know which ones are only accessible with 4WD? Thanks for everything.

Javier Gozalo

1.   Walyunga National Park (40 km north-east of Perth)
2.   Neerabup National Park
3.   Yanchep National Park (50 km – 45 min. from Perth)
4.   Moore River National Park
5.   Nambung National Park (Cervantes - Jurien)
5.1.    Jurien Bay Marine Park
6.   Badgngarra National Park (Cervantes)
7.   Watheroo National Park (Jurien)
8.   Lesueur National Park (Leeman)
9.   Alexander Morrison National Park (Leeman)
10.   Tathra National Park (Eneabba)
11.   Kalbarri National Park (Kalbarri) – (533 km from Perth - 5-6 h.)
12.   François Peron National Park (Denham) (340 kilometres from Carnarvon )
12.1.   Shark Bay Marine Park
12.2.   Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve
13.   Kennedy Range National Park  (150 kilometres east of Carnarvon)
14.   Ningaloo Marine Park (Exmouth - 1200 kilometres north of Perth)
14.1.   Cape Range National Park (40 minutes from Exmouth )
15.   Millstream-Chichester National Park (Karratha - 3 h. from Karratha - Gorges)
16.   Karijini National Park (310 km from Roebourne and 1400 km from Perth)
17.   Rowley Shoals Marine Park (Broome)
18.   Windjana Gorge National Park (Derby - 145 kilometres from Derby)
19.   Tunnel Creek National Park (Derby)
20.   Geikie Gorge National Park (Derby 20 km (20 min) from Fitzroy Crossing - Cruise)
21.   Purnululu National Park – Bungle Bungles
22.   Wolfe Creek Crater National Park
23.   Mirima National Park
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24.   Keep River National Park
25.   Gregory River National Park
26.   Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine)
27.   Litchfield National Park  

Answer
FIrstly, I've never been to any of them or travelled north of Perth.  Having said that I've spoken to a lot of people and my brother has been there so I have a working knowledge of some of the places but wouldn't call myself an expert.
Three I can definitely recommend are 20 - Geikie Gorge, 21 - Purnululu (must see) and 27 - Litchfield.
I also believe Hamelin Pool is interesting and Wolfe Creek crater is alright if you're there but not worth travelling out of your way to see.
For the best of Ningaloo, you do realise you'll be a long way offshore and you'll be on a boat?
Because it isn't my area of expertise I nearly didn't answer this but I know how hard it can be sometimes to get info so I hope this helps you a little bit.
Cheers, Ian