National Parks
The Central Queensland Region has beautiful, untouched National Parks, giving the adventurous traveller exciting opportunities to get off the beaten track to camp, relax and get away from it all. Discover the rewards of a holiday in Mother Nature's playground. To view the location of Central Queensland's National Parks, click on the icon below.
Map courtesy of Queensland Parks & Wildlife and the Environmental Protection Agency.
National Parks Map
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Lady Musgrave Island
Location
Lady Musgrave Island, part of the Capricornia Cays National Park is a tiny coral cay surrounded by reef, sitting at the western end of a huge, calm water lagoon and is situated just east of Gladstone and the Town of 1770. It offers a pleasant climate all year round with hot and humid days between October and January and cool north-east sea breezes from January to April. Lady Musgrave Island is home to spectacular native flora and fauna — an ideal location for camping and nature study.
Things to Do
The beautiful Lady Musgrave Island showcases superb wildlife displays throughout the year with endless bird watching and turtle nesting between October and February with hatchlings emergine 8 to 12 weeks after nesting. Reef walking, snorkelling, swimming, diving and fishing is also available, and because the island can be walked around in just 30 minutes it is a great spot for those bush walking enthusiasts as well!
Water surrounding Lady Musgrave Island provide fishing opportunities. Visitors are requested to limit their fishing and you must only fish in authorised ones. Please obtain zoning maps from QPWS Gladstone for further details.
There are a number of operators able to assist with transfers to Lady Musgrave Island, departing from the Town of 1770 and Bundaberg.
Two local operators offer regular day trips to the island, which includes snorkelling, coral viewing, fish feeding, morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Please refer to the Gladstone Region Guide for the details of these operators, or contact one of our Visitor Information Centres (contact details at the front of this Guide).
Facilities
Composting toilets are available on the island for the convenience of campers only. You will need to take your own water (five litres per person each day is recommended), fuel and a small broadcast radio for weather updates. Also be sure to pack sturdy rubbish bags to take rubbish away with you.
Camping
Self-sufficient camping is offered throughout most of the year with bookings taken 11 months in advance. As there are limited campsites available, bookings are essential and permits are necessary in advance. Purchase permits online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or telephone 13 13 04 or visit the QPWS Gladstone.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
Deepwater National Park
Location
On an unspoilt coastline, 7.5km south of Agnes Water, Deepwater National Park features beautiful freshwater wetlands, high sand dunes and is backed with open forest. Access to the park from the north is by 4WD only. The track through the park can become sandy and unformed and is unsuitable for conventional vehicles or caravans. From the south there is 2WD access to Wreck Rock campground in dry weather only, however 4WD is recommended.
Things to Do
Deepwater National Park provides captivating scenery and is a place where people can fish and enjoy the beach in a quiet, unspoilt area. There are a number of walking tracks for visitors to enjoy a stroll. For experienced bushwalkers, a walk from the beach west to the creek system is very interesting.
Deepwater is also an excellent area for bird watching and from January to April, marine turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests. Their emergence is a fascinating sight, but please watch quietly without handling the hatchlings as it may cause them to die. As with all National Parks, domestic animals are not allowed. Vehicles are not permitted on the beach.
A local operator offers half-day and full day 4WD tours into both Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks. Please refer to the Gladstone Region Guide for the details of the operator, or contact one of our Visitor Information Centres (contact details at the front of this Guide).
Facilities
A developed camping area is situated at Wreck Rock with picnic tables, one cold shower and self composting toilets. Rainwater and bore-water are provided. Primitive camping without facilities is permitted at Middle Rock further north and day trips can be made to an area provided at Flat Rock.
Camping
Camping permits are required for all protected areas and can be obtained from the self-registration stand at the campgrounds or from QPWS in Bundaberg or QPWS Agnes Water. Prebooking is required for peak periods.
Bookings:
QPWS — Bundaberg
46 Quay Street
PO Box 1735
Bundaberg Q 4670
Phone: (07) 4131 1600
Fax: (07) 4131 1620
Enquiries:
QPWS — Agnes Water
PO Box 280
Agnes Water Qld 4677
Phone: (07) 4974 9350
Fax: (07) 4974 9400
Eurimbula National Park
Location
Picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches and paperbark swamps, eucalypt forest, mangroves and rainforest with a spectacular floor of wildflowers in spring can only be found at Eurimbula National Park, just west of Agnes Water. Visitors to the park are recommended to use 4WD after heavy rain and are advised not to attempt to tow a caravan into the area. In the dry seasons, the park is accessible by 2WDs.
Things to do
The Ganoonga Noonga Lookout, 3km from the park entrance along the Bustard Beach track, is a 360m walking track rising steeply to the lookout. Upon reaching the top magnificent views of the swamps and heaths covering the parallel dunes can be seen as well as panoramic views of the entire park.
Boating and fishing are extremely popular in Eurimbula Creek. However, with recent zoning of the area visitors are requested to limit their fishing and only fish in the authorized zones. Crabbing is also not permitted within Eurimbula Creek. Eurimbula also provides opportunities for experienced bushwalkers to explore the park, including the rainforest areas.
A local operator offers half-day and full-day 4WD tours into both Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks. Please refer to the Gladstone Region Guide for the details of the operator, or contact one of our Visitor Information Centres (contact details at the front of this Guide).
Facilities
Composting toilets are provided at the campsites with the nearest shops providing fuel, food and ice at Agnes Water, 25km by road. Visitors must be fully self contained for camping, including water. (Limited rainwater is sometimes available.) Insect repellent is advisable when camping at Eurimbula National Park.
Camping
Camping is allowed in the National Park, however permits are required and can be obtained from the self registration stand at Bustard Beach and Middle Creek Campgrounds, from QPWS in Bundaberg or QPWS Agnes Water. Pre-booking is required for peak periods.
Bookings:
QPWS — Bundaberg
46 Quay Street
PO Box 1735
Bundaberg Qld 4670
Phone: (07) 4131 1600
Fax: (07) 4131 1620
Enquiries:
QPWS — Agnes Water
PO Box 280
Agnes Water Qld 4677
Phone: (07) 4974 9350
Fax: (07) 4974 9400
Masthead Island
Location
Masthead Island, also part of the Capricornia Cays National Park a magnificent 45 hectare coral cay preserving the Great Barrier Reef eco system. It is situated approximately 60km north-east of Gladstone and named in 1802 by renowned explorer Matthew Flinders.
This remote spot is one of the most undisturbed cays in the area and offers a pleasant climate throughout most the year. Days can often be hot and humid between October and January. From April to September days are mild to warm with nights often cool.
Things to Do
Masthead Island National Park is the most botanically diverse cay with a large pisonia forest surrounded by a fringe of small trees and shrubs. It is also home to many species of seabirds and shorebirds as well as a variety of sea turtles.
The island can be walked around in an hour but has no defined walking tracks. You can walk, swim or dive to see the reef?s corals, fish and other marine life to full advantage. Snorkelling also has great rewards for those prepared to swim around over the reef edge. Turtle nesting mainly occurs at night between October and February with hatchlings emerging 8-12 weeks after laying.
Masthead Island offers superb opportunities for fishing with over 36 different species of reef fish inhabiting the area. However, with recent zoning visitors are requested to limit their fishing and only fish in the authorized zones. Please obtain zoning maps from QPWS Gladstone, for further details.
Facilities
Masthead Island is for self-sufficient campers only. Visitors are reminded to take their own food, water and fuel to the island. Also be sure to pack sturdy rubbish bags to take rubbish away with you.
Camping
Camping is permitted on the island most of the year with bookings taken 11 months in advance. Permits are necessary in advance. Purhcase permits online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or telephone 13 13 04 or visit QPWS Gladstone. A limit of 50 campers applies. During the period 15 October until Easter the following year, access to Masthead Island will not be permitted to minimise human impact on vegetation, breeding seabirds and turtles. Visitors to the Island need to arrange transport to the Island — please contact the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre for details of suitable operators.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
North West Island
Location
Situated north-east of Gladstone, North West Island is the largest coral cay in the area. With surrounding reef, dense tall pisonia forest, nesting turtles and seabirds, this tranquil island is also part of the Capricornia Cays National Park.
Things to do
North West Island offers opportunities for bushwalking, nature study, reef walking, diving and snorkelling. Being a large coral cay it has longer walking opportunities through the island and around its beaches. Fishing is also quite popular on the island. Visitors are requested to limit their fishing and you must only fish in the authorised zones. Please obtain zoning maps from QPWS Gladstone for further details.
Facilities
Composting toilets are available on the Island for the convenience of campers only. Self-sufficient camping is available however, visitors are required to take their own water and a fuel stove. Also be sure to pack sturdy bags to take rubbish away with you.
Camping
Bookings are necessary before camping and permits can be purchased online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or telephone 13 13 04 or visit QPWS Gladstone.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
Curtis Island
Location
Curtis Island is a large and diverse island forming the north-east protection of the Port of Gladstone, and lies between Gladstone and Rockhampton. The north-eastern end of Curtis Island is the National Park. A variety of vegetation types grow in the park from heath, grassland, stunted paperbark woodland and open eucalypt forest to extensive patches of dry rainforest.
Curtis Island has a magnificent eastern coastline of beaches and headlands overlooking the Coral Sea. Access is by vehicular ferry (Curtis Ferry Services) from the Gladstone Marina. Private boats may also visit, though local knowledge is desirable.
Things to do
Camp at the Yellow Patch — a natural sandblow of bright yellow sand — a sheltered anchorage for boats. Fishing and birdwatching are popular on the island. There are no walking tracks, but you can spend two to three days hiking along the east coast of the island. Be sure to refer to a map, as there is private property on the island and tell someone of your plans in case of an emergency.
You can also visit the township of South End — a safe, family-oriented getaway. It is an interesting location for recreation, swimming, bush walking, bird and turtle watching, and exploring wilderness areas.
Facilities
The National Park: Visitors to the island must self-sufficient — be sure to take drinking water and a fuel stove.
South End: There is a free camping ground about 1 kilometre from the landing ramp. Toilets, shelter shed, free gas barbecues. A convenience store operates out of the local accommodation, including take-away food, fuel, gas, picnic and fishing supplies, and a licensed bottle shop. All major credit cards accepted.
Camping
Camping is available at Yellow Patch. Yellow Patch is accessible by boat only. Permits are necessary to camp at Curtis Island National Park and must be purchased in advance, either online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or telephone 13 13 04 or QPWS Gladstone.. Visitors to the island need to arrange transport to the island — please contact the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre for details of suitable operators.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
Wild Cattle Island
Location
Wild Cattle Island National Park is an undeveloped sandy island at Tannum Sands, at the southern end of the main beach, across Wild Cattle Creek. Visitors can access the island by boat across the creek. You should not attempt to swim across the mouth of the creek, as the current can be dangerous on the ebb tide. 4WD access is only permitted to landholders at the southern end of the island.
Things to do
The island features coastal dune vegetation with mangroves on the inland waterway and is excellent for fishing and boating.
Facilities
There are no facilities for day visitors.
Camping
A great day trip opportunity. Bush camping is allowed in the National Park. Restrictions may apply. Permits are necessary to camp and must be purchased in advance by phoning or visiting QPWS Gladstone.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
Kroombit Tops National Park and Forest Reserve
Location
Kroombit Tops with its rugged parklands, spectacular views, subtropical rainforest patches and palm-fringed waterfalls is situated 85km south-west of Gladstone. Access and exit to Kroombit Tops is from the north via Tableland Road and the exit is via Tableland Road entry. Please note that this road is not suitable for use immediately following seasonal rain.
Further west of the park is an accommodation operator offering a variety of accommodation and tours. Please refer to the Gladstone Region Guide for operator details, or contact our Visitor Information Centre in Gladstone.
Things to do
Kroombit Tops is ideal for bushwalking and exploring the many wonders of the national park including Dry Gully Gorge and the lookout on the eastern escarpment. The lookout offers stunning views of Curtis Island, Gladstone, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands coastline and visitors can stop for a bite to eat at the numerous picnic spots along the escarpment. A four-wheel drive is recommended to access Kroombit Tops.
Facilities
Kroombit Tops is ideal for a full day trip or overnight bush camping, however there are no facilities. Visitors and campers must take their own food, water and fuel.
Camping
The camping grounds have no facilities. Short-term campers are allowed to select their own sites but must remember there are no water, toilet or shower facilities provided. Day visitors are required to obtain a forestry permit. Those wishing to camp overnight must obtain a camping permit in advance. This can be done online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or telephone 13 13 04 or visit QPWS Gladstone.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
Isla Gorge National Park
Location
Situated 35 kilometres south of Theodore on the Leichhardt Highway, Isla Gorge is a maze of gorges and sandstone cliffs with stunning scenery and panoramic views. The 7850 hectare park lies at the southern tip of the Dawson Range at the eastern end of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. The gorge is broad and contains Gorge Creek, a tributary of the Dawson River.
The lookout is located about one kilometre from the highway. The road into the park is unsealed and 4WD is recommended. Please note that in the event of heavy rain the roads may become slippery and unsuitable for use.
Things To Do
There are no walking tracks through the park and it is recommended that only experienced bushwalkers explore the gorge system. However the lookout atop the gorge provides for excellent birdwatching. The gorge is home to a number of species including blue-faced honeyeaters, wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons. Rock engravings and stencils on the sandstone cliffs are a reminder of the Aboriginal history linked with the park.
Watch the sunset over the orange sandstone cliffs and camp overnight. Venture through to Flagstaff Hill and view the remains of an old hand-paved road constructed in 1864 to transport wool from Roma to Rockhampton. Contact QPWS for details on how to get to Flagstaff Hill.
Facilities
A picnic area at the lookout has toilets, a shelter shed and water tank. The camping area overlooks the gorge just over one kilometre off the Highway.
Camping
Camping is permitted in the small camping area near the lookout.. Take drinking water. Open fires are not permitted in the park, with fuel stoves recommended for use instead. The park has toilets, a shelter shed and a water tank. It is recommended that campers be self sufficient whilst in the park. Camping permits can be arranged through QPWS Taroom or at the self-registration station at the park.
QPWS — Taroom
PO Box 175
TAROOM Q 4420
Phone: (07) 4627 3358
Fax: (07) 4627 3448
Cania Gorge National Park
Location
Cania Gorge National Park protects a spectacular backdrop of prominent sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt forests and dry rainforest on sheltered slopes. Cania Gorge can be reached via a bitumen road branching off the Burnett Highway 12km north of Monto, passing through the small settlement of Moonford.
Things to do
Cania Gorge offers spectacular walking tracks suitable for the whole family. The network of tracks is in the southern end of the park and lead to places of interest. The Dripping Rock, Dragon Cave, Fern Pool and the Bloodwood Cave tracks are just some of the walks from and with Cania's extensive range of wildlife, you are sure to seen some Australian fauna along the way. A short walk to the Shamrock Mine site is a feature of the northern end of the park.
Facilities
Petrol and general supplies are available in Monto. Day use and picnic facilities, including sheltered tables, tank water and toilets are provided in the park's southern section.
Camping
Camping is not permitted in the National Park however, private caravan and camping parks are located within the Gorge, 7km past the National Park picnic area and at the southern entrance to the National Park.
QPWS - Monto
PO Box 226
Monto Q 4630
Phone/Fax: (07) 4167 8162
QPWS — Bundaberg
46 Quay Street
PO Box 1735
Bundaberg Q 4670
Phone: (07) 4131 1600
Fax: (07) 4131 1620
Alternatively, hotel, motel and caravan accommodation is available in Monto. For assistance with obtaining details for these accommodation providers, please contact our Visitor Information Centre in Gladstone.
Carnarvon Gorge National Park
Location
Spectacular Carnarvon Gorge lies hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland's Central Highlands and is the one of Queensland's most visited National Parks. Situated between Roma and Emerald, access to the gorge is usually suitable for conventional vehicles and caravans in dry weather. However, after heavy rain, creeks are subject to flooding and the road may become impassable. Check with the Ranger or RACQ for road conditions before heading off.
Things to do
All sites of interest, including lookouts and walking trails are pedestrian access only. Visitors can wander up the 10km track and along the main gorge track lined with palms and spotted gums and cycads growing beneath towering sandstone cliffs. There are over 173 species of birds inhabiting and visiting the park so birdwatching opportunities are many. Carnarvon is home to an ancient Aboriginal art gallery. Short trips off the main gorge track reveal moist havens for ancient remnant rainforests, lush ferns and mosses.
Facilities
Facilities within the gorge include a Visitor Information Centre, toilets, treated tap water, showers, gas barbecues, picnic tables and a public telephone. Basic groceries, ice and gas for cooking is available every day from the two accommodation operators near the National Park. No fuel is available.
Camping
Camping is available at the Carnarvon Gorge camping area during the Queensland Easter, winter and spring school holidays, however because of limited spots, bookings are essential. The camping area is closed at all other times of the year. A small campsite at Big Bend (10km walk into the park) is open all year round. Obtain a camping permit in advance online at http://www.qld.gov.au/ or telephone 13 13 04 or from the QPWS office listed below.
Environmental Protection Agency - Customer Service Centre
csc@epq.qld.gov.au
160 Ann Street
BRISBANE Qld 4000
Phone: (07) 3227 8198
Alternatively, Carnarvon Gorge is open to visitors all year round with privately-run accommodation available at all times of the year. Cabins and camping facilities are available.
For assistance with obtaining details for these accommodation providers, please contact our Visitor Information Centre in Gladstone.
More to Explore — More Gladstone Region Recreation
There are many more other great spots for visiting, exploring and camping in the Gladstone Region. Here's just a few…
Mt Scoria Conservation Park:
Location
Located six kilometres south of Thangool, just out of Biloela, Mt Scoria is considered one of the Region?s most striking local landmarks. Rising 150 metres above the plains of Thangool, Mt Scoria is a volcanic plug formed by volcanic activity some 20 — 26 million years ago.
This small park contains open woodlands and with Moreton Bay ash, forest red gums and silver-leaved ironbarks. Mt Scoria is part of the traditional lands of the Gangulu people.
Things To Do
Relax and enjoy the scenery and have a bush picnic at one of the picnic shelters, complete with barbeque facilities. Enjoy the birdwatching in the area and observe the varieties of local wildlife. Climbing the mountain is not encouraged as there are no walking tracks.
Facilities
The park contains picnic shelters, tables, toilets, tank water, wood barbeques and bins. Camping is not permitted in the park, however day use of the facilities is encouraged.
QPWS — Gladstone
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building
136 Goondoon Street
PO Box 5065
GLADSTONE Q 4680
Phone: (07) 4971 6500
Fax: (07) 4972 1993
Boyne Island Beach
Location
You are able to 4WD along the eastern beach of Boyne Island, northwards to The Lillies. Note that this is a low tide drive along a tidal beach. Driving is not permitted near the Boyne Island township. A permit is required, with appropriate fee, and can be obtained from the Calliope Shire Council, either at Boyne Island or Calliope. Contact one of the Visitor Information Centres for details.
Things to do
Boyne Island beach is great to try your hand at beach fishing and a great place to enjoy the beach in seclusion. Insect repellent is recommended.
Facilities
There are no facilities for day visitors or campers.
Camping
Self-sufficient camping is permitted.
Turkey Beach
Location
Turkey Beach is a coastal fishing village south-east of Gladstone, within Rodd's Harbour which is sheltered by Rodd's Peninsula. This area is a Dugong Sanctuary. The community has permanent population of about 200, plus holiday and fishing homes. The signed T-intersection off the Bruce Highway is approximately 10km north of Bororen and approximately 50km south of Gladstone. The 21km road is sealed for the first 7km and the last 3km, with the balance a well-maintained gravel road.
Things to do
There are extensive, sandy, swimming beaches outside the harbour at Turkey Beach, and there is a small, tidal swimming enclosure near the boat ramp, however the main attraction of the Turkey Beach area is the fishing!
Large areas of mangrove inlets, estuaries and creeks in the area provide excellent fishing, including the mud crab. Reef waters are further east.
Access to fishing areas is mainly by boat, and a public boat ramp is available. Some local knowledge or reference to a marine map is desirable. Rodd's Harbour is closed to netting.
Facilities
Town facilities include picnic shelters, barbecues, playground, public toilets (wheelchair access), public telephones, and a publi
