Queensland national parks special collection | Pocket guide

Discover freely Contents Welcome Enjoy and The QLD Government is determined to see all Welcome 2 respect our of our state’s national parks opened for the Enjoy and respect our heritage 2 enjoyment of all Queenslanders, and this brochure heritage has been designed to inspire you on your path Unforgettable experiences in nature 3 ’s national and marine parks protect of discovery. our natural heritage—plants, animals, landcapes Gold Coast 5 Whether you’re looking for a fun family daytrip and prehistoric fossil remains—for our future ’s backyard 7 or an epic journey to a remote destination, this enjoyment. Parks also protect cultural heritage— brochure caters to all with a special collection of reminders of early European history and Quintessential country Queensland 9 Queensland’s most extraordinary natural wonders Aboriginal cultural values. and most unforgettable experiences. Sunshine Coast 11 Many parks are part of the traditional country For more information visit: (land and water) of one or more groups of Fraser Coast 13 http://nationalparks.queensland.com Aboriginal people. These Traditional Owners Southern share spiritual beliefs about how the landscape Our rangers look forward to welcoming you () 15 was created, and their rights and responsibilities to our parks soon. for using and caring for their country. Queensland 17 Steve Dickson MP To Aboriginal people, their country is a living Whitsundays and Mackay 19 Minister for National Parks, Recreation, ‘cultural landscape’, interwoven with language Sport and Racing names for places, traditional stories, cultural sites, and surrounds 21 such as middens, burials and rock art sites, and spiritual beliefs. All aspects of the landscape— Tropical 23 both natural and cultural—hold great importance Index 26 for the Traditional Owners.

Further information 27 Queensland’s parks protect the best of Queensland. ‘Tread lightly’ during your visit and respect our parks’ natural and cultural heritage so that others may enjoy them after you.

Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Front cover: Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: Queensland. and Events Tourism cover: Front 2 Scale 0 200 400 km Legend World Heritage Area Toilet Sealed road Picnic area Unsealed road Camping Four wheel drive  Caravan/camper (4WD) track trailer/campervan Unforgettable Town Walking track Lockhart River experiences Wheelchair accessible Fishing permitted Coen in nature Horseriding permitted biking Beyond our vibrant cities and charismatic Cooktown permitted regional communities, Queensland’s national and The symbols in this pocket guide marine parks offer truly authentic and inspiring Mossman are only a small sample of the facilities and opportunities that Chillagoe can be enjoyed on these parks. experiences. Feel a sense of tranquillity only found Atherton Karumba Visit the NPRSR web page for Wet Tropics Innisfail when surrounded by nature. Stand awestruck Normanton Mission Beach further information. atop a mountain overlooking ancient Australian fossil sites Croydon Georgetown Great Barrier Reef stretching to the ocean. Cool off near a cascading (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) Ingham 1 Burke and Wills Roadhouse Townsville . Take a deep breath as you watch the sun Ayr Camooweal Bowen rise over the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the Home Hill excitement of spotting a crocodile in the wild or Cloncurry Richmond Proserpine Airlie Beach 66 78 Julia seeing a rare spotted , or visiting an ancient Creek Hughenden Mackay Sarina landscape that pre-dates the dinosaurs allowing Clockwise from top: discover the weird and a glimpse into our timeless past. Muttaburra the wonderful with a Winton 1 66 Clermont ranger; getting up close Boulia and personal with a Whether you are a family full of lively children, Longreach Barcaldine Emerald carpet python; enjoy 66 intrepid travellers out to explore or wildlife lovers Jericho Gladstone a hike in Carnarvon 71 National Park. wanting to glimpse one of our rare creatures, Blackall Rolleston Monto Tambo Bundaberg Fraser you’ll find more than just beautiful scenery in Theodore Island Photos clockwise from top: Taroom Queensland Governtment, Queensland’s national and marine parks. Satisfy Windorah Maryborough , Birdsville 17 Gympie Tourism and Events Queensland your thirst for adventure and discovery, and Charleville Noosa Morven 54 Kingaroy experience our parks in new and exciting ways. Quilpie Roma Miles 71 Dalby Brisbane Life-changing moments in nature await you in St George Cunnamulla Surfers Queensland’s national parks. Keep discovering! Warwick Paradise 42 Hungerford of

Regions Southern Great Barrier Reef Gold Coast (Capricorn, Bundaberg, Gladstone) Brisbane The Whitsundays and Mackay Southern Queensland Country Townsville Region Sunshine Coast Tropical North Queensland 3 Fraser Coast Outback Queensland 4 To Brisbane North Stradbroke Island Explore Beenleigh breathtakingly Pacific Mwy

Tamborine 5 Oxenford Marine Park

North Tamborine Biggera Waters

Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park MartinPhoto: Cannning To Beaudesert Southport Nerang Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Gold Coast Hwy Canungra Make yourself at home in one of Queensland’s most remarkable natural environments, where some species have survived since prehistoric times, and feel life’s stresses melt away. Some of the Gold Coast’s Mudgeeraba most remarkable experiences include: Advancetown Burleigh Head Lake Robina 1 Hit the waves on a surfboard at the world- 4 Feel the glow in Springbrook National 2 Beechmont 4 1 renowned Burleigh Heads surf break, or simply Park where famous glow-worms at Natural salute the surfers at sunrise from the headland Bridge attract visitors from around the Numinbah Coolangatta in Burleigh Head National Park. From waves world, keen for a nocturnal glimpse of to wombats! Enjoy a ranger-guided wildlife the tiny, yet brilliant, blue-green lights 4 show in the secluded heart of Burleigh Heads decorating rocky overhangs—the glow- 4 at 2 David Fleay Wildlife Park. worm’s natural environment. 4 Check website for details Green 3 about facilities Springbrook Plateau Legend Natural Gold Coast 3 Immerse yourself in the grandeur of 5 , including Witches Bridge where densely- Falls—Queensland’s first national park— National park forested ranges and valleys conceal the area’s offers walking tracks leading to secluded Gondwana of Australia World ancient volcanic origins. Part of the World places where you can soak up cool mountain Heritage Area Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of air in the forest and enjoy a picnic with Visitor information Australia, this bushwalking mecca is one of friends and family. centre Queensland’s best national parks. Airport Sealed road Scale 5 0 4 8 12 14 km Town 6 Legend Brisbane National park Gondwana Rainforest To Kingaroy of Australia World Heritage Area Kilcoy Woodford To Gympie Visitor information Lake Somerset centre Airport Caboolture 2 Experience 1 Sealed road Esk 4 Lake Redcliffe Samsonvale Town Lake Wivenhoe Strathpine spectacularly Wynnum Manly Fernvale Brisbane North To Toowoomba Stradbroke CapalabaCleveland Island

Tangalooma wrecks, Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: Gatton Lockyer 3 Ipswich 5 Loganholme

South Brisbane’s backyard Stradbroke Tamborine Island Just beyond Queensland’s vibrant capital city, a natural world of adventure and weekend escapes awaits. North Tamborine Some of the most sensational escapes include: Boonah Beaudesert Canungra 1 Leave all your worries behind as you escape 3 Every day’s a holiday on Minjerribah To Warwick to the stunning waters of Moreton Bay (North Stradbroke Island), in Moreton Bay. Rathdowney 6 Marine Park—Brisbane’s aquatic playground. A classic beach ‘getaway’ where life revolves Scale 0 20 40 km Look for dolphins, dugongs, whales and around long stretches of beach, surfing, To Killarney turtles as you kayak, sail or snorkel in the bay’s diving, snorkelling, fishing and swimming. calm clear waters. Or why not take the boat Discover the history and Aboriginal cultural out through the sheltered waters of connections of Naree Budjong Djara 5 Take the kids spotting in Daisy Hill 6 Mount Barney National Park is a climbing the Pumicestone Passage. National Park which makes up almost half Conservation Park. Nestled in open eucalypt and bushwalking mecca. Experienced of this beautiful sand island. forest, this park is a popular retreat for bushwalkers can take on the unmarked Brisbane residents. Why not visit the Daisy Hill climbing routes to the peak of Mount Barney. 2 Head for the sand hills. Feel the thrill and Koala Centre where fun, interactive displays While climbers can conquer the sheer, rugged excitement of National Park 4 Escape from the city to the remote gorges highlight the ecological importance of . peaks, caves and crevices on the way to the and Recreation Area as you reach the top of and subtropical rainforest of D’Aguilar summit of Mount Barney. reputedly the world’s highest stable coastal National Park—a perfect place for a family Check website for details sand dune, Mount Tempest. adventure. Discover your adventurous spirit about facilities at Walkabout Creek, go for a bushwalk, a horse ride, a mountain-bike ride or have a family picnic—you choose your speed.

7 8 Scale To Rolleston 0 60 120 km

To Taroom To Mundubbera Walk To Gayndah Murgon To Charleville serenely Wondai To Goomeri Mitchell Roma Kingaroy Chinchilla Nanango Miles 2 Yarraman Maclagen Blackbutt Surat Dalby Crows Nest 4 Tara Jondaryan Oakey Hampton Toowoomba Gatton To Ipswich To Cunnamulla Millmerran To Boonah

Main Range National Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: St George 1 Inglewood Warwick Quintessential country Queensland Dirranbandi To Killarney Goondiwindi Stanthorpe To Boggabilla Some of Queensland’s best parks lie within a short drive of Brisbane. Here is a collection of unforgettable To Lightning Ridge 3 Mungindi To Moree Texas experiences in Southern Queensland Country. Wallangarra To Tenterfield Legend 1 Let your spirit soar as you meet the 3 Enjoy a wildflower wonderland and hike challenge of a short bushwalk or an extended among the impressive granite boulders of Southern Queensland Visitor information Country centre exhilarating hike in Main Range National . Girraween means National park Sealed road Park. Explore endless scenery in this World ‘place of flowers’ and you will be amazed by Gondwana Rainforests Town Heritage-listed park, part of the Gondwana the sheer size of the huge granite outcrops of Australia World Rainforests of Australia. towering above open forests in contrast to Heritage Area the delicate spring wildflowers that splash colour across the landscape in spring.

2 Make nature your holiday home—set your ‘out of office’ email reply to ‘taking a few days out at a nature retreat’. Journey to the 4 Get among the gum trees and enjoy the Bunya Mountains National Park, where variety of eucalypts—and perhaps learn the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya to tell a stringybark from an ironbark or a Admiring a strangler fig at Bunya pines towers over lush rainforest on the bloodwood—at Crows Nest National Park, Mountains National Park crest of a range that rises abruptly from where spectacular creek scenery, granite the surrounding landscape. outcrops and a waterfall will enthral you. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

9 10 To Maryborough Maryborough Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park

Scale To Gayndah To Maryborough 0 20 40 km

Tin Can Bay Rainbow Beach Coast Double dramatically Island Point 7

Gympie Goomeri Elanda Point Lake Cootharaba To Murgon Kybong Noosa Cooroy 1 Lake Weyba

Noosa National Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: To Nanago 4 Coolum 5 8 Legend Montville Maroochydore Sunshine Coast 3 Mooloolaba 2 Sunshine Coast Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers balmy weather year round, incredible natural wonders and relaxing Kawana adventures. Here, outdoors is a way of life, and ‘relaxed’ is the only possible answer to the question National park Caloundra ‘How are you?’ Below are a few examples of what makes the Sunshine Coast special. Visitor information centre Beerwah Airport 1 Discover the beach and beyond at Noosa environments. Cool off beside crystal clear To Kilcoy 6 (north end) Sealed road National Park—one of Queensland’s most creeks, wander among tall open forests and Town To Brisbane beautiful combinations of beach and forest enjoy a scenic drive off the beaten track. is waiting to be explored. Join the surfers Check website for details about facilities as they soak up the morning sunshine amid the waves or wind your way along the rocky 7 The Sunshine Coast is the gateway to the 8 Dive the ex-HMAS Brisbane and experience At the National Noosa headland, perhaps spotting a turtle or 6 popular Cooloola Recreational Area in this historical treasure. The Ex-HMAS Park—named by Lt. —craggy a dolphin below. Great Sandy National Park—a little taste Brisbane Conservation Park is an artificial volcanic peaks tower over beautiful hinterland of paradise. Escape the hustle and bustle reef that is one of Australia’s premier wreck scenery. Challenge yourself on a steep hike and soak up the stunning beauty of this dive attractions. So what are you waiting for? uphill or relax following an easier walking expansive landscape of sand dunes and Dive right in. The Sunshine Coast hinterland national parks 2 track and look for koalas, goannas, echidnas tranquil waterways. of Conondale, 3 Kondalilla, 4 Mapleton and grey kangaroos as you go. and 5 Mapleton Falls offer nature- lovers an opportunity to spot , and reptiles all flourishing in their natural

11 12 Scale Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Experience 0 16 32 km freely Legend Fraser Coast National park Great Sandy Marine Park Fraser Island World 1 Heritage Area Visitor information centre Sealed road Town Fraser Island Burrum Heads To Childers Hervey Bay

Seventy Five Mile Beach on Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: Howard 2

Torbanlea

Fraser Coast River Heads The national and marine parks of the Fraser Coast offer amazing natural adventures which will surprise, delight and inspire even the most experienced traveller. Here is a small collection of the best of Maryborough the Fraser Coast. To Biggenden

1 Come face-to-face with a majestic humpback 2 By foot or by 4WD, on your own or with a whale in the shallow, protected waters of professional tour guide, World Heritage- Hervey Bay in the Great Sandy Marine listed Fraser Island, in Great Sandy National Tiaro Park, one of the only places in the world Park, is a place of incredible natural beauty where humpback whales find sanctuary to that will surprise you with its diversity.

‘stay and play’. Be awed by the sheer size One minute you are walking beside a crystal- To Tin Can Bay of these curious creatures as they emerge clear freshwater ; the next, overlooking at the ocean’s surface and perhaps swim a huge sandblow or driving your 4WD on To Woolooga To Woolooga To Gympie closer to you to get a better look! Feel a long sweeping beaches; then later you are sense of peace and connection as you listen exploring subtropical rainforest growing to their song and, if you are lucky, watch a on sand! mother swimming with her calf by her side. See whales in Hervey Bay between August

and October. A humpback whale plays in the calm of Hervey Bay, Great Sandy Marine Park.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland 13 14 To Mackay Scale 0 80 120 km Byfield national and To Nebo conservation parks Discover Great Barrier Reef Marine Park To Clermont 7 curiously Marlborough 8 2 Yeppoon Emerald Rockhampton To Alpha Blackwater Lake Maraboon Mount Gladstone 5 Morgan Tannum Sands Legend Calliope Agnes Water Rolleston 3 Miriam Vale Southern Great Moura Biloela Barrier Reef Bauhinia 1 6 4 Monto Bargara National park Theodore Gin Gin Bundaberg Great Barrier Reef Childers World Heritage Area Eidsvold Green turtle hatchling, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: To Maryborough Mundubbera Visitor information centre Taroom Biggenden Injune Gayndah Airport To Roma To Wandoan To Goomeri Southern Great Barrier Reef Sealed road (Central Queensland) Town Central Queensland’s national parks are abundant in wildlife, cultural and adventure experiences which will capture your heart and your imagination. Here are just a handful of ideas. 5 Venture into the past with a visit to 7 Escape to Byfield national and conservation Blackdown Tableland National Park. park and state forest, one of Queensland’s 1 Witness an ancient life cycle of the animal each summer from December to Protecting a sandstone plateau rising 600m unofficial ‘best places to enjoy a campfire’. kingdom, as majestic sea turtles make their mid-February. above the flat plains of Central Queensland, Explore by foot or by 4WD to enjoy brilliant journey to the shore to lay their eggs. the park features ancient rock art painted coastal scenery, and find your own special Delight at the sight of their young hatching thousands of years ago. camping spot, destined to become a months later, and making their perilous For 4WD enthusiasts, you can’t beat the family favourite. journey to the sea. It’s the circle of life 3 35km 4WD-only track through Kroombit at Mon Repos Conservation Park from Tops National Park, which offers exceptional November to March every year. 6 Take a 4WD adventure! Drive through scenery and rugged terrain, and that true the haze hovering above surrounding dry Find your own ‘Robinson Crusoe-style island ‘off the beaten track’ feeling. 8 plains to arrive at the lush gorges and rocky escape’ within the refreshing waters of the 2 Go batty! Be amazed by the bats at Mount creeks waiting to refresh you at Carnarvon Southern Great Barrier Reef island national Etna Caves National Park. Join a ranger- National Park. The towering sandstone cliffs parks, part of the Great Barrier Reef World See the sunset from a different angle—below guided evening tour of Mount Etna’s Bat Cleft 4 and vibrantly coloured gorges take pride of Heritage Area. Endangered loggerhead turtles the towering sandstone cliffs ofCania Gorge and experience the rush as thousands of little place here. occasionally pop their heads up for a peek National Park. Take a few nights out from the bent-wing bats emerge at dusk from the caves hello while majestic manta rays may provide ordinary and witness the spectacular sunsets memorable experiences for divers. admidst a dramatic sandstone landscape. Check website for details about facilities 15 16 To Burketown To Normanton Legend Gregory Downs Outback Queensland 7 To Mount Garnet Burke and Wills National park Roadhouse Australian Fossil To Townsville Mammal Sites Float Camooweal Julia 6 (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) Cloncurry Creek World Heritage Area Mount Isa Hughenden peacefully Richmond Visitor information centre Airport Winton Muttaburra Sealed road 5 Unsealed road Boulia To Emerald Simpson 4 Longreach Jericho 4WD track Desert Barcaldine Alpha 3 Town Bedourie Bilpa Blackall To Springsure

Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: 2 Morea Claypan Tambo Birdsville Windorah Lake Yamma Charleville Yamma (Mackillop) To Mitchell Outback Queensland Morven Quilpie You will never feel more Australian than here. Sleep under a million twinkling stars, and listen to ancient stories being told by the light of a glowing campfire. Some of the Outback’s unforgettable To St George Eulo experiences include: Thargomindah Cunnamulla 1 Scale To Tibooburra Bulloo Lake To Bourke 0 120 240 km Hear the stories where they happened at Keep your camera ready at Janet’s Leap 1 3 Hungerford . Thousands of lookout, where panoramic views inspire years of Aboriginal history, teeming wildlife photographers from around the globe. 5 See the outback as it was at Bladensburg 7 This park will take your breath away. and Australia’s 19th and 20th century pastoral In , sand dunes, National Park. You’ll discover a sense of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is heritage make this park well worth a visit. grass plains and weathered sandstone history and view an amazing variety of one of Queensland’s most scenic destinations, ranges merge with the channels of the wildlife at this park. with exhilarating walking tracks and peaceful . camping spots in the outback oasis of Lawn 2 Get off the beaten track atMunga-Thirri Hill Gorge. Canoe along the emerald green (Simpson Desert) National Park. waters in the spectacular gorge, while 6 There’s a pyramid in the middle of Only accessible by 4WD and only in the Follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Lark orange sandstone cliffs tower high above 4 Queensland’s outback? In Porcupine dry season, the Simpson Desert offers Quarry Conservation Park where scientists you. At Riversleigh World Heritage Site, Gorge National Park, Porcupine Creek has the ultimate journey for self-sufficient and archaeologists have uncovered some this timeless landscape reveals fossils of excavated a deep chasm through layers of adventurers with experience of ‘big 4000 footprints made by dinosaurs about unimaginable age, allowing us to glimpse sandstone to create an incredibly scenic dune country’. 95 million years ago. into the past. gorge, with a ‘pyramid’ shaped monolith Check website for details rising dramatically from the gorge floor. about facilities

17 18 To Townsville Scale Great Barrier 0 100 km 7 Reef Marine Park Bowen Airlie Beach To Charters Towers Proserpine 1 3 Collinsville 6 Lake Escape Dalrymple Calen 5 4 Seaforth Mackay breathtakingly Mount Marian Coolon Walkerston Legend Sarina The Whitsundays Nebo and Mackay National park Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Dysart Marlborough Visitorinformation centre Clermont Middlemount To Rockhampton

Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Islands National Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: Airport To Emerald To Dingo Sealed road Town Inset map Scale Whitsundays and Mackay 0 10 20 km Discover a part of Queensland where ‘laid back’ is a way of life and adventure is just around the corner. The Whitsundays feature many island national parks in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. 4 Many visitors head to the mist-shrouded 2 To the south, the relaxed region of Mackay is home to national parks full of hidden treasures and rainforested mountains of Eungella National North Molle Island surprising natural encounters. Some of the most sensational escapes include: Park with one thing in mind—the chance Airlie 7 Beach to see the intriguing in its natural 2 South 2 1 Ahoy there sailor! Captain a sailing yacht Hoist your sails, kayak to your heart’s content, Molle environment. Enjoy the calm stillness at Island or catamaran on an adventure of a lifetime or join a guided tour over turquoise water. Broken River around dusk as you wait with through the crystal clear waters of the Great Check website for details 6 Hamilton Island about facilities bated breath for a glimpse. Barrier Reef Marine Park surrounding the Whitsunday national park islands. Zig-zag 3 You’ve waited long enough—it’s time for a between islands and explore secluded bays, dream holiday on one of the Whitsunday Join a wallaby for breakfast at Cape glistening white beaches, rocky headlands national park islands. Make your choice 5 Hillsborough National Park—one of 6 Are you up for an adventure? Discover and colourful fringing reefs. from unique island resorts surrounded by the most scenic locations on the Central the Whitsundays on mountain bike. Ride Check website for details national parks, ranging from comfortable about facilities Queensland coast. Rugged, rainforest-clad through majestic tropical rainforest on the budget to award-winning 6-star luxury; or hills plunge to rocky headlands and white Whitsunday Great Walk in Conway National 2 Take a sea journey launched thousands of set up camp at your own secluded beach sandy beaches in this scenic park. Be at Park. Enjoy spectacular views across the years ago on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea to enjoy the amphitheatre of lush island the beach at sunrise or sunset to hang Whitsunday’s famous islands and fringing reef Trail—one of Australia’s most unique cultural flora and million dollar views. out with agile wallabies—a truly iconic while pedalling along tracks on South Molle experiences. Follow in the footsteps of the Check website for details about facilities Australian experience. Island in 7 Molle Islands National Park. Ngaro people in a journey blending island Check website for details seaways and sensational walking tracks. about facilities 19 20 Mount Garnet

Scale 0 40 80 km Cardwell 6 4 Lucinda Ingham Great Barrier Explore 5 Reef Marine Park 1 3 2 stunningly Townsville Ayr Home Hill

Charters Towers Ravenswood To Bowen Dalberg Legend Burdekin Falls Dam Townsville region Lake Dalrymple

Wallaman Falls, Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: National park To Hughenden Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area

Visitor information centre Lake Townsville and surrounds Buchanan Airport To Frankfield Relax. You’re on tropical time here, and there’s absolutely no rush. Townsville’s national parks are studded Sealed road with to refresh you, alive with waterbirds, vivid reefs teeming with fish, secluded bays Town and rugged ranges for you to explore. Some of Townsville Region’s most memorable experiences include:

1 Only minutes from Townsville’s city heat and relax in the cool mountain air of the centre, the Townsville Town Common Paluma Range. 4 Stand in awe at , Australia’s 6 Separated from the mainland only by the Conservation Park offers watching Check website for details about facilities highest permanent single-drop waterfall, narrow Hinchinbrook Channel, the rugged bliss. Nearly 280 bird species chatter, honk located in Girringun National Park. peaks of National and squawk among the lagoons, wetlands, 3 Lose yourself for a day or a week on Magnetic In between the forest-clad ridge tops Park rise abruptly from the sea, signalling the and sheltered beaches. Island. Rocky granite headlands fuse with and rainforest-lined gullies and creeks, island’s wild nature. Hinchinbrook Island is sheltered bays and beaches, studded with Wallaman Falls stands tall at 268m. home to the world-renowned wilderness walk, majestic hoop pine trees, to create a dramatic the Thorsborne Trail. 2 Get amongst nature at beautiful Paluma coastline. National Park is Range National Park where you’ll feel a haven for native wildlife, like rock wallabies, 5 Stay at the luxury resort or take a boat for embraced by the natural beauty in this possums and ’s largest a daytrip to unwind on Orpheus Island southern-gateway to the Wet Tropics World colony of koalas living in the wild. National Park in the Great Barrier Reef Heritage Area. Escape the coastal lowland World Heritage Area. Snorkel off the beach in blue-green reef waters to discover a marine wonderland.

21 22 4 Explore one of the world’s most ancient to snorkelling. In winter, watch for humpback Discover rainforests in the intriguing Daintree whales from the lighthouse. National Park. Start your journey at Mossman Gorge where crystal-clear waters majestically cascade over granite boulders. Enjoy a 8 To get away from it all and experience the rainforest tour with local Traditional Owners true isolation of an island close to the outer or a stroll along boardwalks high in the Great Barrier Reef, fly or cruise out toLizard rainforest. Next, take one of Australia’s most Island National Park. Surrounded by brilliant scenic drives into the heart of the Daintree, coral and crystal-clear waters,

Snorkelling at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Queensland and Events Tourism Photo: exploring the rainforest and golden beaches should be on top of your list! Here you can along the 33km road from the stay in 5 star luxury in the resort or get back ferry to Cape Tribulation. to basics and pitch a tent. Tropical North Queensland Check website for details about facilities Wild, unspoilt and adventurous by nature, Tropical North Queensland is home to two World Heritage- listed natural wonders and enough adventure to tick off the bucket list of even the most seasoned 5 Drop into Crater Lakes National Park, 9 Travel deep beneath the surface to the traveller. Here is a sample of what this region has to offer. where the clear blue rainforest-fringed waters fascinating underground world at Chillagoe- of Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham—extinct 1 Are you up for a world class rafting and observation tower offer visitors the Mungana Caves National Park. Here you craters up to 65m deep—will refresh and experience? Head to the mighty , exhilarating experience of being high in the can join a ranger-guided tour through restore you for the adventures ahead. in Tully Gorge National Park, one of rainforest canopy at the Mamu Rainforest spectacularly-lit limestone caves. Journey Australia’s wettest areas, where heavy Canopy Walkway. to the centre of the earth at 10 Undara Volcanic National Park. Walk in the path of an rainfall ensures plenty of white water Check website for details about facilities and lush tropical vegetation. 6 Head out to Green Island National Park, ancient volcanic flow and explore sections a rainforest-clad cay built entirely by coral, of the world’s longest lava tube, formed by a 3 Choose your own adventure to travel from and fringed by sandy beaches that slope into volcanic eruption 190,000 years ago. the coast up to the tableland via the Barron clear, blue-green water. Spend an afternoon Check website for details 2 Escape to new heights in Wooroonooran River Gorge, in Barron Gorge National Park. about facilities snorkelling in the shallows or hire a kayak National Park. Among the beautiful Jump aboard the historic scenic railway and glide over the reef looking for turtles rainforest, wild rivers and , high and wind past picturesque waterfalls or 11 Experience the magic of one of Australia’s and stingrays. rainforest-clad peaks and steep gorges, you experience the thrill of travelling in a gondola ‘last frontiers’ on a 4WD wilderness journey. will find plenty of memorable wet tropics over the rainforest canopy. This is true adventure territory, so prepare experiences. Elevated walkways, a cantilever for the trip of a lifetime as you explore the 7 For grand vistas, visit Fitzroy Island National space and legend of Cape York. Go fishing for Park. This densely forested island offers barramundi in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National plenty of outdoor activities from bushwalking Park (CYPAL), discover the rainforest at 23 24 H Index Heathlands Resources Reserve 25 Hinchinbrook Island National Park 22 A K Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park 25 11 Chilli Beach in 12 Kutini-Payamu (Iron 14 Explore the coastal rainforest by pedal power. B Kroombit Tops National Park 15 Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) 25 Range) National Park (CYPAL) and have With views of the Coral Sea from its highest Barron Gorge National Park 23 L a swim at Fruit Bat Falls in 13 Heathlands point, Smithfield Conservation Park is host Blackdown Tableland National Park 16 Bladensburg National Park 18 Lamington National Park 5 Resources Reserve. Before finally basking to many international mountain bike events. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park 18 Lark Quarry Conservation Park 17 in the pride of standing at the true ‘Top End’ But mountain bike opportunities don’t stop Bunya Mountains National Park 9 Lizard Island National Park 24 of Australia. there. Marvel at the diverse scenery of the Burleigh Head National Park 5 M Check website for details Atherton Tablelands as you ride through the Byfield Conservation Park 16 Magnetic Island National Park 21 about facilities 15 Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park. 16 9 Byfield State Forest 16 Mapleton Falls National Park 11 Lakeland Check website for details about facilities C Mapleton National Park 11 4 Cape Inset map Molle Islands National Park 20 Tribulation Cania Gorge National Park 15 Daintree Cape Hillsborough National Park 20 Mon Repos Conservation Park 15 Village Carnarvon National Park 16 Moogerah Peaks National Park 8 Scale 4 Mossman Moreton Bay Marine Park 7 Port Douglas 0 100 200 km 11 Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park 12 Moreton Island National Park and Recreation Area 7 6 Bamaga Mount Barney National Park Great Barrier Reef 20 8 Kuranda Marine Park 14 Cairns Crater Lakes National Park 24 Mount Etna Caves National Park 15 Mareeba 3 7 13 Captain Billy Landing Crows Nest National Park 9 Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park 17 Gordonvale Bramwell Currawinya National Park 17 N Junction Atherton 5 12 D Naree Budjong Djara National Park 7 15 Weipa 11 2 Lockhart River D’Aguilar National Park 7 Herberton Malanda 24 O Innisfail Daisy Hill Conservation Park Orpheus Island National Park 22 Roadhouse 8 Diamantina National Park 17 P Ravenshoe 1 Coen Paluma Range National Park 21 Mission Beach E 8 20 Porcupine Gorge National Park 18 Scale Tully 0 50 km Musgrave Roadhouse Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park 12 R To Cardwell 11 Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) 24 F Roadhouse Cooktown Fitzroy Island National Park 24 S Legend Laura Smithfield Conservation Park Lakeland G 25 Tropical North Queensland Girraween National Park 9 Springbrook National Park 5 National park Port Douglas Girringun National Park 22 T 9 Mareeba Glass House Mountains National Park 11 Tamborine National Park 5 Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Dimbulah Cairns World Heritage Area Chillagoe Great Sandy Marine Park 13 Townsville Town Common Conservation Park 21 Karumba Atherton Tully Gorge National Park Visitor information centre Innisfail Great Sandy National Park 23 Normanton Ravenshoe Burketown Mount Cooloola Recreation Area 12 W Airport Georgetown Garnet Tully Fraser Island 13 Whitsunday Islands 19 and 20 Sealed road Croydon Cardwell 10 To Ingham Green Island National Park 24 Wooroonooran National Park 23 Unsealed road 4WD track 25 To Charters 26 Town To Hughenden Tower Further information • For more inspirational ideas on how you can enjoy national parks visit http://nationalparks.queensland.com

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parks in your area or along your route, Copyright together will all the information you need ©State of Queensland 2013. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, to plan a safe and enjoyable holiday, visit Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. BP2062 December 2013. Printed on eco-friendly www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks paper to save energy and resources. Disclaimer This information is a guide only. Every effort has been • Remember to book your camp site in made to ensure this information is accurate at the time of writing. Conditions change and activities may occasionally advance, visit www.qld.gov.au/camping be prohibited in some places. No liability is accepted or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68). by the Queensland Government for any decisions or actions taken on the basis of information in this guide. Mobile phone charges may apply. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland