Journey guide

South West Lands May 2 d 01 te 7 in r P National Parks

7 N 1 o v 20 Captivate unexpectedly Contents Park facilities...... Page 2 Welcome...... 3 Be adventurous ...... 3 Map of ...... 4 Plan your escape...... 5 Choose your adventure...... 6–7 Visit unfamiliar landscapes...... 8 Witness wetlands in the dry...... 9 Encounter western wildlife...... 10–11 Culgoa Floodplain National Park...... 12–13 ...... 14–16 Lake Bindegollly National Park...... 17 Hell Hole Gorge National Park...... 18 ...... 19 Tregole National Park...... 20 Thrushton National Park...... 21 Camping information and safety messages...... 22–23 Connect with Queensland parks...... 24

Parks at

a glance essential 4WD Camping Walking track Fishing On-site information Toilets areaPicnic Gas barbecue water Tap Ranger base

Culgoa Floodplain National Park Currawinya National Park * Lake Bindegolly National Park Hell Hole Gorge National Park Mariala National Park * Tregole National Park Thrushton National Park * *2WD to park entry and/or specific sites only, and only during dry weather

Photos: (front cover) River red gums line the , Currawinya National Park, photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt; (this page) Plumed whistling-ducks © Qld Govt 2 Welcome to South West Queensland’s national parks

Those of us living and working out here treasure the harsh, rugged beauty and solitude of the Mulga Lands and know that you will too. Enjoy relaxing by a waterhole after a long drive; explore unique landscapes while discovering plants and animals not seen on the coast; meander through heritage sites and wonder about the harsh reality of life in the inland. Clear your mind of the everyday, and feel connected to the land in a way you’d never expect.

In the coming years, more areas will become open for you to visit. Keep checking our website for updates on new experiences to be had—once you’ve had a taste we’re sure you’ll want to come back!

Tony Mayo, Senior Ranger On behalf of the Park Rangers living and working in the Mulga Lands Photo: Brett Roberts © Qld Govt

Be adventurous

Expect the unexpected! Witness wetlands in the dry, colourful wildflowers brightening a scene of mulga-grey, and extraordinarily adapted plants and animals where you’d think little could survive.

Escape the everyday travelling Become part of long, often-dusty roads. Sleep under the Australian story. Parks at uninterrupted skies and savour Connect with a timeless solitude reflected in a waterhole or landscape where a glance essential 4WD Camping Walking track Fishing On-site information Toilets areaPicnic Gas barbecue water Tap Ranger base embers of a glowing campfire. generations thrived despite isolation and Culgoa Floodplain National Park cycles of boom or bust. Currawinya National Park * Release your inner nature lover. Photos: Robert Ashdown Lake Bindegolly National Park © Qld Govt; with the Encounter colourful Wonder at the miracle of exception of the black swan Hell Hole Gorge National Park (below left) © Qld Govt parrots and bounding migratory waterbirds finding life- Mariala National Park * red kangaroos, reptiles giving water in the vast, arid inland. Tregole National Park in camouflage and Thrushton National Park * burrowing frogs emerging after rain. *2WD to park entry and/or specific sites only, and only during dry weather

3 Map of South West Queensland Mulga Lands

Landsborough Carnarvon NP

Windorah Hell Hole Gorge NP Highway Scale 0 50 100 150 200km Diamantina Developmental

k e re Mariala C Morven r Road e NP Charleville p Mitchell o o C Eromanga Tregole Quilpie NP Roma

r e r iv e R v i o Wyandra R o r o r a o e l P v l i u R B Thrushton o Bulloo Developmental Rd g e NP rr a Queensland South Lake W Bindegolly NP Bollon St George Eulo

Currawinya Culgoa iver a R go NP Floodplain ul C Dirranbandi NP Queensland Hebel Sturt NP Hungerford Culgoa NP Goodooga (NSW) (NSW)

Legend National park Parking Camper trailer—4WD access Town

Waterways Picnic table Fishing Locality Distance marker Visitor information Centre (VIC) Shelter shed Canoeing/kayaking Mountain Wi-fi access Barbecue—fuel Wildlife spotting State border Park office Viewpoint Cultural heritage Highway Sealed road Information Walking track Warning Unsealed road Telephone 4WD track Warning—slippery rocks 4WD track

Restaurant Camping—car access Warning—unstable cliff edges Walking track Fence Accommodation Camping—4WD access Diving prohibited Cliff line Hospital Caravan Jumping from rocks prohibited Gate Toilets Camper trailer Grid

Tr ack classification Class Suits Track description

4 Experienced bushwalkers Rough track with many obstacles. Limited signage. Ankle supporting footwear required.

4 of weather conditions you as travel. well-informed stay and well-prepared Be mobile or internet phone coverage. or access, weather all has park No rain. of amount a small even after impassable and unsealed are roads outback Many upstream. catchments in rain after weeks Flooding can occur suddenly—even year. the of time any at fall can Rain March. and December may drop to a frosty to drop afrosty may mornings Winter to visit. time best the are The cooler months (April to September) Best to time visit than life, timeless full and of surprises. a glowing fire. camp areSouth Lands larger Queensland’s Mulga West on times gonelong orby reflect spinthe oflight ayarn stars, twinkling surrounded by nature than crowds. rather Sleep under amillion Feel the freedom of wide spaces open in your own scenic haven your escapePlan 40°C avoid scorching summer days exceeding exceeding days summer scorching avoid Relaxing by theParoo River, Currawinya NationalPark longingly Seek and the stormy season between between season stormy the and

0°C , but you’ll you’ll , but

See See tour. aguided try stay, extended an for equipment the supply or driving someone else to do the planning, prefer you If roads. unsealed often long, down trip road self-discovery on wonders a natural unexpected Queensland’s West South Discover Best ways to visit the back cover for useful contacts. cover useful for back the outbackqueensland.com.au or or

© Qld Govt; (opposite page) ©Karen Smith page) (opposite © QldGovt; Ashdown Robert ©Bruce Thomson; (left) Photos: (above) Numulla Lake page) (opposite Park; National Currawinya Granites, The (left) fairy-wren; (Above) Splendid Visit Visit more! and these all Do spring. artesian an in bathe or opals Tunnel, Time for mine Artesian the down dive Loop, Sciences Travel Natural the Experience. Bilby The at mammals endangered most Australia’s of one meet or Centre Cosmos the at sky night uninterrupted the about learn can In South West Queensland you pub. outback an at refreshments over linger or tour a heritage take walk, nature local the stroll festival; spirited or rodeo meeting, show, race acountry of buzz the Feel event. adistrict with holiday your time or sights local Catch and helpful advice. you’ll receive hospitality country and in stop So characters. local colourful and supplies have way the along towns most but stops, between way along be may It flavour local some Add outbackqueensland.com.au

5

Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt Explore expansively

The sun sets over Currawinya National Park Roberts © Qld Govt Brett Photo:

Choose your adventure Far from empty and inhospitable, the Mulga Lands have vibrant colour, Down on the border sensational scenery and extraordinary life. Whether just off the bitumen, Relax by an outback river, watch birds at or far down red dirt roads into the unknown, reward your lengthy glistening wetlands and connect with the journey with unexpected discoveries and memorable moments in a vast, human history of these wide open spaces. unmistakably Australian landscape. Break your drive along the between Cunnamulla and East of Charleville West of Charleville Thargomindah at Lake Bindegolly Discover timbered treasures where the Find weathered red ranges in the west National Park. Pause for a picnic and grey-hued Mulga Lands merge with the as mulga trees become shorter and watch birds on a vast inland lake. scrubby green . more sparse. Head south down long, unsealed roads The Warrego Highway is the main link Mariala National Park on the Charleville– to Currawinya National Park near between and cities Adavale Road offers seclusion, panoramic Hungerford on the border with New along the east coast. Break the drive at views of distant ranges and surprisingly South Wales. Spend lazy days camping Morven with a short diversion south to diverse plants on almost barren plateaus or fishing at the Paroo River, taking time Tregole National Park. Savour a shady accessible only to 4WDs. to visit some of inland Australia’s globally picnic and short botanical stroll among Well-equipped visitors to remote Hell significant wetlands and delve into endangered ooline—rainforest trees Hole Gorge National Park are in for a history in one of Queensland’s largest growing in the dry. surprise when stark red plateaus give national parks.

The other east-west route is the Balonne way to dissected gorges and hidden Well-equipped, independent campers Highway leading to Cunnamulla. waterholes sustaining abundant and with a 4WD will enjoy a break from road Thick mulga scrub lines the roadway amazing life. touring while discovering the ebb and west of St George, and if you turn flow of life on river floodplains at remote down back roads to Thrushton Culgoa Floodplain National Park on the National Park you’ll find solitude Queensland–New South Wales border deep amid the trees exploring heritage south of St George and Cunnamulla. ruins on sandy country with no-one else in sight.

(Right) Yellow button daisies; (far right) be self-sufficient when visiting Mulga Lands parks

Photos: (right) Brett Roberts © Qld Govt; (far right) © Tourism and Events Queensland

6 Parks where you can: Fish or paddle an outback river Camp by a waterhole Currawinya Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, Wonder at vast inland lakes Hell Hole Gorge Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly Camp in the bush Glimpse into the past Thrushton, Mariala Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, Thrushton Walk on proper tracks Admire artesian springs Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly, Tregole Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain Stories in the land Visit without driving off Watch waterbirds Places are more than scenery and the bitumen nature—they are the people, sites, Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly, Culgoa Lake Bindegolly, Tregole buildings and memories of all that Floodplain, Hell Hole Gorge travel, live and work there. Capture great shots of From artefact scatters, quarries kangaroos or wallabies and ceremonial sites to wells, fences Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, and abandoned stations, landscapes Lake Bindegolly, Mariala, Hell Hole Gorge contain reminders of those who came before.

Take a scenic drive (4WD only!) Despite the harsh environment, Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, Mariala Aboriginal people thrived here; the rich and varied landscape providing food, materials and opportunities to maintain a flourishing social, cultural, religious and economic lifestyle over thousands of years. Aboriginal sites along the Paroo River have been dated to 14,000 years ago; and connections continue today.

European exploration in the early nineteenth century was followed by settlers moving stock (Left) Pastoral era relics; (above) a over thousands of kilometres to 4WD is needed to visit most parks in the Mulga Lands; (below) emu chicks establish vast pastoral properties.

Photos: (all) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt Bullock-teams brought supplies and returned to the coast with wool and hides. Minerals were discovered and settlements grew into towns. National parks contain reminders of the fluctuating fortunes of those living in a challenging environment faced with droughts, floods, economic depression and the occasional good season.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service acknowledges Aboriginal connections to country and asks you to respect cultural artefacts, sites and landscapes.

7 8 the surface as mound springs and soaks. and springs mound as surface the to forces Basin Artesian Great the from water there, and Here claypans. and lakes occasional watercourses, shallow inland with landscape wide avast, above rising (mesas) of hard, water-resistant rocks hills flat-topped carved have since erosion and weathering of years of Millions below. impermeable rocks trapping freshwater compressedsediments into of bands Sea-bed seas. inland to createrose vast water-holding Later, sandstone. sea levels porous, of layers creating lakes, and rivers from sediments with filled and sagged centre Australia’s when formed basin This history. pastoral underpins the ’s and geological water from deep underground and reliable supplies Basin Artesian Great The basin ancient An this millions specialunderstand landscape, of in years the making. You’ll Outback Queensland you when in more the feel vast comfortable landscapes Visit unfamiliar Ranger MarkatLake BindegollyNationalPark communities. plant and arid-adapted river networks deeply weathered meandering ranges, deserts, Today sand-ridge see you have continued to shape the landscape. climates Fluctuating ago. years million 2.5 established only were rains, summer mainly receives Australia central and Today’s climate zones, where northern vegetation. the changed Fire dryness. seasonal and forests, eucalypt and by replaced gradually were these ago, years million 30 acooler,of about climate drier onset the with but areas, covered large once rainforests Lush place. adry been always not has Queensland Outback climates Changing Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt; (right) ©Bruce Thomson Ashdown (right) Robert ©QldGovt; (above) mulga trees; (right) floodwater (right) floodwater trees; (above) mulga spreads the out amongst gidyea trees Photos: (left) Brett Roberts © Qld Govt; (above) Brett (above) ©QldGovt; Roberts Photos: (left) spring; artesian active An (Left)

when it rains. it when gidyea of aroma pungent the Smell yapunyah. or box black gums, red river coolabah, find you’ll rivers and creeks Along and sparse. stunted is mulga ‘hard’ ridges, residual hard or soils shallow on but, woodland, dense as grows mulga ‘soft’ soils sandy deeper On and eucalypts. grasslands with interspersed or stands pure almost mulga are dominatedranges by drought-tolerant low and Basin. Murray-Darling the in Queensland—mostly of cent 12 per New South Wales and covering about (natural) region stretching from northern dominant namesake of a bio-geographic trees areMulga the conspicuous and climate. adry in survival allowing root, tap deep to its rain directs tree mulga Each soils. red deep against beautifully contrast bark fissured dark and foliage silver-grey Mulga’s Lands Mulga Amazing Acacia cambagei which grows in grows which across the

Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt floodplain and adds to the water levels in levels water the to adds and floodplain avast over swells river the times wet In basin. Murray-Darling entire in the river free-flowing last the is river long kilometre- 600 This Currawinya. through meanders River Paroo iconic the springs, lakes of all sizes and endangered artesian populations of In waterbirds. addition to large such support to consistently in is or arid thought Australia southern otherimportant—no complex wetland Lakes Numalla are and particularly Wyara Currawinya’s wetlands. diverse most and richest Australia’s inland of some Visit rains. it of explosion life after spectacular Time your to visit refuges. witness theplaces season to breed dry and that provide waterholes lakes,see permanent and claypans, rivers food, Youwaterbirds towater findor in don’t expect aridthe zone! you’llYet Witness in the dry wetlands Lake Wyara, Currawinya NationalPark Hell Hole Gorge National Park to north. the Park National Gorge Hole Hell and east further Park National Floodplain at ecosystems Culgoa flood-dependant of the fluctuating Experience fortunes acrossand waterholes the entire region. wetlands to isolated life bring Floods them. see to bitumen the off to step have barely you And to south. north from water of body acontinuous to form years, wet in exceptionally join, Park National freshwater at wetlands Lake Bindegolly and (as fly),salt away birds 80km A mere waterholes. disjointed of astring is it dry the in but Numalla, Lake

start to dry up. to dry start lakesas leave to first the are birds Fish-eating Numalla. of Lake that deeper, (muddy) turbid like water prefer ducks and species fish-eating ibis, spoonbills plovers, and brolga), herons, (egrets, waders Large stilts. snipes,godwits, rails, dotterels and to sandpipers, home are Shallows Wyara. Lake as such waters clear, in salty invertebrates and plankton vegetation, aquatic eating waterbirds feed on the and plant-Smaller waders to feed. others to fly and lake one at breed Some different lakes at different times. on live bird communities Different Then fishand develop.aquatic plants rain. after numbers in explode which insects and yabbies shrimps, as such invertebrates tasty by attracted are arrive to first The overnight. lakes, so do the birds—sometimes the in arrives water when But all. at birds any support to water little is there times at And wetlands. multiple and lakes massive over scattered birds to spot hard be might it binoculars, Even with where? and waterbirds What Photo: ©Karen Smith Wyara Lake waterbirds, Nesting 9

Photo: Adam Creed © Qld Govt Where there is water there is life © John Augusteyn Photo: Encounter western wildlife

Glimpsing iconic Australian animals is a huge part of any outback travel Fleeting feathers experience so it helps to know what you might encounter and where to Wake to a morning chorus of chattering look. Arid-zone creatures have developed remarkable adaptations and mulga parrots and red-rumped parrots, curious behaviours to cope with the heat and dry. carolling butcherbirds, squabbling honeyeaters and bickering babblers. Marvellous macropods Rapt in reptiles The fluid, ringing song of the hard-to-spot Tick six species of kangaroos and wallabies Wriggle at the sight of an eastern brown, crested bellbird is unmistakable. off your list. Red kangaroos prefer more western brown or king brown (mulga) Be enthralled as wheeling flights of open areas in the west while eastern grey snake, but keep well away. It’s rare budgerigars lift to the skies and tiny kangaroos are almost everywhere. At to encounter a woma python; carpet finches and fairy-wrens flit through the Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly or Culgoa pythons are more common. understorey. Admire birds of prey soaring Floodplains national parks, you might In warm weather you’re bound to see a across vast skies—whistling kites and spot a western grey kangaroo. Swamp shingle-back skink moving slowly across black kites work up and down tree-lined wallabies are small and live in dense scrub a track—its head looking just like its watercourses in search of prey. or close to creeks, while stocky and darker tail. Spot a blue-tongued lizard opening common wallaroos frequent rugged or Surprisingly, thousands of waterbirds live its mouth wide to scare off potential hilly country. Shy yellow-footed rock- in the arid interior, so be sure to keep predators. Highly camouflaged painted a look out. At times thousands of black wallabies hide in rugged cliffs around dragons are hard to spot on red sandy swans, pelicans, red-necked avocets, Mariala and Hell Hole Gorge. soil while tiny tessellated geckos shelter coots, silver gulls, Caspian terns and in soil cracks. Other intricately-patterned grebes can be seen. So too can pink- geckos live in trees. See tracks left behind eared, hardhead, black and wood ducks, by large sauntering lizards such as sand as well as the freckled duck—one of monitors and black-tailed monitors. Queensland’s most threatened waterbirds.

(Above) Adult male red kangaroos are red, females can be greyish-blue, but all have black and white facial markings; (right) shingle-back skink; (far right) Major Mitchell’s cockatoos favour the seeds of paddy melons growing in table drains, so be alert when driving

Photos: (Above) Bruce Thomson © Qld Govt; (right) © Qld Govt; (far right) Raelene Neilson © Qld Govt

10 Just add water Discover amazing water-dependant creatures right at home in the wetlands, waterholes and meandering creeks or rivers scattered through the dry.

South West Queensland’s waterways are home to three species of turtles. Look for aptly-named eastern snake- necked turtles, and the shorter-necked Murray and Krefft’s river turtles.

Spangled perch and bony bream are widespread in watercourses and lakes. But you’ll only find golden perch (yellowbelly), silver perch, catfish and smaller, specialist (Clockwise from top left) Crucifix frogs are species such as desert rainbow fish when widespread but not often seen; red-winged parrot; stripe-faced dunnart; crazy-looking and where conditions are right. shield shrimps are arid zone crustaceans highly resistant to drying; enigmatic echidnas Be amazed after rain when thousands of shield can be found almost anywhere at anytime Photos: (top left) Mark Weaver © Qld Govt; shrimps hatch almost instantaneously from (top centre and right) © Bruce Thomson; eggs lying dormant in the mud of claypans (left) Craig Eddie © Qld Govt and swamps. Creek banks and floodplains R anger tip also become noisy, wriggling places as a Birdwatching is best at dawn or dusk, whereas you’ll see more reptiles when it plethora of burrowing frogs emerge from is warm. In the heat of the day, mammals usually rest in the shade, in a crevice or buried fluid-filled ‘cocoons’ to feed and down a burrow, so look for them late in the afternoon or at dusk. Keep an eye out breed rapidly before it dries out again. for tell-tale tracks, scats or other signs where animals have been.

What wildlife where? Mammals to watch for Top twitching tips! and apostlebirds which are similar, the Under the cover of darkness, mouse-like Keep your bird book and binoculars nickname ‘happy families’. marsupials including dunnarts and handy. Spectacular pink and white Major At Currawinya, Hell Hole and Mariala planigales bound across the ground Mitchell’s cockatoos are one of the Mulga national parks you might see a redthroat. in search of spiders and insects. Lands signature birds. Colourful mallee These small grey birds favouring mulga, At Currawinya or Mariala national parks ring-necks, blue bonnets, mulga parrots spinifex and saltbush are ground foragers you might even be lucky enough to spot and red-winged parrots are widespread, that hop like mice. a kultarr. but you’ll only spot Bourke’s parrots in the west of the region. Pale-headed Be on the lookout around wetlands and Although far from common, you rosellas are found only as far west as on the sandy plains at Currawinya, Lake might see a brushtail possum or koala Culgoa Floodplain, Thrushton and Tregole Bindegolly and Culgoa Floodplain national in eucalypt trees along meandering national parks, while blue-winged parrots parks for tiny but colourful crimson, orange watercourses. Tiny sugar gliders have are sometimes in the south at Currawinya, or white-fronted chats; and for stunning even been sighted at Culgoa Floodplain Lake Bindegolly and Culgoa Floodplain. male splendid and white-winged fairy- National Park. While relaxing by your wrens. At Mariala, Tregole and Thrushton camp at night in Culgoa Floodplain or All six species of Australian woodswallows you might spot red-backed fairy-wrens. Currawinya national parks, be sure to look live in the Mulga Lands, as do all four up and catch a glimpse of an insectivorous babblers. Babblers’ gregarious nature and Budgerigars take flight bat—each park has at least 11 species. squeaky chattering have earned them, Photo: © Alicia Whittington © Qld Govt

11 Nebine Creek © Qld Govt Roberts Brett Photo:

Culgoa Floodplain National Park

Go with the flow—linger at waterholes watching wildlife or at heritage Must dos sites scattered across lightly timbered plains and stony ridges, sometimes • Watch wildlife taking respite isolated for long periods by floodwaters. from the dry at semi-permanent waterholes, creeks and wetlands. Coolabahs, black box and grasses flourish Things to do • Tick all six species of Australia’s on the floodplains. Brigalow and gidyea Wildlife spotting woodswallows, colourful parrots and grow across the flat plains with mulga and the vulnerable painted honeyeater Take your binoculars to this birdwatching western bloodwood found on red earth off your must-see list. haven with more than 150 species of birds. and stony ridges. • Imagine the stories behind the rusty Be enthralled by waterbirds finding refuge iron and bush timber of Hillview Stone tool scatters and cooking sites at waterholes; spot red-winged, mulga Homestead, Redbank Hut and old remind visitors that Aboriginal people and red-rumped parrots and at least ten wells, fences, yards and the many have a long association with this species of honeyeaters. pastoral-era relics. landscape. Visit relics of our pastoral past After rain, listen or look for elusive water- scattered throughout the park. Getting there holding frogs and other burrowing frogs Travel 160km south from St George including the vulnerable rough (66km from Dirranbandi) to Hebel collared frog. Watch at night for on a sealed road, then 45km along dunnarts and planigales hunting unsealed black soil roads to Goodooga. for an insect meal. On a warm day Turn right into Brenda Road, take the you might spot a yakka skink—a left fork after the cattle grid, then threatened reptile living in logs or follow the ‘Byra 7km’ sign. burrows made by other animals in From Cunnamulla, travel east 3km deep sandy soils. along the Balonne Highway and turn right onto the Mitchell Highway. Travel 29km and turn left onto Jobs Gate Road and travel 90km to the park. Staying safe A 4WD is essential. All roads are Plan well ahead and be unsealed and become impassable prepared in case you get after rain. stranded due to unexpected The nearest fuel and supplies are at flooding or vehicle breakdowns Dirranbandi (130km). (see pages 22–23).

12 Places to camp Places to go 1 Byra Lagoon and 1 Byra Lagoon 4 Nebine Creek Kick back in your camp chair while keeping an eye on waterbirds and other wildlife. Settle under shady coolabahs beside 2 Redbank Hut and seasonal waterholes where wildlife gather. 3 Hillview Homestead © Qld Govt Briony Masters Photo: 2 Redbank Hut Step back in time visiting relics of days DID YOU KNOW? gone by. While floods can bring disaster, they

also bring life. Floodwaters spread Camp near an old hut, 12km from the 5 Tego Springs out to cover the floodplains and fill ranger base. See water flowing naturally from the wetlands and waterholes. They give Camp sites are accessible to high- into open pools. parched plants a drink, move seeds clearance off-road camper trailers, but Because artesian springs are isolated from into new areas and provide breeding not caravans and buses. Be self-sufficient one another, they each nourish unique habitat for frogs, birds and other as no facilities are provided. communities of plants and animals. Fences wildlife. After waters subside, plants help protect the springs from the impacts flush with new growth or burst into of grazing wildlife and feral animals. flower and seeds germinate in the

To Cunnamulla 170km nutrient-rich sediments left behind.

5 4 Nebine Creek Tego Springs Scale Culgoa 0 5 10km Floodplain National Park Byra Lagoon Creek Redbank Hut 1

Nebine 2 Jobs Gate 3 Hillview Hut Queensland New South Wales a Rive r ulgo C Culgoa

National Park To St George 205km (NSW) Goodooga To Dirranbandi 111km

To Lightening Ridge 74km

(Opposite page) Royal spoonbill; (below) yakka skink; (right) Redbank Hut; (far right) canegrass swamp at Culgoa Floodplain

Photos: (opposite page) © Qld Govt; (below) © Boobook; (right) © Qld Govt; (far right) Craig Eddie © Qld Govt

13 Lake Numalla stretches far into the distance © Qld Govt Roberts Brett Photo:

Currawinya National Park

Follow dusty tracks to peaceful waterholes and the magnificence of Must dos massive inland lakes. With thousands of years of Aboriginal history, • Find peace at the Paroo River. Camp, teeming wildlife, artesian springs and Australia’s 19th and 20th century take it easy, paddle or drop in a line. pastoral heritage, Currawinya is the ultimate outback destination. • Stroll Lake Numalla’s sandy shoreline or birdwatch over mesmerising Lake Wyara—full to the brim one visit, Red sandplains and thick mulga scrubs parched dry another. give little hint of the lakes, rivers and DID YOU KNOW? • Reflect on the past! Imagine the wetlands in one of Australia’s most Currawinya National Park is a Wetland hardships of a traditional existence, important inland waterbird habitats. of International Importance under the life on the land or the sounds and smells of a busy shearing shed. At 344,000 hectares, Currawinya is one Ramsar Convention—an international • Capture stunning panoramas and of Queensland’s largest national parks. agreement which encourages the gaze to the horizon with no-one else conservation and wise use of such in sight. Sense the significance of two vast lakes rich and diverse wetlands. • Learn about the endangered greater at Currawinya’s heart—clear, salty Lake bilby being given a ‘second chance’ Wyara and freshwater Lake Numalla. Currawinya is one of only five Ramsar here in the park. Relax by the mighty Paroo River; this sites in Queensland. Its wetlands Getting there meandering ribbon of life is lined with regularly support up to 100,000 waterbirds. Being on an important Currawinya is near Hungerford on the coolabah, river red gum and yapunyah. Queensland–New South Wales border. Here and there on the sandy plains and inland route for migratory shore- birds, Currawinya hosts species From Cunnamulla (170km), drive 70km foothills of low ranges you’ll find mound to Eulo, then 4km west and turn south springs where underground water has listed under international migratory towards Hungerford on the Queensland– pushed through the parched soil surface. bird agreements. Read more about New South Wales border. The final 97km wetlands on page 9. to the park office takes 1.5 hours to drive.

From the south, the ranger base is 20km north of Hungerford, 217km north-west of Bourke.

A 4WD is recommended. Roads are unsealed and impassable when wet. After good rains (in the local area or far upstream), flooding isolates the park for long periods and can submerge camp sites.

Fuel and supplies are at Hungerford, Eulo, Cunnamulla and Thargomindah (190km).

14 Things to do Wildlife spotting Of Currawinya’s 200 species of birds, 73 the Currawinya Woolshed. If you want (Top) Currawinya Woolshed; (above left) red-naped snakes are waterbirds. See pelicans, black swans, to see a bilby, visit The Bilby Experience hide by day and are active at night; (above centre) bilby; (above) Lake gulls, ducks, stilts and small waders, in Charleville; see murweh.qld.gov.au/ Wyara; (opposite page) river red gums line the Paroo River spoonbills, egrets, ibis and brolga. Inland bilby-night-talk-and-tour for details. Photos: (top, above left and opposite birds also amaze. Spot Major Mitchell’s page) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt; Discover cultural heritage (above centre and right) © Qld Govt cockatoos, mulga parrots, chestnut- Immerse yourself in a landscape rich in crowned babblers, orange chats, spotted Indigenous living and spiritual sites. bowerbirds, white-plumed honeyeaters Staying safe and splendid or white-winged fairy-wrens. Glimpse into the past visiting the remains Plan well ahead and be prepared in Watch along the river for whistling kites of numerous buildings and relics of a case of stranding due to unexpected scooping up fish while rufous night- rich pastoral heritage prospering ‘on flooding or vehicle breakdowns herons roost nearby. Water rats hunt the sheep’s back’. Currawinya National (see hints on pages 22–23). Park encompasses several of the oldest at dawn or dusk, and pied bats skim for If venturing onto 4WD tracks you’ll pastoral properties on the Paroo River. A insects after dark. need a well-equipped vehicle, two short drive from the park at Hungerford See if you can distinguish a red kangaroo spare tyres, extra fuel, experience in is The Royal Mail Hotel built in 1873 and from an eastern or western grey remote area travel and plenty still in use today. kangaroo, or a wallaroo. Keep an eye out of time. for emus, reptiles and birds of prey. Fishing and canoeing Currawinya has a small population of The Paroo River is a great fishing spot. R anger tip greater bilbies, reintroduced to a 25km² Enjoy a canoe, kayak and swim at Enjoy discovering new areas of predator proof enclosure. You cannot visit waterholes or Lake Numalla; however Currawinya from mid 2018. the bilby fence, but can learn about these motorised boats and jet skis are not Check npsr.qld.gov.au for details of amazing creatures from displays near permitted on any lake. scenic drives and places to camp.

15 Places to camp Places to go 9 The Granites 15km north-west of ranger base 1 Corni Paroo Waterhole, 4 Old Caiwarro Homestead 1.5km return walk (allow 40 mins) 2 Caiwarro Waterhole and 33km north-east of ranger base Class 4 track Reflect on a bygone era at the ruins of a 3 Pump Hole Stroll through mulga to unexpected pastoral homestead complex established granite outcrops. The Budjiti people in 1891. ask visitors not to climb these culturally Take your pick from peaceful waterholes 5 Currawinya Woolshed significant rocks. along the Paroo River, 40km north-east of 4km south-east of ranger base the ranger base. Accessible to 2WD in dry weather only. Sites are subject to flooding. Imagine the sounds and smells of a busy DID YOU KNOW? No facilities are provided. shearing shed at this outstanding example To the Budjiti people, Traditional of the intriguing outbuildings required to Owners of Currawinya and Lake 6 Ourimperee Waterhole run a pastoral property. Bindegolly national parks, wetlands Currawinya Lakes hold special significance. Waterbird breeding seasons were times for Park your camper or roll out your swag 85km return 4WD west of ranger base hunting and gathering eggs for food, under shady coolabahs and river red gums Linger on the wide sandy shoreline of and during dry times, waterholes and at the waterhole behind the Currawinya massive freshwater Lake Numalla 7 . springs were vital sources of food Woolshed, 5km south-east of the ranger Admire the abundance of waterbirds and water and important spiritual and base. Cold bush showers and untreated and sheer size of Lake Wyara 8 . ceremonial places. Archaeological water are available. Accessible to 2WD in Surrounded by low-growing samphire artefacts are evidence that Aboriginal plants, this salt lake dries to a spectacular dry weather. Sites are subject to flooding. people have lived at Currawinya for white saltpan during extended drought. more than 14,000 years.

To Eulo 60km To Cunnamulla 130km

To Cunnamulla

New section open to visitors from mid 3 Pump Hole 2018. Check npsr.qld.gov.au for details. 12

ek re C No camping Hoods n o Old Caiwarro at lakes i Range t 3 a t Homestead site S Corni Paroo e 1 Lake Wyara Hom 4 Waterhole Lake (salt) Numalla

(fresh)

Lake 6 18 Wyara 8 7 Lake Numalla Caiwarro Waterhole 9 The 2 K Granites 30 a po K ny illa e n Paroo River e b C ird reek ie 28 C 10 reek Lake Kaponyee 4 Currawinya 5 Woolshed Ten Mile Bore Ourimperee 6 Waterhole Scale eek 0 5 10km Cr 16 ell W inking St Martha Range Hungerford To Thargomindah 150km Eulo−Hungerford Road 21 QUEENSLAND NEW SOUTH WALES

To Bourke 217km

16 Stretch your legs on a walk to Lake Bindegolly Queensland and Events © Tourism Photo:

Lake Bindegolly National Park

Slow to a stop and take it all in! The glistening expanse into the distance may Must dos not be a mirage, but vast inland lakes and wetlands teeming with waterbirds. • Wonder at the miracle of waterbirds finding resting, nesting and feeding Reptiles are plentiful including tiny box- refuges in the dry inland. After heavy rain, salt and freshwater • Step out for a walk to the lake edge or lakes—Lakes Hutchinson, Toomaroo and patterned geckos, skinks, painted dragons bird hide. Bindegolly—join to form a vast ribbon of and sand goannas. Many of the 14 frog • Admire a handsomely-gnarled species recorded at the park can only be Acacia ammophila tree—this is your best water and vital wildlife refuge in the dry chance to see one. inland. Low-growing samphires (salt- seen after rain. tolerant plants that can survive in or out Getting there Picnicking Pull off the sealed Bulloo Developmental of water) trap sediments and nutrients at Discover why the park is special from To Eulo 60km Road (Adventure Way) 150km west of the lake edge. See woodlands of mulga, To Cunnamulla 130km Cunnamulla (40km east of Thargomindah). signs in the shelter while sharing a picnic. To protect fragile lake margins from gidyea, other wattles and Eremophila To Cunnamulla damage this park is walk-in only. growing on surrounding sand hills. Walk the 3 Pump Hole Lake Bindegolly Circuit Places to stay 12 Things to do Stay overnight at Thargomindah. You can’t 9.2km return (allow 3 hrs) Class 4 track ek re C camp in the park. No camping Wildlife spotting Hike to an observation point at the lake Hoods n o Old Caiwarro at lakes i Range t 3 a Homestead site t This surprisingly diverse park is home to edge then return via low, grass-covered S Corni Paroo e 1 Lake Wyara Hom 4 Waterhole Lake sand hills. (salt) about 200 species of birds, 80 other kinds Numalla Did you know?

(fresh) Acacia ammophila is a wattle listed as of animals and 300 species of plants. 6 Sections of the walking track may be Lake 18 ‘vulnerable’ to extinction. From March to Wyara 8 7 Lake Numalla Caiwarro Waterhole October (usually after rain) this attractive Take up a prime waterbird viewing position, covered by water when the lake is full. 9 The 2 K Granites 30 tree produces beautiful yellow ‘puff-ball’ a the closest being a bird hide 100m west of The lake is sometimes completely dry. po K ny illa flowers. Look for mulga parrots feeding on e n Paroo River e b the carpark. Amazingly, some of the park’s C ird its seeds. reek ie 28 C 10 reek 60 species of waterbirds appear almost Lake overnight after water arrives, then leave Kaponyee 4 Currawinya 5 Woolshed again just as quickly when it dries. Ten Mile Bore Ourimperee 6 See black swans, ducks, terns, waders Lake Waterhole Bindegolly Scale Mt Bindegolly Scale eek 0 5 10km and other birds in large breeding flocks 0 1 2 3km Cr 16 ell W inking and maybe spot rare freckled ducks. St Martha Seat Range Hungerford Away from the water, glimpse Eulo−Hungerford Road To Thargomindah 150km honeyeaters, fairy-wrens, parrots and 21 QUEENSLAND To Cunnamulla 150km NEW SOUTH WALES soaring birds of prey. Watch kangaroos To Thargomindah Acacia ammophila coming to drink and tiny marsupials 40km To Bourke 217km Bulloo Development Road Photo: © Viki Cramer hiding in the samphires. (Adventure Way) 17 Hell Hole Waterhole © Qld Govt Photo:

Hell Hole Gorge national Park

Escape deep into weathered gorges to discover unexpected waterholes Must dos and curious creatures hidden beneath a rim of rugged • Peer into the depths at Hell Hole or Spencers waterholes or be mesmerised escarpments giving views to the horizon. by swirling eddies of a washpool. With its steep rocky banks and cascades • Venture deep into weathered gorges Walking or up rugged escarpments for views of that run after heavy rain, Hell Hole Enjoy exploring surrounding plains. Waterhole is the park’s main attraction. around waterholes • Glimpse secretive yellow-footed rock- Venture along deeply-incised creeks, and into rugged wallabies bounding effortlessly up rocky marvelling at 45m high cliffs and the life gullies. Take the ridges or watch raucous red-tailed black Homolocalyx sp.3 cockatoos in trees along the creek. sustained by seasonally-flowing waters. track leading to Photo: Tracy Waltz © Qld Govt a lookout above Getting there Things to do Spencers Waterhole 1 or stroll along the Hell Hole Gorge National Park is 69km from Adavale. Wildlife spotting plateau glimpsing wildlife resting in the cool gorges below. You need to be extremely Head west from Charleville or north from Keep an eye out for spinifex pigeons— Quilpie to Adavale, then take the Adavale– they’re at the south-eastern limit of careful around cliff edges. Take a compass Blackall Road. Turn left and follow the their distribution here. Watch snakes or GPS as the terrain is deceptively rugged. Milo–Gooyea Road to the park. and lizards laze in the sun then slide into A 4WD is essential. Roads are unsealed shady crevices. See Krefft’s river turtles Places to camp and become impassable when wet; be dip under the surface when disturbed. 2 Hell Hole Waterhole prepared for stranding due to wet weather. Rock markers guide you across Powell Creek Take care to avoid stock on unfenced Discover wildflowers blooming in spring to an open area near the park’s largest roads and leave gates as you find them. among sparse, stunted mulga along the waterhole 7.5km from the park entrance. Not The nearest fuel and supplies are at rocky plateau. Charleville (256km) and Quilpie (165km). accessible to caravans, buses or motorhomes.

To Staying safe Spencer Creek Adavale Supervise children closely 69km

Spencers Submerged objects, steep, slippery banks, Waterhole and poor visibility in muddy water make 1 swimming, jumping and diving unsafe. Powell Only confident swimmers should swim. Creek Never dive or jump into the water. Never swim when creeks are in flood. Hell Hole Cliff edges may be unstable. 2 Waterhole Scale Keep well back from the edge. 0 1 2km

18 Range Tank is a reminder of Mariala’s pastoral-era © Qld Govt Robert Photo: Ashdown

Mariala National Park

Experience the hidden beauty and solitude of the often dry, but far from Must dos lifeless rangelands clothed in uniform mulga grey. • Gaze over rocky ridges towards distant ranges where secretive yellow-footed rock-wallabies hide. ‘Soft mulga’ grows on deep red soils in the Things to do • Be fascinated by cryptically park’s east. But on the ranges and shallow Wildlife spotting patterned reptiles, colourful soils ‘hard mulga’ rarely grows above four parrots and delicate wildflowers Keep an eye out for some of Mariala’s metres in height and flowering shrubs cling to contrasting against uniform grey 140 species of birds, 26 reptiles, 10 frogs and mulga and red, sandy soils. life in shallow, infertile soils. 27 mammals. See bar-shouldered doves, sulphur-crested cockatoos, speckled warblers, Getting there Of interest to nature-lovers is Dodonoae Mariala is on the Charleville– intricata which grows on a barren plateau in a pied currawongs and koalas at the limits of Adavale Road 128km west of sparse, stunted shrubland of Acacia stowardi, their usual range. Charleville (59km east of Adavale). Hakea collina and Calytrix tetragona. It is Hardy arid-zone plants are fascinating. Admire The road dissects the park with unusual to see poplar box, brigalow and red entry points well signposted from Euphorbia sarcostemmoides, Thryptomene the Charleville side. ash growing so far west. hexandra, Ptilotus remotiflorusand Acacia A 4WD is recommended. Roads maranoensis. Bowyakka A. microsperma, is not are unsealed and impassable in common in other parks and Mariala also wet weather. Mariala Roadside camping area protects a rare hakea found only in this district. Places to camp Did you know? To Charleville In the early 1900s horses were To 128km Adavale 59km bred here for use by the Cobb and Set up camp adjacent to the Charleville–Adavale Co. coachline. Range tank Road or at your choice of two small camping Formerly part of Ambathalla areas deep inside the park. There are no facilities. holding, but never extensively grazed or cleared, Mariala became a nature reference site for studying long-term vegetation changes.

In 1982 it became a scientific No.3 Bore reserve (the first protected area in camping area Queensland’s Mulga Lands) then a national park in 1992. Mariala Rockpools camping area Scale 0 2 4km Staying safe Cliff edges are unstable. Keep well back from the edge and supervise children closely. Yellow-footed rock-wallabies Photo: Bruce Thomson © Qld Govt 19 Explore Tregole on foot © Qld Govt Ashdown Robert Photo:

Tregole National Park

Be surprised by almost pure stands of ooline—rainforest trees with Must dos prehistoric origins growing in the hot, semi-arid inland. • Stretch your legs on a short bush circuit where you’ll learn to tell ooline Discover the variety of plant and animal Learn about Tregole’s plants and animals from from mulga, brigalow from belah and life where two biogeographic displays at the day-use area. bitterbark from fuchsia bush. • Savour a bush barbecue or peaceful meet—the Brigalow Belt and the Mulga Walk the Tregole circuit picnic with the birds. Lands. Mulga clothes Tregole’s ridges; brigalow grows on areas with heavy 2.1km return (allow 45mins) Class 4 track Getting there clay soils; while woodlands of poplar Weave through stands of ooline and mulga, Turn south off the Warrego Highway at spot birds and identify different plants using Morven and follow the sealed but narrow box and Mitchell grasslands are found signs along the track. Beautiful black orchids road 11km to the Tregole day-use area. on the park’s undulating plains. growing abundantly on tree trunks attract Things to do many insects when in bloom. These flowers are rarely seen so far west. Did you know? Picnicking Ooline Cadellia pentastylis has rainforest Cook lunch on the free gas barbecue origins dating back to the Ice Ages when To Morven or simply picnic under a shady tree. 11km most of Australia was wetter than it is today. The ooline forest at Tregole is Wildlife spotting unusual given such a hot, dry climate. Grab your binoculars and camera and Once more common further east, ooline go birdwatching. Spot brown or white is now considered as vulnerable to treecreepers working busily prising extinction due to clearing over much of its former range. insects from underneath bark, and see weebills, warblers, five different species of thornbills or numerous other ‘little Morven-Bollon Road brown birds’. Caper white butterflies flit from one wild orange bush to Scale another while sand goannas prowl for 0 100 200m an easy meal.

R angers’ tip Stay overnight in Morven, (Above) Enjoy a family visit to the park; (right) caper white butterfly; (far right) ooline is an Mitchell or Charleville. Camping attractive tree with tessellated bark is not permitted at Tregole. Photos: (above) Brett Roberts © Qld Govt; (right) © Qld Museum; (far right) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt

20 Thrushton National Park bursts into flower after rain © Qld Govt Photo:

Thrushton National Park

Disappear down backroads deep into the mulga scrub in search of solitude, Must dos pastoral heritage relics, colourful wildflowers in spring and the unusual sight • Capture contrasting colours of of spinifex so . wildflowers in spring and bright- green spinifex against red sand. Get to know this park with flat, sandy plains • Wander the homestead, woolshed Places to camp containing extensive stands of mulga, a rare and stockyard ruins imagining 1 Thrushton Homestead the bustle of a working pastoral sub species of belah and scattered ironbark, property in years gone by. cypress pine and kurrrajong growing above Getting there areas of spinifex. Camp 3km from the park entrance in an Thrushton is best accessed from open, flat area near the old Thrushton Bollon via the Mitchell–Bollon Things to do Homestead. This building was originally Road. Turn onto Homeboin–St Wildlife spotting part of the Dunkeld Inn and moved here George Road 51km north of Bollon Search for koalas and echidnas amid river red in 1921 on carts drawn by 40 horses. (or 156km south of Mitchell) and continue east for 16km to the park. gums and coolabahs lining Neabul Creek. Keep 2 Thrushton Woolshed From St George, head west along watch for rare square-tailed kites and if lucky the Balonne Highway for 51km, see the golden whistler and delicate mouse at turning north at Boolba onto the south-western limit of their range. Enjoy a peaceful bush camp near the old Cypress Tank Road. Drive for woolshed, 2km past the homestead site. 36km, turn left into Rutherglen Spot a ‘western’ skink or snake! Tiny Ctenotus Road, then travel a further 15km to brachyonyx and C. schomburgkii skinks are Camp sites are accessible to 4WD only in the park entrance. usually seen further west, as is the woma—a dry weather. There are no facilities. A 4WD is recommended. Roads are large ground-dwelling python. Glimpse rare unsealed and impassable in wet yakka skinks perched on sunny logs. weather. Please leave all gates as you find them. Walking k e Scale To Bollon 67km via e 0 4 8km l C r Wander creeklines, around building Mitchell-Bollon Road Nea bu Homeboin–St To St George 102km ruins or along a bush track. George Road Rutherglen Road There are no designated walking tracks so 2 use a compass or GPS and be mindful of your 1 Thrushton location. It’s easy to become disorientated in Woolshed Thrushton Homestead the thick vegetation and flat terrain.

Mourilyan Road R angers’ tip Never attempt to cross bore drains in your vehicle. These open drains directed water to where it was needed

Old Thrushton stockyards but stopped flowing in 2007 when bores were capped as

Photo: © Qld Museum part of the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative. To Balonne Highway 21 Journey confidently

Roads through the Mulga Lands can be long and dusty © Qld Govt Ashdown Robert Photo:

Enjoy vast horizons and the freedom of being out of phone contact—but don’t take the outback for granted. Be self-sufficient and well prepared so you are not left stranded due to a breakdown or unexpected rain.

Be prepared Communication Packing checklist • Pack for hot and cold conditions… and Mobile phone and internet coverage is q Adequate water, food and emergency flies! It can be very hot during the day generally not available, although some supplies. Carry at least 7 litres of water and cold overnight. Bring fly veils, networks may have service in major per person per day (for drinking, insect repellent and insect-proof towns. Carry a satellite phone or UHF cooking and limited washing) plus an extra emergency supply for camping gear. radio you can use to contact support 3–4 days in case of stranding. • Expect rough, slow, dusty and/or boggy or emergency services should the need roads far from help should something arise—see back cover for useful contacts. q Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection and medications. go wrong. Many parks are only A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is also accessible in a 4WD. advisable for travel in remote areas. q Detailed map showing travel routes and distances. A GPS may be useful. • Choose your destination carefully. Camping in parks Are you, your vehicle and equipment q Communication equipment and list To camp in national parks you need a up to it? Do you have remote travel of emergency contacts. camping permit. Book your camp sites experience and sound mechanical q Sufficient fuel, vehicle spares and repair and obtain camping permits online before knowledge of your vehicle? Consider equipment. Have extra tyres, fuel, oil, you go at qld.gov.au/camping travelling with another vehicle. engine coolant and vehicle retrieval equipment if travelling to remote areas. • Fuel up regularly. 4WD travel and low Stop for local advice at a friendly visitor gear uses fuel more quickly. Fuel stops information centre along the way. Many q Reliable camping gear in good are few and far between. offer free wi-fi which can be used for working order. • Plan for emergencies. Pack extra checking park alerts and making camping q Portable stove and/or clean, weed- supplies and leave an itinerary bookings. For accommodation options free firewood. (including travel routes and check-in outside national parks visit Outback q Sturdy rubbish bags and sealable, points) with a friend or relative. Tourism at outbackqueensland.com.au animal-proof containers. No bins or call 1800 247 966. • Avoid rushing. Allow for delays and take are provided. your time to appreciate all this vast region offers.

Fishing Fishing is only permitted at Currawinya (Right) Nothing beats camping beside an outback waterhole; (opposite page top) Culgoa Floodplain National Park. Regulations apply, for details sometimes lives up to its name; (opposite page bottom) remember to pack your binoculars see npsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/fishing Photos: (right) Raelene Neilson © Qld Govt; (opposite page top to bottom) © Qld Govt; Karen Smith © Qld Govt

22 Be responsible Drive safely Flood warning • Avoid disturbing animals and plants, • Drive according to the speed limit and After good rains (in local areas or cultural artefacts and historic sites. local conditions. Unsealed roads may far upstream) flooding can cut roads • Leave your pets at home. have gutters, washouts or loose edges and leave parks or townships isolated • Please don’t feed wildlife or leave food and dust decreases visibility. Always for long periods. Be ready to sit tight or scraps behind. watch out for livestock and wildlife. if it rains. • Take your rubbish away with you. Never • Keep to designated roads to help • Check for closures before bury rubbish as animals will dig it up. prevent erosion, protect vegetation and travelling. • Please don’t place rubbish or contents avoid the confusion of multiple tracks. • Obey all road closures—roads of chemical toilet tanks into pit toilets. Plants here are slow to regrow. may be closed due to boggy • Avoid the spread of weeds and pests. • Be considerate of other road users and conditions or water over the road. Use vehicle wash-down facilities in local local land holders. Leave gates as you • Avoid flooded crossings as towns. Check clothing and equipment find them and never drive on private submerged obstacles and regularly: wrap weed seeds and plant property without permission. Some washouts may pose a hazard. material and dispose with your rubbish. maps show roads not open to the public. If it’s flooded—forget it! • Don’t use firearms, chainsaws, quad • Avoid driving on rain-affected roads. bikes or unregistered motor cycles. Even if you get through you could • Use a portable stove or your own clean, damage the road surface and make it Stay informed weed-free firewood. Collecting firewood dangerous for other road users. Regularly check: in national parks is not permitted. Use • If you break down, ALWAYS stay with • park alerts at npsr.qld.gov.au/ fire rings where provided. your vehicle until help arrives. park-alerts for park conditions • Wash at least 50m away from and closures. waterbodies and minimise use of soap • current and forecast weather and detergent. Watch wildlife, conditions and river heights at • Where toilets are not provided, bury don’t hit it! bom.gov.au Vehicles share the road with wildlife. • travel and road condition human waste and toilet paper at least Minimise your chance of collision and information at 131940.qld.gov.au 15cm deep and 100m away from camp vehicle damage by travelling at or or phone 13 19 40. sites, tracks and watercourses. below the speed limit. Avoid driving Be safe at dusk or dawn when wildlife are • In an emergency, call most active. Triple Zero (000). Slow down for wedge-tailed eagles • Always carry drinking water, whether feeding on road-kill—they need time driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat to lift their huge bulk off the ground. water from any source. Watch for emus, kangaroos and • Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, livestock, and for reptiles basking on sunscreen, insect repellent and sturdy sunny road surfaces. footwear (not thongs). • Supervise children at all times. • Watch your step and stay away from escarpment edges. They might be unstable. • Check water conditions before swimming. Never jump or dive into the water as it may be shallow or hide submerged objects. Never swim alone or when a creek is flooded. • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and on the lookout for animals

that could scratch, sting or bite. Shane Hume © Qld Govt Photo: 23 Useful contacts Local information on roads, waste Emergencies: disposal sites and local services: Call Triple Zero (000) from a digital or Balonne Shire phone (07) 4620 8877 satellite mobile phone. Mobile phone www.balonne.qld.gov.au coverage is extremely limited. Bulloo Shire phone (07) 4655 3399 For non life-threatening emergencies www.bulloo.qld.gov.au you can also try to make contact via Murweh Shire phone (07) 4654 7771 UHF radio—scan for people using other www.murweh.qld.gov.au channels while you are driving. Paroo Shire phone (07) 4655 1120 Tourism information: www.paroo.qld.gov.au outbackqueensland.com.au Quilpie Shire phone (07) 4656 0540 or phone 1800 247 966. www.quilpie.qld.gov.au Toilet waste dump points: Road conditions: Campervan and Motorhome Club Visit the Department of Transport and of Australia cmca.net.au Main Roads at 131940.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

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©State of Queensland 2017. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing. BP1991 May 2017, accurate at the time of printing. Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources.