Central Queensland Sandstone Belt parks visitor guide

Featuring
Carnarvon National Park:
Salvator Rosa, Ka Ka Mundi, Mount
Moffatt and Carnarvon Gorge sections
Expedition National Park:
Beilba, Lonesome and
Robinson Gorge sections
Isla Gorge National Park
Lake Murphy Conservation Park
Nuga Nuga National Park
Great state. Great opportunity.
Carnarvon Gorge
The Central Queensland Sandstone Belt covers an area of
approximately 82 000 square kilometres. At least 25 separate
mountain ranges radiate from the Great Dividing Range in this
region, forming a rugged and varied landscape.
Towering multi-hued cliffs, caves and
overhangs, clear running streams and a
mosaic of vegetation communities are
vital elements of this scenic landscape.
Stories
in the stone
To the west of Carnarvon Gorge a basaltcrested series of tablelands rise to over
1000 metres above sea level. Known
as ‘The Roof of Queensland’, this is
Queensland’s most elevated landmass
outside Mount Bartle Frere in the state’s
north. These tablelands are also the
headwaters of many major eastern
Australian rivers, earning the region’s
other title—‘The Home of the Rivers’.
A spectacular but fragile assemblage of
Aboriginal rock art is protected within
the national parks of the sandstone
highlands. The images left on stone by the
area’s Aboriginal people are some of the
most significant in Australia.
Unfortunately, cultural sites within the
parks have been damaged—through
deliberate or natural means—with some
rock art being ruined or even completely
destroyed. Today, Aboriginal people are
working in partnership with Queensland
Parks and Wildlife Service to protect these
precious places.
When visiting rock art sites, please
remember that the art is very fragile
and can be permanently damaged by
touching—even accidentally. Please
enjoy a close look at the rock art while
remaining on boardwalks where they
are provided.
The spectacular rock art at the Art Galle
ry,
Carnarvon Gorge, is a reminder that this
is a landscape with a long and ongoing
human history.
2
Locality map
To Emerald
To Rockhampton
To Blackdown Tableland
National Park
To Blackwater
Springsure
Woorabinda
To Tambo
To Biloela
Banana
Rolleston
Bauhinia
Moura
Ka Ka
Mundi
Salvator
Rosa
CARNARVON
NATIONAL PARK
To Tambo
NUGA NUGA
NATIONAL PARK
Theodore
Mount
Moffatt
Flagstaff
Hill
Carnarvon
Gorge
To Eidsvold
Robinson
Gorge
Two other sandstone national parks are not
included in this regional guide. Blackdown
Tableland National Park lies 180 km west of
Rockhampton and 110 km east of Emerald,
while Cania Gorge National Park lies 225 km
west of Bundaberg. For more information on
these parks, visit the Department of National
Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (NPRSR)
website <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>.
Lonesome
ISLA GORGE
NATIONAL PARK
EXPEDITION
NATIONAL PARK
LAKE MURPHY
CONSERVATION PARK
Beilba
Taroom
Womblebank
Injune
To Augathella
Wandoan
Morven
Mitchell
Roma
Key to symbols
Buildiing
Highway
Waterway
Grid
Sealed road
Hill/mountain peak
Gate
Landform
Distance
marker
Sheltered
pinic table
Toilet
Ranger
station
Facilities chart
Drinking
water
Spring
On-site
information
4WD track/road
x
Information shelter
Barbecue—gas
Car camping
Ranger station
Barbecue—wood
4WD camping
Toilet
Open fireplace
Caravan site
Parking area
Drinking water
Great Walk
Wheelchair access
Sheltered picnic table
No diving
General store
Picnic table
Treat water before use
•
•
•
4WD camping
Body of water
Viewpoint
Vehicle
camping
Conservation park
Walking track
Viewpoint
Cliff line
To Chinchilla
Accommodation
Great Walk
entrance
Walking track
Miles
Restaurant
Wood
barbecue
National park
Jackson
Information
Open
fireplace
Legend for all maps
Unsealed road
Yuleba
To Surat
Bushwalking
To St George
60 km
Gas barbecue
30
Picnic table
Scale
0
Walking track
To Charleville
Page
Carnarvon National Park
Ka Ka Mundi Section
7
Salvator Rosa Section
8
Carnarvon Gorge Section
10
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12
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Mount Moffatt Section
Nuga Nuga National Park
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Expedition National Park
Robinson Gorge Section
14
Lonesome Section
15
Beilba Section
16
Lake Murphy Conservation Park
17
Isla Gorge National Park
18
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3
:M
oto
Ph
Warning! These parks are remote and do not have a consistent
ranger presence. You must be self-sufficient, responsible
for your own safety, and prepared for emergencies like
breakdowns or stranding after rain. The nearest fuel and
supplies can often be hundreds of kilometres away.
Park access
Walking tracks
All the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt
parks are open all year round; however,
the best time to visit is between April and
September. Temperatures in this region vary
widely. Summer days can exceed 35° C.
In winter, heavy frosts can be expected as
temperatures sometimes fall below freezing.
The Central Queensland Sandstone Belt
offers a wide range of walking tracks
from beginner to advanced level. Each
track is classified according to Australian
Walking Track Standards.
Rain mostly falls between December
and March. However, storms can occur
throughout the year. Many roads are
unsealed and impassable after even a
small amount of rain. Remember flooding
can occur suddenly.
Access to some parks, and some
areas within parks, is suitable only
for 4WD vehicles.
Key to track standards
Class 3 track
• Gently sloping, well defined track with
slight inclines or few steps.
• Caution needed on loose gravel
surfaces, cliff edges and exposed
natural lookouts.
• Reasonable level of fitness and anklesupporting footwear required.
Wheelchair access
Limited wheelchair-accessible facilities
are available at Carnarvon Gorge section,
Carnarvon National Park.
Camping permits
Camping permits are required for camping
in Queensland national parks and reserves.
You must obtain a camping permit and
pay your camping fees before camping.
A camping tag with your booking number
must be displayed at your camp site.
Visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au> for further
information and current camping
arrangements before visiting any of
these parks.
4
Bookings for camping permits can be made
at <www.qld.gov.au/camping> or by phoning
13 QGOV (13 74 68). Mobile phone charges
may apply.
Class 4 track
• Distinct track usually with steep
exposed inclines or many steps.
• Caution needed on loose gravel
surfaces, cliff edges and exposed
natural lookouts.
• Moderate level of fitness and anklesupporting footwear required.
Class 5 track
• Tracks are likely to be very rough, very
steep and unmarked.
• Recommended for very experienced
bushwalkers with specialised skills,
including navigation and emergency
first aid.
• High level of fitness and anklesupporting footwear required.
ichael O’Connor
, NP
RS
Despite their remote nature,
many sites within the sandstone
belt (such as the Moss Garden at Carnarvon
Gorge) attract thousands of visitors each year.
Help protect these fragile places for the future by
following a few simple guidelines during your visit.
Plan your
trip well
Many of the parks in this region are
remote. Be prepared.
• Pack adequate water, food and
emergency supplies. Carry seven
litres of water per person per day (for
drinking, cooking and limited washing),
plus an extra emergency supply.
• Bring a portable stove. Fires are not
permitted in many of our parks.
• Pack a complete first-aid kit. Include
sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Carry UHF, satellite phone and/or an
Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon (EPIRB). Carry a list of local
UHF radio channels and emergency
contacts. There is no mobile phone
coverage in much of the Central
Queensland Sandstone Belt.
• Take extra fuel and vehicle repairs.
Frequent low gear and 4WD travel on
park drives will use fuel more quickly.
Use maps to plan refuelling points
and calculate extra fuel to carry. Bring
vehicle repair tools and spares; include
two spare tyres, oil and engine coolant.
• Be familiar with your equipment and
experienced with inland Australian
conditions. For more remote parks
ensure one person has sound
mechanical knowledge of your vehicle.
• Leave an itinerary with a friend or
relative. Include travel routes and/or
check-in points.
• Pack for hot and cold conditions.
Outback Queensland can be very hot
during the day and very cold (below
freezing point) overnight.
• Bring sturdy rubbish bags and
sealable, animal-proof containers.
No bins are provided.
R.
Photo: Brendan Moodie, NPRSR.
The park contains a range of vegetation
communities. On the park’s undulating
eastern plains, grey-green brigalow
contrasts with red clay soils, where
bonewood and softwood scrubs are also
found. Other soil types here support
different vegetation—poplar box on clay
loams, silver-leaved ironbark on sandy
soils, and open grasslands on basaltderived black soils.
Scale
0
2
4 km
Ka Ka Mundi
Carnarvon National Park
C r ee
k
Old cattle yards near some of the springs
are reminders of early European history.
Ka Ka Mundi was grazed for more than a
century before the park was declared in
1974, primarily to preserve bonewood,
softwood and brigalow scrubs.
To Dawson
Development Road
k
Cree
Three Monkeys
Fred Hill
Jackso
n
The sandstones of Ka Ka Mundi were
laid down in freshwater lakes and
streams about 180 million years ago.
In more recent geological time, basaltic
lava covered the ranges. Erosion over the
ages has left only a few basalt outcrops,
such as Mount Ka Ka Mundi.
G u lly
ad
Bro
Photo: Brendan Moodie, NPRSR.
More than 30 km of remote
sandstone escarpments
and plateaus dominate the
skyline at Ka Ka Mundi.
Mt Ka Ka Mundi
Den Spring
Red Hill
Cave Hill
Mt Mooloolong
Mt Flat Top
Packsaddle
S
Springs
Bunbuncundoo
buncundoo
n
d
ng
ngs
Springs
The silver foliage
of brigalow Acacia
harpophylla shines
among a range of
other plant species,
including bottle
trees, within a
patch of softwood
vine scrub at
Ka Ka Mundi.
Private road
No access
The Great Divide and range country is
timbered with stunted eucalypts. Taller
ironbarks and ‘yellow jackets’ also occur
with a shrubby wattle understorey.
Bottle trees emerge above softwood
vine scrubs.
Access to Ka Ka Mundi is via unsealed
roads. During dry weather, the park can
be reached in conventional vehicles.
The roads become impassable when wet.
Take care to avoid stock on unfenced
roads and leave gates as you find them.
Access
Things to do
Ka Ka Mundi is 130 km or two hours
drive south-west of Springsure.
From Springsure, take the Dawson
Developmental Road for about 50 km.
Then take the Buckland Road to
the south and follow signed tracks
past Petrona and Tanderra, through
Yandaburra to the park boundary.
Pleasant bush camping areas are
available at Bunbuncundoo Springs.
No facilities are provided so visitors must
be totally self-sufficient. The nearest fuel
and food are at Springsure and Tambo.
Bring drinking water, sufficient food and
fuel for the return trip and a gas stove for
cooking. No open fires allowed.
You might glimpse red-ne
cke
and swamp wallabies she d (above)
ltering in thick
understorey by day. Loo
k for stocky
dark wallaroos around
rocky ridges
and sandstone outcrops.
The grunting
calls of koalas can som
etimes be heard
along the escarpment.
5
Photo: Brendan Moodie, NPRSR.
P
m
ith
,N
PRS
R.
Flannel flowers
The spring-fed Nogoa River and Louisa Creek wind through a
picturesque broad valley beneath craggy sandstone outcrops.
Photo:
en
Kar
S
Planning your trip
Access
Access to Salvator Rosa is via unsealed
roads, which become impassable in wet
weather. Salvator Rosa is accessible by
4WD vehicle only.
Salvator Rosa lies between Springsure
and Tambo. From Springsure, head
114 km west along the Dawson
Developmental Road to the park turnoff.
From Tambo there are two routes that
use the loop road ‘Wilderness Way’.
To take route one, head 42 km north on
the Dawson Developmental Road then
turn east towards Springsure and drive
102 km to the Salvator Rosa turnoff.
At the turnoff, drive south for 50 km via
‘Cungelella’ to the park boundary and a
further 4 km to the campsite.
Route two is for high clearance vehicles
only. Drive 8 km south of Tambo, on the
Landsborough Highway, turn east onto
Mt Playfair Road (‘Wilderness Way’). At
approximately 90 km this road intersects
the Cungelella road. Turn south and travel
via ‘Cungelella’, to the park boundary.
4WD is essential inside the park.
The access roads become impassable
after rain. Please respect the rights of
property owners and leave all gates as you
find them. Watch for wildlife and livestock
on roads.
WARNING: Travel times can
be unexpectedly slow due
to predominantly unsealed
roads. Be aware of bull dust,
sand and other changing
conditions.
To Dawson Development Road
Salvator Rosa
Carnarvon National Park
Spyglass Peak
Situated on a broad sandy bank beside
the Nogoa River—2.4 km from the park
entrance—this bush camping area has
a pit toilet. For your safety, please camp
only within the designated camping area.
Heavy storms in the upper catchment have
been known to cause flash flooding.
Things to do
Homoranthus Hill
Spyglass Peak
Homoranthus Hill parking
Major Mitchell Springs
Louis a C r e e k
6
Nogoa River camping area
Care should be taken when crossing the
Nogoa River just south of the camping
area. The crossing has a soft sandy bottom
and the river often rises quickly due to
heavy storms upstream.
r
a
Nog o
Rive
Camping
A self-guided drive directs you to the
park’s most outstanding features,
including flowing springs and towering
sandstone formations. There are plenty
of opportunities for birdwatching,
photography and bush walks.
Nogoa River camping area
Louisa Creek
junction
Belinda
Spring
Visitors to this remote area must be
self-sufficient. The nearest fuel and food
supplies are at Springsure (169 km)
and Tambo (198 km). A well-equipped
first-aid kit and gas cooking equipment
are essential. While the Nogoa River has
permanent water, you should boil or treat
water before drinking.
Yard site
Scale
0
2
4 km
1 km return. Allow 20 minutes.
Class 4
A 500 m track leads from the road to the
base of impressive Spyglass Peak, so
named because of the 10 m diameter
hole near its summit. The sandstones of
Salvator Rosa crumble easily so please
take care when walking around
sandstone outcrops.
Flagstaff
Hill
WARNING: Cliff edges
may crumble. Stay well
back from the edge
Isla Gorge National Park is a complex maze of gorges and
isolated sandstone monoliths at the southern end of the
Dawson Range.
The To Theodore
Devils
Nest
k
ree
ge C
or
G
ay
hw
Carpet python
You can reach the Flagstaff Hill section
from either Taroom or Theodore.
Kongabulla Clan of the Iman Tribe—
the Carpet Snake People
Outstanding scenery and rich plant life
were the main reasons for gazetting this
area as national park in 1964. Brilliant
displays of flowering wattles appear from
mid-winter and boronias, red grevilleas
and grass trees blossom in August and
September.
At the picnic shelter, look north out
over large areas of botanically rich
semi-evergreen vine thicket, to the
distant rugged rock formation locally
know as ‘Devils Nest’. Eucalyptus
beaniana—an ironbark tree found
near the carpark—is one of the 10
rare and threatened plants growing
in the park.
From Taroom, drive north for 31 km along
the Leichhardt Highway. Turn left at the
‘Flagstaff via Waterton’ signpost and
travel for 49 km (9 km past the turnoff to
Flagstaff Station). Turn left again and drive
another 2 km.
From Theodore, drive south for 8 km along
the Leichhardt Highway and turn off onto a
road signposted ‘Glenmoral Roundstone’
and ‘Brigalow Research Station’. Travel
14 km then turn left into Glenbar Road
and continue for 3.6 km then turn right
into Flagstaff Road. After 9 km turn sharp
right into the park at a cattle grid on the
top of the range. Follow the road for a
further 2 km.
Hi
e
hha
rdt
Le
ic
To Taroom
Scale
0
2
4 km
Things to do
A picnic area at the Isla Gorge lookout
has wheelchair accessible toilets, a picnic
shelter and water tank. There are no
walking tracks in Isla Gorge and loose,
crumbly rock makes the descent into the
gorge dangerous. Only well-equipped,
experienced walkers should enter this part
of the park. To explore the gorge system
safely you will need to use the Ghinghinda
1:100 000 topographical map.
There is a short Class 4 walk to a natural
lookout that overlooks Gorge Creek and
Devils Nest.
Camping
Isla Gorge is a great place for an inland
stopover. The bush camping area overlooks
the gorge and is just 1.3 km off the highway.
Camp overnight and watch the sun set over
the orange-coloured cliffs of Isla Gorge.
Warning: Unsealed roads are
slippery when wet and can
become impassable after
heavy rain.
Herbert’s
rock-wallaby
Hand-paved road,
Flagstaff Hill
re
Hew
it
C
ts
Turn onto the Leichhardt Highway from
the Warrego Highway at Miles, or from
the Dawson Highway at Banana. To reach
Isla Gorge lookout, turn off the Leichhardt
Highway 55 km north of Taroom and
35 km south of Theodore. The lookout is
1.3 km west of the highway.
The Traditional Clan group of the area
covered by Isla Gorge welcomes guests
to our land. We hope that you enjoy
your visit and ask that you respect this
place, as it is of special significance
and spirituality to our people.
g
k
Access
DANGER: Unfenced cliff edges
near the campground and dayuse area. Take care and keep
away from cliff edges—they
can be deceptive and are often
closer than you think. Sandstone
is brittle and may crumble
unexpectedly. Please supervise
children at all times and take
extra care when using binoculars
or cameras at these sites.
7
Photo: Adam Creed, EHP
.
Carnarvon Gorge is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland.
The ever-flowing waters of Carnarvon Creek have carved a steepsided, spectacular gorge within ancient white sandstone.
Carnarvon Gorge lies hidden within the
rugged ranges of Queensland’s Central
Highlands. Over millions of years, water has
eroded a deep and dramatic gorge system
within the layers of soft, white sandstone—
creating majestic cliffs that change colour
with the movement of the sun and the
change of seasons. Carnarvon Creek flows
all year, giving life to a luxuriant growth of
ferns, palms, shrubs and trees.
Discover fern-filled side gorges, spectacular
sandstone formations, abundant wildlife,
ancient plants, Aboriginal rock art sites and
many other features that make this such a
memorable place.
Macrozamia
moorei fruit
Carnarvon
Gorge
Visitor Area
Access
From Roma, drive 90 km north to Injune
and then a further 111 km along the
Carnarvon Developmental Road to the
signed turn-off. From Emerald, drive
135 km south-east to Rolleston via
Springsure. From Rolleston, it is a
further 61 km south to the Carnarvon
Gorge turn-off.
From the turn-off, drive 45 km to the park.
The last 15 km of the road is unsealed
and is normally suitable for conventional
vehicles and caravans in dry weather.
After heavy rain, the unsealed section of
the road may become impassable. Creeks
are subject to flooding. Check with the
ranger or RACQ for road conditions before
setting out. No fuel is available after
leaving Injune or Rolleston. The nearest
vehicle tyre and repair facilities are at
Roma and Springsure.
ek
Cre
Rock Pool
Car
on
narv
Carnarvon Gorge
Wilderness Lodge
Mickey
Not to scale
8
k
ee
Cr
Baloon Cave
Takarakka
Bush Resort
The main gorge track lea
ds walkers alongside
Carnarvon Creek, past she
er cliffs and to
shaded side-gorges.
Camping
You can camp in the Carnarvon Gorge
visitor area only during Easter, June–July
and September–October Queensland
school holidays. Bookings are essential.
Take a fuel stove. Open fires are not
permitted. Remove all rubbish from the
park. Basic supplies are available from
Takarakka Bush Resort, 4 km away.
A small campsite at Big Bend (10 km walk
into the park) is open year round.
Privately-run accommodation is available
at all times of the year. Takarakka Bush
Resort and Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness
Lodge adjoin the park and are 4 km and
3 km respectively by road from the national
park information centre. Both provide
cabins, with Takarakka also offering
camping facilities and powered sites.
Takarakka Bush Resort
Phone: (07) 4984 4535
Fax: (07) 4984 4556
Website: <www.takaru.com.au>
Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Phone: (07) 4984 4503 / 1800 644 150
Fax: (07) 4984 4500
Website: <www.carnarvon-gorge.com>
Arcadia Valley Escape
Phone: (07) 4626 7197 / 0427 267 197
Website: <www.arcadiavalleyescape.com>
Things to do
Walk planner
All distances are return from the visitor area unless otherwise stated.
Walking
Take a walk at Carnarvon Gorge and
explore the natural beauty of this rugged
wilderness. A minimum of three days is
recommended to walk the tracks, explore
side gorges and visit Aboriginal cultural
sites. All tracks are fully signposted and
lead either from the main road to the
park information centre, or from the main
track that starts in the Carnarvon Gorge
visitor area.
Return trip distance
5 km
10 km
15 km
20 km
Baloon Cave 1 km (approx 30 mins) return (from carpark)
Nature Trail 1.5 km (approx 30 mins) return
Mickey Creek gorge 3 km (approx 1.5 hrs) return (from carpark)
Rock Pool 3.6 km (approx 1.5 hrs) return; 600 m return (from carpark)
Class 3 track
Class 4 track
Boolimba Bluff 6.4 km (approx 3 hrs) return
Remote walking
Moss Garden 7 km (approx 2.5 hrs) return
Remote walks at Carnarvon Gorge must
be carefully planned, well in advance.
It is essential that all remote walkers:
Moss Garden and Amphitheatre 10 km (approx 3 hrs) return
Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward’s Canyon 11.7 km (approx 4 hrs) return
• check the Park Alerts section of the
NPRSR website for current information
on tracks and conditions
• speak to a ranger about current
conditions before departing on
the walk
• record trip details in a registration
book at the park’s information centre,
and log out of the book when you have
completed your walk; and
• carry a topographic map, compass and
adequate drinking water. A GPS is also
a valuable aid, but may not function
in gorges. Make sure you know how to
use any equipment before heading out.
Carnarvon Great Walk
The 86 km Carnarvon Great Walk
links the Carnarvon Gorge and
Mount Moffatt sections of Carnarvon
National Park. Designed to be
completed in six or seven days, the
Great Walk allows experienced and
well-prepared walkers the chance
to explore more of the sandstone
country’s most spectacular and
remote landscapes.
Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Ward’s Canyon and Art Gallery 14 km (approx 5 hrs) return
Moss Garden, Boowinda Gorge and Big Bend 21 km (approx 7 hrs) return
Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Ward’s Canyon, Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave 22 km (approx 8 hrs) return
Return trip distance
5 km
10 km
15 km
20 km
Walking tip: Walk directly to the furthest point on the main track you intend to visit, taking the side tracks
to other sites on the way back.
Guided tours and talks
Picnic and day-use areas
QPWS rangers at Carnarvon Gorge run
activities and guided tours during school
holidays (except Christmas–New Year).
Connect with nature through a range of
hands-on activities and learn how to help
look after this special park. Activities are
offered for families, adults and children.
All activities are free and visitors can
register during the holiday period at
Carnarvon Gorge information centre.
Visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>.
At the entrance to Carnarvon Gorge, a large,
grassy picnic area is set among towering
eucalypts and cabbage palms. Wheelchairaccessible toilets and tables, gas barbecues
and drinking water are available. Parking
is provided for buses, cars and includes
allocated wheelchair-accessible spaces.
Below: Aboriginal rock art at the Art Gallery and
Cathedral Cave is regarded as some of the world’s
finest examples of stencil and free-hand imagery.
Carnarvon’s art sites are part of a landscape
regarded in its entirety as a spiritual place.
The visitor information centre is a short
walk from the picnic area and car parks.
It is staffed from 8 am–5 pm, seven days
a week. This can change during summer
months as rangers attend to field duties.
Speak to a local ranger for up-to-date track
information and maps before embarking
on walks.
Other things to do
Photo: Adam Creed, NPRSR.
Visitors can swim at the Rock Pool.
Please supervise children and do not
dive or jump into the water. To protect
the Carnarvon Creek’s delicate aquatic
ecology, swimming is not permitted
in other sections of the creek.
Carnarvon Gorge
section
For more detailed information,
pick up a copy of the Carnarvon
Gorge park guide at the
information centre on park.
ot
Park guide
R.
RS
Photo: Brendan Moodie,
NPRSR.
Far right: The main gorge track leads walkers
alongside Carnarvon Creek, past sheer cliffs
and to shaded side-gorges.
o
Ph
Right: Catch a glimpse of platypus and other
creek life on an early morning or twilight
stroll along the Nature Trail. Opportunities for
birdwatching at Carnarvon are plentiful, with
over 173 bird species inhabiting or visiting
the park. A night walk with a torch can reveal
gliders, possums and bush stone-curlews.
P
:N
Carnarvon Nationa
l Park
9
Sculpted sandstone outcrops, dramatic gorges and high
country are protected in this remote and elevated section
of Carnarvon National Park.
These camping areas can be accessed
by conventional vehicles in dry weather.
Water and pit toilets are provided. Water
supplies at both sites are limited and
should be used for drinking only.
There are no roads connecting Mount
Moffatt with Carnarvon Gorge, Salvator
Rosa or Ka Ka Mundi. No fuel is available
after leaving Injune or Mitchell, so allow
extra fuel for driving the 90 km of park
roads as well as the trip home.
Rotary Shelter Shed and Top
Moffatt camping areas
These camping areas are accessed by
4WD vehicle only. The small Rotary Shelter
Shed camping area has a picnic shelter
and toilet. Water is available but is limited
and should be used for drinking only.
The Top Moffatt camping area has a toilet
only—no water is available here.
Camping
Access
Mount Moffatt has four camping areas.
During school holidays, campsites should
be booked in advance. On arrival at the
Mount Moffatt is 220 km north of Mitchell
park, stop at the information hut to find
via Womblebank Station. It is 160 km north- out more about the park.
west of Injune via Womblebank Station.
From Injune, travel north for 500 m on the
Carnarvon Developmental Road and turn left
into the Womblebank Road (signposted) and
travel to Womblebank Station. Turn right at
the T-intersection and travel to the national
park following signposts along the way.
7
Marlon
Rotary
shelter shed
Consuelo
Tableland
2
Mahogany Forest
5
Marlong Plain
Ma
r
ve
Ri ch)
oa ran
n
The Observatory
a
ar t B
M es
(W
2
Brandy
15
k
1141 m
lly
Gu
rn
ar
vo
n
Mt Percy
1151 m
Cathedral Rock
Visitor orientation site
Thick-tailed gecko
Mitchell 220 km
Injune 160 km
Cr
ee
Ra
e
Battleship
Spur
1074 m
Mt Moffatt
1097 m
Original
homestead site
The Three Sisters
Not to scale
k
ng
Top Moffatt
camping area
Mar
ano
a Riv
(Eas
er
t Bra
nch
)
The Looking Glass
M
6
Mail boxes
The Tombs
ke C
ista
One M
ile
2
3
5
1137 m
ree
Dargonelly Rock Hole
camping area
Ca
1174 m
7
Creek
Ch
es
rlo
3
Boo
t
ully
gG
ter
ng
Kookaburra
k Cave
ee
Cr
West Branch
camping area
Dividing
ton
Ra
Marlong
Arch
2
1232 m
Head of
Carnarvon Creek
t
nge
9
2
Cre
Lot’s
Wife
ek
2
The Chimneys
10
Top shelter
shed
k
g Cree
Mt Sugarloaf
1154 m
ea
The road from Womblebank is unsealed and
can be impassable after rain. In dry weather,
the park can be reached by conventional
2WD vehicle if care is taken, but some
sections of the road may be rough. A highclearance 4WD is recommended. Once in
the park, a high-clearance 4WD is required
to reach many of the features.
Murder site
Kenniff
Lookout
No
through
road
Gr
From Mitchell, travel north following the
Forestvale Road to Womblebank Station.
Continue through the intersection and travel
to the national park following signposts
along the way.
Lethbridge’s
Pocket
Incineration site
Lon
Sandstone monoliths tower above a carpet
of open woodland, while basalt-crested
plateaus form a backdrop to this subtle
but spectacular landscape. This area has
been home to countless generations of
Aboriginal people as well as European
settlers. The park now conserves a range
of vegetation communities and a diverse
assemblage of flora and fauna.
Dargonelly Rock Hole and
West Branch camping areas
Walking
Things to do
Take a walk to experience the special
atmosphere of the Mount Moffatt bush.
Walking tracks lead from the orientation
area to unusual rock pillars and an
Aboriginal rock art site.
Take a circuit drive to visit many of the
park’s main features, or head up the
4WD track to the top of the Consuelo
Tableland. A trip within the park can
easily total over 100 km, so ensure you
have plenty of fuel. The circuit road is
rough and sandy, and high-clearance
4WD vehicles are recommended.
All roads within the park may be
impassable for days after heavy rain.
There is a secondary entrance to the
Carnarvon Great Walk at West Branch.
Be prepared for extreme temperatures at
Mount Moffatt. In winter, temperatures
may fall well below zero, while in summer
they may reach over 30° C. Storms are
frequent in summer.
Some roads and sections of Mount
Moffatt might be closed without
prior notice when wet, in the event of
wildfires, or when park staff are carrying
out other management duties.
For more detailed information, pick up
a copy of the Mount Moffatt park guide
at the information hut on park.
Mount Moffatt’s var
ied landscape, com
bined
with a mixture of sed
imentary and volcan
ic rock,
supports a rich mosai
c of plant communit
ies.
Marlong Plain (backd
rop) is home to the
rare
austral cornflower Ste
mmacantha australi
s (inset).
Rare woodland communities are protected within this national
park, which lies adjacent to one of the largest natural lakes in
the central highlands.
Access
From Injune, travel north 37 km on the
Carnarvon Developmental Road and turn
right onto the Arcadia Valley Access Road.
Travel 62 km on gravel road (some sections
sealed) to the Lake Nuga Nuga Road turnoff.
From Rolleston, travel south-east on
the Dawson Highway 28 km and turn
right at Arcadia Valley Access Road.
Travel 58 km on gravel and turn right
onto Lake Nuga Nuga Road turnoff.
To Arcadia
Valley Road
Scale
0
Lake Nuga Nuga
1
ham, NPRSR.
Photo: Gareth Gra
Located in the Arcadia Valley, Nuga Nuga
National Park conserves remnants of
endangered bonewood scrub and the
vulnerable ooline tree as part of an island
of unique and varied vegetation in a
heavily cleared landscape.
2 km
Neither route is suited to wet
weather travel, and the last 7 km
into the national park requires
caution during wet weather. This
7 km is suitable for conventional
vehicles during dry weather if care
is taken.
Nuga Nuga.
water lillies, Lake
Willy wagtail and
Things to do
A bush camping area with no facilities is
located on the banks of Lake Nuga Nuga.
As this park is remote, be sure to bring
adequate supplies of food, water and fuel.
11
Winding for 14 km between sheer sandstone cliffs up to
100 m high, Robinson Gorge is one of the main features of the
large and remote Expedition National Park, situated on the
Expedition Range between Taroom and Rolleston.
Robinson Gorge is unusual—it begins as
a broad, shallow basin before narrowing
to a deep pool in a narrow gorge only six
metres wide near its southern end.
In 1844, explorer Ludwig Leichhardt
and his expedition travelled through on
their way from what is now south-east
Queensland to Port Essington near Darwin
in the Northern Territory. Leichhardt
named many features, including Robinson
Creek, after expedition members
or supporters.
Alternatively, drive north from Taroom for
18 km along the Leichhardt Highway and
turn left at the Bauhinia Downs road. Turn
left 2 km further on towards Glenhaughton
and Reedy Creek. Continue for 86 km, to
the turnoff to the park. Starkvale camping
area is a further 23 km and accessible
only by 4WD.
Access
From the north, turn off the Dawson
Highway 1 km east of Bauhinia Downs
and follow the Mapala–Fairfield Road
for 93 km. Turn right at Oil Bore Road
and continue 7 km before turning left
and driving a further 16 km along a
4WD signposted track.
Robinson Gorge is 89 km or two hours
north-west of Taroom along a gravel road.
The last 16 km is suitable for 4WD
vehicles only. From Taroom, travel north for
10 km along the Leichhardt Highway and
turn left onto Broadmere Road. Continue
for 24 km and turn right onto Robinson
Creek Road. Travel a further 1.5 km and
turn left at a T-intersection onto
Glenhaughton Road. After 29.4 km, veer
right at the Y-intersection onto Currajong
Road and then turn left after 9.5 km at the
T-intersection and signpost to Expedition
National Park. Travel a further 4.7 km
and turn right at the sign-posted
T-intersection and then follow
this track a further 9.9 km
to Starkvale camping area.
Roads are impassable in wet weather.
Listen to ABC radio AM747 for the weather
forecast for the ‘Central Highlands and
Coalfields’ district. If general rain is
forecast, leave before the rain starts or
remain in the park after rain until the
roads dry out.
To Bauhinia
Ma
d
pa
l a R oa
R
ore oad
Oil B
Spotted
Gum
Spr
Glenhaughton
Creek
ing
k
ee
Cr
Sta
rkva
le
oa d
ton R
Shepherds Peak
gh
au
Starkvale camping area
n
so
Surprise
Mountain
bin
12
Robinson
Gorge
Ro
Most of the Robinson Gorge section is rugged
sandstone plateau country, heavily timbered
with dry eucalypt forest. In the main gorge, sandy
Robinson Creek is lined in places with Carnarvon
fan palms, bottlebrushes and wattles. Narrow
side gorges hiding ferns, orchids and mosscovered cliff bases are a delightful discovery.
Shallow soils along cliff tops are home to boronia,
grevillea, heaths and quinine. Macrozamia
fearnsidei (above, left) is a rare cycad that can be
seen on the walk out to Robinson Gorge Lookout.
ek
h
en
Gl
C re
Blue argus
Junonia orithya
Cattle Dip
Cr
ee
k
Scale
0
To Taroom
2
4 km
Camping
Starkvale camping area has pit toilets,
wood barbecues and a rainwater tank.
Bring at least seven litres of water per
person per day for drinking, cooking and
washing as streams are seasonal and
water quality cannot be relied upon. If
bush camping away from designated
camping areas you must use a fuel stove.
Things to do
Walking
Starkvale camping area
3.6 km return. Allow 1.5 hrs.
Class 4.
This trail leads 1.8 km from
Starkvale camping area
to a sandstone plateau,
Shepherds Peak, with views
over the surrounding peaks
and creeks. Take extreme care
on top of Shepherds Peak
as there are crevasses and
unguarded cliffs.
Bottlebrush
Waterhole
ns
To Taroom
St
ar
kv
ale
Cre
ek
on
e
rg
Go
4 km return. Allow 1 hr. Class 4.
From Starkvale, this track leads to a
lookout over Robinson Gorge. There are
numerous cliffs in the area, supervise
children at all times.
Access
into gorge
Shepherds Peak
track
bi
Robinson Gorge Lookout
Cattle Dip track
1.2 km return. Allow 1 hr. Class 4.
6 km return from Starkvale camping
area to floor of gorge. Allow 2 hrs plus
The cattle dip car park is located 2.7 km
time to explore the gorge. Class 4.
from the Starkvale Creek campsite via a
signposted track which passes the remains
From Starkvale camping area, take the
of the Old Shepherd’s Hut. Walk 600 m
Robinson Gorge lookout track. Turn off at
south from the car park to the ‘Cattle Dip’
the signposted intersection and descend
—a spectacular permanent waterhole.
into the gorge along a steep, rough trail.
There are no marked trails
Robinson Gorge
in the gorge. Note carefully
Walking tracks
Lookout
where you enter the gorge—
it is the only way out.
Ro
DANGER: Unfenced cliff edges.
One slip could be fatal—serious
injury or death may result from
walking near the edge. Keep to
the track. Supervise children at
all times.
Gorge access track
Shepherds
Peak
e
ttl
Ca
Scale
0
p
Di
1
Cattle Dip Lookout
2 km
To Rolleston
From Injune, travel north 37 km on the
Carnarvon Developmental Road and
turn right onto the Arcadia Valley Access
Road. Drive 18 km (of which 4 km is
gravel) to Lonesome.
Stop at the lookout and take in the
spectacular views of the southern
end of the Arcadia Valley. A bush
camping area, on the Dawson River,
is just a short drive away. As this park
is remote, be sure to bring adequate
supplies of food, water and fuel.
During wet weather, take care on the roads,
as they may become slippery. The road into
the park is suitable for all vehicle types.
To Injune,
Roma
Scale
0
yA
lle
Ar
ca
dia
Things to do
ver
Ri
Access
n
Dawso
Va
cce
ss Road
Take in sweeping views of the brigalow-clad southern end
of Arcadia Valley and the distant Expedition Ranges from
the lookout at Lonesome.
Camping
area
2
4 km
13
Beilba preserves an important corridor along the Dawson River
to the north and Baffle Creek to the south, protecting an intact
example of escarpment country.
Eastern
snapping frog
Cyclorana
novaehollandiae
Access
From Injune, travel north 26 km on the
Carnarvon Developmental Road. Turn right
onto Fairview Road and then left onto
Beilba Road to the park (30 km gravel
road). The road is generally suitable for all
vehicle types except during wet weather.
Loose gravel surfaces and unfenced
roads, however, require visitors to
drive carefully.
Scale
0
Things to do
Beilba
A camping area is provided adjacent to
the old cattle station home. There are
no facilities at this park. As the park is
relatively remote, be sure that you are
self-sufficient and have adequate
supplies of water, food and fuel in case
of emergency.
ver
D awso n Ri
1
2
Proposed extension to
Expedition National Park
3 km
Road
To Carnarvon
Development Road
reek
Baffle C
Gas companies drill for coal methane
gas in the area. Avoid drilling sites and
watch out for exploration machinery on
roads in this area.
The park conserves nearly 4000 ha
of brigalow, lancewood and
softwood scrub (pictured).
Wildflowers, including grevilleas,
flannel flowers, acacias, and pea
flowers, provide splashes of colour
throughout the park in late winter
and spring. Squatter pigeons occur
in open woodlands and wallaroos
are commonly seen on basalt hills
in the middle of the park.
14
Prior to its gazettal as a national
park in 1993, Beilba was run as
a cattle station. Remnants of this
past grazing activity still exist.
Photo: Frank Carter, NPRSR.
Nestled beneath the low Murphy’s Range, Lake Murphy
remains largely unchanged from the days when the first
Europeans passed this way.
and fills only
Lake Murphy is a perched lake
oods. When full
fl
k
Cree
n
inso
when nearby Rob
an abundance of
the lake provides a refuge for
llent area for
birdlife, which makes it an exce
y.
aph
togr
pho
and
g
birdwatchin
Dawson palms and forest red gums
dominate the landscape around Lake
Murphy. Ludwig Leichhardt and his
exploration party camped under the
forest red gums on the shore of this lake
in 1844 during their epic journey from the
Darling Downs to Port Essington in the
Northern Territory. His diaries state that on
19 November his party came across a low
range of hills and a lagoon half a mile in
circumference at its foot. Leichhardt named
these Murphy’s Range (north-east of the
park) and Lake Murphy, after a teenage
member of his party.
Access
The park can be reached via the Warrego
Highway from Brisbane or via the Dawson
Highway from Gladstone. Turn onto the
Leichhardt Highway from the Warrego
Highway at Miles, or from the Dawson
Highway at Banana. Turn off the Leichhardt
Highway 18 km north of Taroom, onto the
Fitzroy Development Road. Travel 2 km to
the Glenhaughton Road turnoff. Turn left
and drive 10.5 km to Lake Murphy.
Lake Murphy pr
ov
species. Inverte ides habitat for a wide rang
e of
br
pictured) abou ates (such the clearwing sw
nd after rain. At
allowtail,
with nocturna
ni
gh
t
the bush is aliv
l mammals, in
e
cluding sugar
greater gliders
gliders,
and possums,
which feed on
flowers and le
insects,
aves high in th
e branches of
trees.
Lake Murphy
(Ephemeral)
To Taroom
Things to do
The park has a camping area, picnic shelter,
picnic tables, wood barbecues and pit
toilets. It is advised that visitors bring their
own drinking water. The nearest town for
supplies is Taroom.
To Exped
ition NP
Circuit walk
Scale
0
Ro
bin
so
nC
re ek
250
500 m
4 km. Allow 2 hrs. Class 3.
This 4 km circuit track skirts the lake’s
southern shores before returning along
Robinson Creek to the picnic area.
15
Be safe
Be aware of potential dangers and take
care of yourself.
guidelines you can help to protect parks
for the future.
• Drive carefully at all times. Dirt roads
may have gutters, washouts or loose
edges (especially after heavy rain).
Check local road conditions before
visiting particular parks.
• Stay with your vehicle if it breaks
down—a vehicle is much easier to find
than a person.
• Watch your step. Always take care near
cliff edges—sandstone can crumble.
Supervise children at all times.
• Never jump or dive into a waterhole.
It may be shallow or hide submerged
objects.
• Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat,
sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt and
sturdy footwear (not thongs).
• Be aware of your surroundings at
all times and be on the lookout for
animals and insects that could scratch,
sting or bite.
• Leave your pets at home. Domestic
animals are not allowed onto national
parks or conservation parks.
• Never feed or leave food for wildlife.
Human food can harm wildlife and
cause some animals to become
aggressive.
• Stay on track. Do not cut corners or
create new tracks.
• Use toilet facilities where provided.
Where toilet facilities are not provided
bury toilet waste 15 cm deep and at
least 150 m from watercourses.
• Never contaminate water. Take water
at least 50 m away to wash with
detergents, soap or shampoo.
• Take rubbish home with you. Bins
are not provided. Pack food away
immediately after meals and secure
rubbish in sealed containers to avoid
attracting insects and larger animals.
Do not bury rubbish—dingoes or other
animals will dig it up.
• Do not use generators, engine-driven
compressors or chainsaws.
• Dismantle any firearms or other
weapons. Pack them away as they
cannot be used in protected areas.
Take care
of the parks
Everything in national and conservation
parks is protected, including plants,
animals and heritage sites and artefacts.
Please appreciate, respect and care for
the outstanding natural and cultural
values of these parks by leaving things
as you find them. By following these
Front cover (background photo):
Sandstone cliffs and eucalypt
woodland, Expedition National
Park. Photo: Robert Ashdown,
NPRSR.
Front cover (insets):
Pink star flower Calytrix sp.
Sandstone image: Carnarvon fan
palms, Carnarvon Gorge.
Photo: NPRSR.
further
information
For
Drinking water
Treat water obtained from
all sources, including taps,
creeks and lakes. Boil water
for 10 minutes or use
sterilisation tablets.
Go to ‘Park alerts’ for the latest
information on access, closures
and conditions.
Or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Mobile phone charges may apply.
For information on road conditions,
contact the RACQ (Royal Automobile Club
of Queensland) at <www.racq.com.au>
(search ‘road conditions’) or phone
1300 130 595 for 24-hour road reports.
See also Traffic and Travel Information
at <www.131940.qld.gov.au>
Tourism information
The following information centres have
park information.
Central Highlands Regional Council
<www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au>
Phone: 1300 242 686
Email: <[email protected]>
Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre
<www.wdrc.qld.gov.au>
Warrego Highway, Chinchilla Qld 4413
Phone: (07) 4668 9564
Email: <[email protected]>
Emerald Visitor Information Centre
Clermont Street, Emerald Qld 4720
Phone: (07) 4982 4142
Email: <[email protected]>
Injune Visitor Information Centre
32 Hutton Street, Injune Qld 4454
Phone: (07) 4626 0503
<www.injune.net.au>
Miles Visitor Information Centre
<www.murilla.qld.gov.au>
141 Murilla Street, Miles Qld 4415
Phone: (07) 4627 2330
Email: <[email protected]>
Mitchell Visitor Information Centre
2 Cambridge Street, Mitchell Qld 4465
Phone: (07) 4624 6923
Email: <[email protected]>
Back cover (background
photo): Marlong Plain,
Mount Moffatt
Roma Visitor Information Centre
<www.wheninroma.com.au>
2 Riggers Road, Roma Qld 4455
Phone: (07) 4622 8676
All photos (unless otherwise
credited): Robert Ashdown,
NPRSR.
In an emergency
call Triple Zero (000)
Visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>.
Springsure Information Centre
<www.centralhighlands.com.au>
Gregory Highway, Springsure Qld 4722
Phone: (07) 4984 1961
Moss Garden,
Carnarvon Gorge
• If you cannot reach 000 from a mobile, try 112.
• If deaf or speech or hearing impaired, call 106
using a text phone.
• Advise the location and nature of
the emergency.
• Stay on the phone until advised to hang up.
Taroom Visitor Information Centre
<www.westerndownsholidays.info>
17 Kelman Street, Taroom Qld 4420
Phone: (07) 4638 6113
Email: <[email protected]>
©State of Queensland 2012.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.
BP1666 May 2012
Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources.