Central Queensland Sandstone Belt parks visitor guide (PDF, 4.0M)

Photo: Michael O’Connor, NPRSR.
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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
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.
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.
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 for further
information and current camping
arrangements before visiting any of
these parks.
Bookings for camping permits can be made
at or by phoning
13 QGOV (13 74 68). Mobile phone charges
may apply.
Walking tracks
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.
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.
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.
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.