Bp1991 Sth West Qld_Mulga lands_170525_web

Journey guideSouth West Queensland Mulga Lands National Parks Caupntievxapteectedly

Contents Park facilities................................................................................. Page 2 Welcome.................................................................................................... 3 Be adventurous .......................................................................................3 Map of South West Queensland..................................................... 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 Currawinya National Park...........................................................14–16 Lake Bindegollly National Park........................................................17 Hell Hole Gorge National Park........................................................18 Mariala National Park..........................................................................19 Tregole National Park.........................................................................20 Thrushton National Park....................................................................21 Camping information and safety messages........................22–23 Connect with Queensland parks...................................................24Parks at 4WD essentiala glance Camping Walking track Fishing On-site information Toilets Picnic area Gas barbecue Tap water Ranger baseCulgoa Floodplain National Park *Currawinya National ParkLake Bindegolly National Park *Hell Hole Gorge National Park *Mariala National ParkTregole National ParkThrushton National Park*2WD to park entry and/or specific sites only, and only during dry weather Photos: (front cover) River red gums line the Paroo River, Currawinya National Park, photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt; (this page) Plumed whistling-ducks © Qld Govt2

Welcome to Photo: Brett Roberts © Qld Govt South West Queensland’sMulga Lands national parks Those of us living and working out here treasure the harsh, rugged beauty andsolitude of the Mulga Lands and know that you will too. Enjoy relaxing by a waterholeafter a long drive; explore unique landscapes while discovering plants and animals notseen on the coast; meander through heritage sites and wonder about the harsh realityof life in the inland. Clear your mind of the everyday, and feel connected to the land ina way you’d never expect.In the coming years, more areas will become open for you to visit. Keep checking ourwebsite for updates on new experiences to be had—once you’ve had a taste we’resure you’ll want to come back!Tony Mayo, Senior RangerOn behalf of the Park Rangers living and working in the Mulga LandsBe 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 oflong, often-dusty roads. Sleep under the Australian story.uninterrupted outback skies and savour Connect with a timelesssolitude reflected in a waterhole or landscape whereembers of a glowing campfire. generations thrived despite isolation and Release your cycles of boom or bust. inner nature lover. Wonder at the miracle of Photos: Robert Ashdown Encounter colourful © Qld Govt; with the parrots and bounding migratory waterbirds finding life- exception of the black swan red kangaroos, reptiles giving water in the vast, arid inland. (below left) © Qld Govt in camouflage and burrowing frogs emerging after rain. 3

Map of South West Queensland Mulga Lands Landsborough Highway Carnarvon NP DevelopmentalWindorahHell HoleAugathella Scale Gorge NP 0 50 100 150 200km Queensland DiamantinaSouth Australia Adavale Injune Mariala NP Quilpie (no dump point) Cooper Creek Road Charleville Morven Mitchell Bulloo River Tregole Eromanga Warrego Highway Paroo River NP War Roma go River Mitchell Highway Carnarvon Highway Noccundra Bulloo Developmental Rd Lake Wyandra Thrushton Bindegolly NP Thargomindah re NP Balonne Highway Bollon St George C(nuondnuammpuplolaint) Eulo Queensland Currawinya FloCuoNldgPpolaainHebCuelgloa River Dirranbandi New South Wales NP Sturt NP Culgoa NP Goodooga (NSW) Hungerford (NSW) Legend Parking Camper trailer—4WD access Town Picnic table Fishing Locality National park Shelter shed Canoeing/kayaking Distance marker Waterways Barbecue—fuel Wildlife spotting Mountain Visitor information Centre (VIC) Viewpoint Cultural heritage State border Wi-fi access Walking track Warning Highway Park office 4WD track Warning—slippery rocks Sealed road Information Camping—car access Warning—unstable cliff edges Unsealed road Telephone Camping—4WD access Diving prohibited 4WD track Restaurant Caravan Jumping from rocks prohibited Walking track Accommodation Camper trailer Fence Hospital Cliff line Toilets Gate Grid Tr ack classification Class Suits Track description 4 Experienced bushwalkers Rough track with many obstacles. Limited signage. Ankle supporting footwear required.4

SeleoknginglyRelaxing by the Paroo River, Currawinya National Park Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld GovtPlan your escape Add some local flavourFeel the freedom of wide open spaces in your own scenic havensurrounded by nature rather than crowds. Sleep under a million It may be a long way betweentwinkling stars, spin a yarn or reflect on times long gone by the light of stops, but most towns along thea glowing camp fire. South West Queensland’s Mulga Lands are larger way have supplies and colourfulthan life, timeless and full of surprises. local characters. So stop in and you’ll receive country hospitalityBest time to visit Best ways to visit and helpful advice.The cooler months (April to September) Discover South West Queensland’s Catch local sights or time yourare the best time to visit. Winter mornings unexpected natural wonders on a holiday with a district event. Feelmay drop to a frosty 0°C, but you’ll self-discovery road trip down long, the buzz of a country show, raceavoid scorching summer days exceeding often unsealed roads. If you prefer meeting, rodeo or spirited festival;40°C and the stormy season between someone else to do the planning, stroll the local nature walk, takeDecember and March. driving or supply the equipment for a heritage tour or linger over an extended stay, try a guided tour. refreshments at an outback pub.Rain can fall at any time of the year. See outbackqueensland.com.au orFlooding can occur suddenly—even the back cover for useful contacts. In South West Queensland youweeks after rain in catchments can learn about the uninterruptedupstream. Many outback roads are night sky at the Cosmos Centreunsealed and impassable after even or meet one of Australia’s mosta small amount of rain. endangered mammals at The Bilby Experience. Travel the NaturalNo park has all weather access, or Sciences Loop, dive down themobile or internet phone coverage. Artesian Time Tunnel, mine forBe well-prepared and stay well-informed opals or bathe in an artesianof weather conditions as you travel. spring. Do all these and more! Visit outbackqueensland.com.au (Above) Splendid fairy-wren; (left) The Granites, Currawinya National Park; (opposite page) Lake Numulla Photos: (above) © Bruce Thomson; (left) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt; (opposite page) © Karen Smith 5

Eexxpploanresively Photo: Brett Roberts © Qld GovtThe sun sets over Currawinya National ParkChoose your adventureFar from empty and inhospitable, the Mulga Lands have vibrant colour, Down on the bordersensational scenery and extraordinary life. Whether just off the bitumen,or far down red dirt roads into the unknown, reward your lengthy Relax by an outback river, watch birds atjourney with unexpected discoveries and memorable moments in a vast, glistening wetlands and connect with theunmistakably Australian landscape. human history of these wide open spaces.East of Charleville West of Charleville Break your drive along the Adventure Way between Cunnamulla andDiscover timbered treasures where the Find weathered red ranges in the west Thargomindah at Lake Bindegollygrey-hued Mulga Lands merge with the as mulga trees become shorter and National Park. Pause for a picnic andscrubby green Brigalow Belt. more sparse. watch birds on a vast inland lake.The Warrego Highway is the main link Mariala National Park on the Charleville– Head south down long, unsealed roadsbetween western Queensland and cities Adavale Road offers seclusion, panoramic to Currawinya National Park nearalong the east coast. Break the drive at views of distant ranges and surprisingly Hungerford on the border with NewMorven with a short diversion south to diverse plants on almost barren plateaus South Wales. Spend lazy days campingTregole National Park. Savour a shady accessible only to 4WDs. or fishing at the Paroo River, taking timepicnic and short botanical stroll among to visit some of inland Australia’s globallyendangered ooline—rainforest trees Well-equipped visitors to remote Hell significant wetlands and delve intogrowing in the dry. Hole Gorge National Park are in for a history in one of Queensland’s largest surprise when stark red plateaus give national parks.The other east-west route is the Balonne way to dissected gorges and hiddenHighway leading to Cunnamulla. waterholes sustaining abundant and Well-equipped, independent campersThick mulga scrub lines the roadway amazing life. with a 4WD will enjoy a break from roadwest of St George, and if you turn touring while discovering the ebb anddown back roads to Thrushton flow of life on river floodplains at remoteNational Park you’ll find solitude Culgoa Floodplain National Park on thedeep amid the trees exploring heritage Queensland–New South Wales borderruins on sandy country with no-one south of St George and Cunnamulla.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 Queensland6

Parks where you can: Fish or paddle an outback river Stories in the landCamp by a waterhole Currawinya Places are more than scenery andCurrawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, nature—they are the people, sites,Hell Hole Gorge Wonder at vast inland lakes buildings and memories of all that travel, live and work there.Camp in the bush Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly From artefact scatters, quarriesThrushton, Mariala Glimpse into the past and ceremonial sites to wells, fences and abandoned stations, landscapesWalk on proper tracks Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, Thrushton contain reminders of those who came before.Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly, Tregole Admire artesian springs Despite the harsh environment,Visit without driving off Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain Aboriginal people thrived here; thethe bitumen rich and varied landscape providing Watch waterbirds food, materials and opportunities toLake Bindegolly, Tregole maintain a flourishing social, cultural, Currawinya, Lake Bindegolly, Culgoa religious and economic lifestyle Floodplain, Hell Hole Gorge over thousands of years. Aboriginal sites along the Paroo River have Capture great shots of been dated to 14,000 years ago; and kangaroos or wallabies connections continue today. Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, European exploration in the Lake Bindegolly, Mariala, Hell Hole Gorge early nineteenth century was followed by settlers moving stock Take a scenic drive (4WD only!) over thousands of kilometres to establish vast pastoral properties. Currawinya, Culgoa Floodplain, Mariala Bullock-teams brought supplies and returned to the coast with wool (Left) Pastoral era relics; (above) a and hides. Minerals were discovered 4WD is needed to visit most parks in and settlements grew into towns. the Mulga Lands; (below) emu chicks National parks contain reminders Photos: (all) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt 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

Ranger Mark at Lake Bindegolly National Park Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld GovtVisit unfamiliar landscapes Amazing Mulga LandsYou’ll feel more comfortable in the vast Queensland Outback when you Mulga’s silver-grey foliage and darkunderstand this special landscape, millions of years in the making. fissured bark contrast beautifully against deep red soils. Each mulga tree directsAn ancient basin Changing climates rain to its deep tap root, allowing survival in a dry climate.The Great Artesian Basin supplies reliable Outback Queensland has not alwayswater from deep underground and been a dry place. Lush rainforests once Mulga trees are the conspicuous andunderpins the region’s geological and covered large areas, but with the onset dominant namesake of a bio-geographicpastoral history. of a cooler, drier climate about 30 million (natural) region stretching from northern years ago, these were gradually replaced New South Wales and covering aboutThis basin formed when Australia’s centre by grasslands and eucalypt forests, 12 per cent of Queensland—mostly insagged and filled with sediments from and seasonal dryness. Fire changed the the Murray-Darling Basin. Plains and lowrivers and lakes, creating layers of porous, vegetation. ranges are dominated by drought-tolerantwater-holding sandstone. Later, sea levels mulga Acacia aneura which grows inrose to create vast inland seas. Sea-bed Today’s climate zones, where northern almost pure stands or interspersed withsediments compressed into bands of and central Australia receives mainly grasslands and eucalypts. On deeperimpermeable rocks trapping freshwater summer rains, were only established sandy soils ‘soft’ mulga grows as densebelow. 2.5 million years ago. Fluctuating climates woodland, but, on shallow soils or hard have continued to shape the landscape. residual ridges, ‘hard’ mulga is stuntedMillions of years of weathering and Today you see sand-ridge deserts, and sparse.erosion since have carved flat-topped hills deeply weathered ranges, meandering(mesas) of hard, water-resistant rocks river networks and arid-adapted plant Along creeks and rivers you’ll findrising above a vast, wide landscape with communities. coolabah, river red gums, black box oroccasional watercourses, shallow inland yapunyah. Smell the pungent aroma oflakes and claypans. Here and there, water gidyea Acacia cambagei across the plainfrom the Great Artesian Basin forces to when it rains.the surface as mound springs and soaks. (Left) An active artesian spring; (above) mulga trees; (right) floodwater spreads out amongst the gidyea trees Photos: (left) Brett Roberts © Qld Govt; (above)8 Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt; (right) © Bruce Thomson

Lake Wyara, Currawinya National Park Photo: Adam Creed © Qld GovtWitness wetlands in the dry What waterbirds and where?You don’t expect to find water or waterbirds in the arid zone! Yet you’llsee lakes, claypans, rivers and permanent waterholes that provide food, Even with binoculars, it might beplaces to breed and dry season refuges. Time your visit to witness the hard to spot birds scattered overspectacular explosion of life after it rains. massive lakes and multiple wetlands. And at times there is little water toVisit some of inland Australia’s richest Lake Numalla, but in the dry it is a string support any birds at all.and most diverse wetlands. Currawinya’s of disjointed waterholes. Lakes Numalla and Wyara are particularly But when water arrives in theimportant—no other wetland complex A mere 80km away (as birds fly), salt and lakes, so do the birds—sometimesin arid or southern Australia is thought freshwater wetlands at Lake Bindegolly overnight. The first to arrive areto consistently support such large National Park join, in exceptionally wet attracted by tasty invertebratespopulations of waterbirds. In addition to years, to form a continuous body of water such as shrimps, yabbies and insectslakes of all sizes and endangered artesian from north to south. And you barely have which explode in numbers after rain.springs, the iconic Paroo River meanders to step off the bitumen to see them. Then fish and aquatic plants develop.through Currawinya. This 600 kilometre- Different bird communities live onlong river is the last free-flowing river Floods bring life to isolated wetlands different lakes at different times.in the entire Murray-Darling basin. In and waterholes across the entire region. Some breed at one lake and fly towet times the river swells over a vast Experience the fluctuating fortunes of others to feed.floodplain and adds to the water levels in flood-dependant ecosystems at Culgoa Floodplain National Park further east and Smaller waders and plant- Hell Hole Gorge National Park to the north. eating waterbirds feed on the aquatic vegetation, plankton and invertebrates in clear, salty waters such as Lake Wyara. Shallows are home to sandpipers, godwits, snipes, rails, dotterels and stilts. Large waders (egrets, herons, ibis, plovers, spoonbills and brolga), fish-eating species and ducks prefer deeper, turbid (muddy) water like that of Lake Numalla. Fish-eating birds are the first to leave as lakes start to dry up. Nesting waterbirds, Lake Wyara Photo: © Karen Smith 9

Where there is water there is life Photo: © John AugusteynEncounter western wildlifeGlimpsing iconic Australian animals is a huge part of any outback travel Fleeting feathersexperience so it helps to know what you might encounter and where tolook. Arid-zone creatures have developed remarkable adaptations and Wake to a morning chorus of chatteringcurious behaviours to cope with the heat and dry. mulga parrots and red-rumped parrots, carolling butcherbirds, squabblingMarvellous macropods R apt in reptiles honeyeaters and bickering babblers. The fluid, ringing song of the hard-to-spotTick 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)open areas in the west while eastern grey snake, but keep well away. It’s rare Be enthralled as wheeling flights ofkangaroos are almost everywhere. At to encounter a woma python; carpet budgerigars lift to the skies and tinyCurrawinya, Lake Bindegolly or Culgoa pythons are more common. finches and fairy-wrens flit through theFloodplains national parks, you might understorey. Admire birds of prey soaringspot a western grey kangaroo. Swamp In warm weather you’re bound to see a across vast skies—whistling kites andwallabies are small and live in dense scrub shingle-back skink moving slowly across black kites work up and down tree-linedor close to creeks, while stocky and darker a track—its head looking just like its watercourses in search of prey.common wallaroos frequent rugged or tail. Spot a blue-tongued lizard openinghilly country. Shy yellow-footed rock- its mouth wide to scare off potential Surprisingly, thousands of waterbirds livewallabies hide in rugged cliffs around predators. Highly camouflaged painted in the arid interior, so be sure to keepMariala and Hell Hole Gorge. dragons are hard to spot on red sandy a look out. At times thousands of black soil while tiny tessellated geckos shelter swans, pelicans, red-necked avocets, in soil cracks. Other intricately-patterned coots, silver gulls, Caspian terns and geckos live in trees. See tracks left behind grebes can be seen. So too can pink- by large sauntering lizards such as sand eared, hardhead, black and wood ducks, monitors and black-tailed monitors. as well as the freckled duck—one of 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 Govt10

Just add water (Clockwise from top left) Crucifix frogs are widespread but not often seen; red-wingedDiscover amazing water-dependant parrot; stripe-faced dunnart; crazy-lookingcreatures right at home in the wetlands, shield shrimps are arid zone crustaceanswaterholes and meandering creeks or highly resistant to drying; enigmatic echidnasrivers scattered through the dry. can be found almost anywhere at anytime Photos: (top left) Mark Weaver © Qld Govt;South West Queensland’s waterways (top centre and right) © Bruce Thomson;are home to three species of turtles. (left) Craig Eddie © Qld GovtLook for aptly-named eastern snake-necked turtles, and the shorter-necked R anger tipMurray and Krefft’s river turtles. Birdwatching is best at dawn or dusk, whereas you’ll see more reptiles when itSpangled perch and bony bream are is warm. In the heat of the day, mammals usually rest in the shade, in a crevice orwidespread in watercourses and lakes. down a burrow, so look for them late in the afternoon or at dusk. Keep an eye outBut you’ll only find golden perch (yellowbelly), for tell-tale tracks, scats or other signs where animals have been.silver perch, catfish and smaller, specialistspecies such as desert rainbow fish whenand where conditions are right.Be amazed after rain when thousands of shieldshrimps hatch almost instantaneously fromeggs lying dormant in the mud of claypansand swamps. Creek banks and floodplainsalso become noisy, wriggling places as aplethora of burrowing frogs emerge fromburied fluid-filled ‘cocoons’ to feed andbreed rapidly before it dries out again.What wildlife where? Top twitching tips! and apostlebirds which are similar, the nickname ‘happy families’.Mammals to watch for Keep your bird book and binoculars handy. Spectacular pink and white Major At Currawinya, Hell Hole and MarialaUnder the cover of darkness, mouse-like Mitchell’s cockatoos are one of the Mulga national parks you might see a redthroat.marsupials including dunnarts and Lands signature birds. Colourful mallee These small grey birds favouring mulga,planigales bound across the ground ring-necks, blue bonnets, mulga parrots spinifex and saltbush are ground foragersin search of spiders and insects. and red-winged parrots are widespread, that hop like mice.At Currawinya or Mariala national parks but you’ll only spot Bourke’s parrotsyou might even be lucky enough to spot in the west of the region. Pale-headed Be on the lookout around wetlands anda kultarr. rosellas are found only as far west as on the sandy plains at Currawinya, Lake Culgoa Floodplain, Thrushton and Tregole Bindegolly and Culgoa Floodplain nationalAlthough far from common, you national parks, while blue-winged parrots parks for tiny but colourful crimson, orangemight see a brushtail possum or koala are sometimes in the south at Currawinya, or white-fronted chats; and for stunningin eucalypt trees along meandering Lake Bindegolly and Culgoa Floodplain. male splendid and white-winged fairy-watercourses. Tiny sugar gliders have wrens. At Mariala, Tregole and Thrushtoneven been sighted at Culgoa Floodplain All six species of Australian woodswallows you might spot red-backed fairy-wrens.National Park. While relaxing by your live in the Mulga Lands, as do all fourcamp at night in Culgoa Floodplain or babblers. Babblers’ gregarious nature and Budgerigars take flightCurrawinya national parks, be sure to look squeaky chattering have earned them, Photo: © Alicia Whittington © Qld Govtup and catch a glimpse of an insectivorousbat—each park has at least 11 species. 11

Nebine Creek Photo: Brett Roberts © Qld Govt Culgoa Floodplain National Park Must dos Go with the flow—linger at waterholes watching wildlife or at heritage 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 on the floodplains. Brigalow and gidyea • Tick all six species of Australia’s grow across the flat plains with mulga and Wildlife spotting woodswallows, colourful parrots and western bloodwood found on red earth the vulnerable painted honeyeater and stony ridges. Take your binoculars to this birdwatching off your must-see list. haven with more than 150 species of birds. Stone tool scatters and cooking sites Be enthralled by waterbirds finding refuge • Imagine the stories behind the rusty remind visitors that Aboriginal people at waterholes; spot red-winged, mulga iron and bush timber of Hillview have a long association with this and red-rumped parrots and at least ten Homestead, Redbank Hut and old landscape. Visit relics of our pastoral past species of honeyeaters. wells, fences, yards and the many scattered throughout the park. pastoral-era relics. After rain, listen or look for elusive water- holding frogs and other burrowing frogs Getting there including the vulnerable rough Travel 160km south from St George collared frog. Watch at night for (66km from Dirranbandi) to Hebel dunnarts and planigales hunting on a sealed road, then 45km along for an insect meal. On a warm day unsealed black soil roads to Goodooga. you might spot a yakka skink—a Turn right into Brenda Road, take the threatened reptile living in logs or left fork after the cattle grid, then burrows made by other animals in follow the ‘Byra 7km’ sign. deep sandy soils. From Cunnamulla, travel east 3km Staying safe along the Balonne Highway and turn right onto the Mitchell Highway. Travel Plan well ahead and be 29km and turn left onto Jobs Gate prepared in case you get Road and travel 90km to the park. stranded due to unexpected flooding or vehicle breakdowns A 4WD is essential. All roads are (see pages 22–23). unsealed and become impassable after rain. The nearest fuel and supplies are at Dirranbandi (130km).12

Places to camp Places to go Photo: Briony Masters © Qld Govt1 Byra Lagoon and 1 Byra Lagoon4 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 andseasonal waterholes where wildlife gather. 3 Hillview Homestead2 Redbank Hut Step back in time visiting relics of days DID YOU KNOW? gone by.Camp near an old hut, 12km from the While floods can bring disaster, theyranger base. 5 Tego Springs also bring life. Floodwaters spreadCamp sites are accessible to high- out to cover the floodplains and fillclearance off-road camper trailers, but See water flowing naturally from the wetlands and waterholes. They givenot caravans and buses. Be self-sufficient Great Artesian Basin into open pools. parched plants a drink, move seedsas no facilities are provided. Because artesian springs are isolated from into new areas and provide breeding one another, they each nourish unique habitat for frogs, birds and otherTo Cunnamulla 170km 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 nutrient-rich sediments left behind. 5 4 Nebine Creek Scale 5 10km Tego Culgoa 0Springs Floodplain National Park Byra Lagoon 1 Nebine Creek Redbank Hut C2Jobs Gate To DTirorSatnbGaenordig1e112k05mkm 3 Hillview Hut Queensland New South Wales ulgoa Riv e r Culgoa Goodooga National Park (NSW) 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 Photo: Brett Roberts © Qld GovtCurr awinya National Park Must dos Follow dusty tracks to peaceful waterholes and the magnificence of 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 Red sandplains and thick mulga scrubs DID YOU KNOW? or birdwatch over mesmerising Lake give little hint of the lakes, rivers and Wyara—full to the brim one visit, wetlands in one of Australia’s most Currawinya National Park is a Wetland parched dry another. important inland waterbird habitats. of International Importance under the At 344,000 hectares, Currawinya is one Ramsar Convention—an international • Reflect on the past! Imagine the of Queensland’s largest national parks. agreement which encourages the hardships of a traditional existence, conservation and wise use of such life on the land or the sounds and Sense the significance of two vast lakes rich and diverse wetlands. smells of a busy shearing shed. at Currawinya’s heart—clear, salty Lake Wyara and freshwater Lake Numalla. Currawinya is one of only five Ramsar • Capture stunning panoramas and Relax by the mighty Paroo River; this sites in Queensland. Its wetlands gaze to the horizon with no-one else meandering ribbon of life is lined with regularly support up to 100,000 in sight. coolabah, river red gum and yapunyah. waterbirds. Being on an important Here and there on the sandy plains and inland route for migratory shore- • Learn about the endangered greater foothills of low ranges you’ll find mound birds, Currawinya hosts species bilby being given a ‘second chance’ springs where underground water has listed under international migratory pushed through the parched soil surface. bird agreements. Read more about here in the park. wetlands on page 9. Getting there Currawinya is near Hungerford on the Queensland–New South Wales border. From Cunnamulla (170km), drive 70km to Eulo, then 4km west and turn south towards Hungerford on the Queensland– New South Wales border. The final 97km 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 the Currawinya Woolshed. If you want (Top) Currawinya Woolshed; to see a bilby, visit The Bilby Experience (above left) red-naped snakes Wildlife spotting in Charleville; see murweh.qld.gov.au/ hide by day and are active at night; bilby-night-talk-and-tour for details. (above centre) bilby; (above) LakeOf Currawinya’s 200 species of birds, 73 Wyara; (opposite page) river redare waterbirds. See pelicans, black swans, Discover cultural heritage gums line the Paroo Rivergulls, ducks, stilts and small waders, Photos: (top, above left and oppositespoonbills, egrets, ibis and brolga. Inland Immerse yourself in a landscape rich in page) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt;birds also amaze. Spot Major Mitchell’s Indigenous living and spiritual sites. (above centre and right) © Qld Govtcockatoos, mulga parrots, chestnut-crowned babblers, orange chats, spotted Glimpse into the past visiting the remains Staying safebowerbirds, white-plumed honeyeaters of numerous buildings and relics of aand splendid or white-winged fairy-wrens. rich pastoral heritage prospering ‘on Plan well ahead and be prepared in the sheep’s back’. Currawinya National case of stranding due to unexpectedWatch along the river for whistling kites Park encompasses several of the oldest flooding or vehicle breakdownsscooping up fish while rufous night- pastoral properties on the Paroo River. A (see hints on pages 22–23).herons roost nearby. Water rats hunt short drive from the park at Hungerfordat dawn or dusk, and pied bats skim for is The Royal Mail Hotel built in 1873 and If venturing onto 4WD tracks you’llinsects after dark. still in use today. need a well-equipped vehicle, two spare tyres, extra fuel, experience inSee if you can distinguish a red kangaroo Fishing and canoeing remote area travel and plentyfrom an eastern or western grey of time.kangaroo, or a wallaroo. Keep an eye out The Paroo River is a great fishing spot.for emus, reptiles and birds of prey. Enjoy a canoe, kayak and swim at R anger tip waterholes or Lake Numalla; howeverCurrawinya has a small population of motorised boats and jet skis are not Enjoy discovering new areas ofgreater bilbies, reintroduced to a 25km² permitted on any lake. Currawinya from mid 2018.predator proof enclosure. You cannot visit Check npsr.qld.gov.au for details ofthe bilby fence, but can learn about these scenic drives and places to camp.amazing creatures from displays near 15

Places to camp Places to go 9 The Granites 1 Corni Paroo Waterhole, 2 Caiwarro Waterhole and 4 Old Caiwarro Homestead 15km north-west of ranger base 3 Pump Hole 1.5km return walk (allow 40 mins) 33km north-east of ranger base Class 4 track Take your pick from peaceful waterholes Reflect on a bygone era at the ruins of a Stroll through mulga to unexpected along the Paroo River, 40km north-east of pastoral homestead complex established granite outcrops. The Budjiti people the ranger base. Accessible to 2WD in dry in 1891. ask visitors not to climb these culturally weather only. Sites are subject to flooding. significant rocks. No facilities are provided. 5 Currawinya Woolshed DID YOU KNOW? 6 Ourimperee Waterhole 4km south-east of ranger base To the Budjiti people, Traditional Park your camper or roll out your swag Imagine the sounds and smells of a busy Owners of Currawinya and Lake under shady coolabahs and river red gums shearing shed at this outstanding example Bindegolly national parks, wetlands at the waterhole behind the Currawinya of the intriguing outbuildings required to hold special significance. Waterbird Woolshed, 5km south-east of the ranger run a pastoral property. breeding seasons were times for base. Cold bush showers and untreated hunting and gathering eggs for food, water are available. Accessible to 2WD in Currawinya Lakes and during dry times, waterholes and dry weather. Sites are subject to flooding. springs were vital sources of food 85km return 4WD west of ranger base and water and important spiritual and Linger on the wide sandy shoreline of ceremonial places. Archaeological massive freshwater Lake Numalla 7 . artefacts are evidence that Aboriginal Admire the abundance of waterbirds people have lived at Currawinya for and sheer size of Lake Wyara 8 . more than 14,000 years. Surrounded by low-growing samphire plants, this salt lake dries to a spectacular white saltpan during extended drought. To Eulo 60km To Cunnamulla 130km New section open to visitors from mid To Cunnamulla 2018. Check npsr.qld.gov.au for details. 3 Pump Hole 12 No camping Hoods Station C reek at lakes Range Old Caiwarro 3 Corni Paroo Homestead site Waterhole Lake Wyara Lake Home 4 1 (salt) Numalla (fresh) 18 The Caiwarro Waterhole WLyaakrea 8 6 Granites 7 Lake Numalla 9 Paroo River 2 pon 10 30 C r e ek 4 e Kill anb irdi C reek yee Ka 28 KapLoakneyee 5 Currawinya Woolshed Ten Mile Bore Ourimperee Eulo−Hungerford Road 6 Waterhole Stinking Well Creek 16 Scale 10km To Thargomindah 150km 05 Hungerford Martha Range QUEENSLAND NEW SOUTH WALES 21 To Bourke 21km16

Stretch your legs on a walk to Lake Bindegolly Photo: © Tourism and Events QueenslandLake Bindegolly National ParkMust dos Slow to a stop and take it all in! The glistening expanse into the distance may not be a mirage, but vast inland lakes and wetlands teeming with waterbirds.• Wonder at the miracle of waterbirds finding resting, nesting and feeding After heavy rain, salt and freshwater Reptiles are plentiful including tiny box- refuges in the dry inland. lakes—Lakes Hutchinson, Toomaroo and patterned geckos, skinks, painted dragons Bindegolly—join to form a vast ribbon of and sand goannas. Many of the 14 frog• Step out for a walk to the lake edge or water and vital wildlife refuge in the dry species recorded at the park can only be bird hide. inland. Low-growing samphires (salt- seen after rain.• Admire a handsomely-gnarled tolerant plants that can survive in or out Picnicking Acacia ammophila tree—this is your best of water) trap sediments and nutrients at chance to see one. the lake edge. See woodlands of mulga, Discover why the park is special from gidyea, other wattles and Eremophila signs in the shelter while sharing a picnic.Getting there growing on surrounding sand hills. Walk thePull off the sealed Bulloo Developmental Lake Bindegolly CircuitRoad (Adventure Way) 150km west of Things to doCunnamulla (40km east of Thargomindah). 9.2km return (allow 3 hrs) Class 4 trackTo protect fragile lake margins fromdamage this park is walk-in only. Wildlife spotting Hike to an observation point at the lakePlaces to stay This surprisingly diverse park is home to edge then return via low, grass-covered about 200 species of birds, 80 other kinds sand hills.Stay overnight at Thargomindah. You can’tcamp in the park. of animals and 300 species of plants. Sections of the walking track may beDid you know? Take up a prime waterbird viewing position, covered by water when the lake is full. the closest being a bird hide 100m west of The lake is sometimes completely dry.Acacia ammophila is a wattle listed as‘vulnerable’ to extinction. From March to the carpark. Amazingly, some of the park’sOctober (usually after rain) this attractivetree produces beautiful yellow ‘puff-ball’ 60 species of waterbirds appear almostflowers. Look for mulga parrots feeding onits seeds. overnight after water arrives, then leave Acacia ammophila again just as quickly when it dries. Photo: © Viki Cramer See black swans, ducks, terns, waders Lake Scale 2 3km and other birds in large breeding flocks Mt Bindegolly Bindegolly 01 and maybe spot rare freckled ducks. Away from the water, glimpse Seat honeyeaters, fairy-wrens, parrots and To Cunnamulla soaring birds of prey. Watch kangaroos 150km coming to drink and tiny marsupials hiding in the samphires. T4o0kTmhargominBdualhl(oAodDveenvteulorepmWeanyt) Road 17

Hell Hole Waterhole Photo: © Qld GovtHell Hole Gorge national ParkMust dos Escape deep into weathered gorges to discover unexpected waterholes and curious creatures hidden beneath a rim of rugged• Peer into the depths at Hell Hole or escarpments giving views to the horizon. Spencers waterholes or be mesmerised by swirling eddies of a washpool. With its steep rocky banks and cascades Walking that run after heavy rain, Hell Hole• Venture deep into weathered gorges Waterhole is the park’s main attraction. Enjoy exploring or up rugged escarpments for views of Venture along deeply-incised creeks, surrounding plains. marvelling at 45m high cliffs and the life around waterholes sustained by seasonally-flowing waters.• Glimpse secretive yellow-footed rock- and into rugged wallabies bounding effortlessly up rocky Things to do ridges or watch raucous red-tailed black gullies. Take the Homolocalyx sp.3 cockatoos in trees along the creek. Wildlife spotting track leading to Photo: Tracy Waltz © Qld Govt a lookout aboveGetting there Keep an eye out for spinifex pigeons— they’re at the south-eastern limit of Spencers Waterhole 1 or stroll along theHell Hole Gorge National Park is 69km their distribution here. Watch snakesfrom Adavale. and lizards laze in the sun then slide into plateau glimpsing wildlife resting in the cool shady crevices. See Krefft’s river turtlesHead west from Charleville or north from dip under the surface when disturbed. gorges below. You need to be extremelyQuilpie to Adavale, then take the Adavale–Blackall Road. Turn left and follow the Discover wildflowers blooming in spring careful around cliff edges. Take a compassMilo–Gooyea Road to the park. among sparse, stunted mulga along the rocky plateau. or GPS as the terrain is deceptively rugged.A 4WD is essential. Roads are unsealedand become impassable when wet; be Places to campprepared for stranding due to wet weather.Take care to avoid stock on unfenced 2 Hell Hole Waterholeroads and leave gates as you find them. Rock markers guide you across Powell CreekThe nearest fuel and supplies are at to an open area near the park’s largestCharleville (256km) and Quilpie (165km). waterhole 7.5km from the park entrance. Not accessible to caravans, buses or motorhomes. Staying safe CSrpeeekncer To Supervise children closely Adavale 69km Submerged objects, steep, slippery banks, and poor visibility in muddy water make Spencers swimming, jumping and diving unsafe. Waterhole Only confident swimmers should swim. 1 Never dive or jump into the water. Never swim when creeks are in flood. Powell Creek Cliff edges may be unstable. 2 Hell Hole Keep well back from the edge. Waterhole Scale18 0 1 2km

Range Tank is a reminder of Mariala’s pastoral-era Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld GovtMariala National ParkMust dos Experience the hidden beauty and solitude of the often dry, but far from lifeless rangelands clothed in uniform mulga grey.• Gaze over rocky ridges towards distant ranges where secretive ‘Soft mulga’ grows on deep red soils in the Things to do yellow-footed rock-wallabies hide. park’s east. But on the ranges and shallow Wildlife spotting soils ‘hard mulga’ rarely grows above four• Be fascinated by cryptically metres in height and flowering shrubs cling to Keep an eye out for some of Mariala’s patterned reptiles, colourful life in shallow, infertile soils. 140 species of birds, 26 reptiles, 10 frogs and parrots and delicate wildflowers 27 mammals. See bar-shouldered doves, contrasting against uniform grey Of interest to nature-lovers is Dodonoae sulphur-crested cockatoos, speckled warblers, mulga and red, sandy soils. intricata which grows on a barren plateau in a pied currawongs and koalas at the limits of sparse, stunted shrubland of Acacia stowardi, their usual range.Getting there Hakea collina and Calytrix tetragona. It is unusual to see poplar box, brigalow and red Hardy arid-zone plants are fascinating. AdmireMariala is on the Charleville– ash growing so far west. Euphorbia sarcostemmoides, ThryptomeneAdavale Road 128km west of hexandra, Ptilotus remotiflorus and AcaciaCharleville (59km east of Adavale). Mariala Roadside To C12h8akrlmeville maranoensis. Bowyakka A. microsperma, is notThe road dissects the park with camping area Range tank common in other parks and Mariala alsoentry points well signposted from protects a rare hakea found only in this district.the Charleville side. To Adavale 59km Places to campA 4WD is recommended. Roadsare unsealed and impassable in Set up camp adjacent to the Charleville–Adavalewet weather. Road or at your choice of two small camping areas deep inside the park. There are no facilities.Did you know? No.3 Bore In the early 1900s horses were camping area bred here for use by the Cobb and McaamripailnagRaorcekapools Co. coachline. Scale 4km Formerly part of Ambathalla 02 holding, but never extensively grazed or cleared, Mariala became Yellow-footed rock-wallabies a nature reference site for studying Photo: Bruce Thomson © Qld Govt long-term vegetation changes. In 1982 it became a scientific reserve (the first protected area in Queensland’s Mulga Lands) then a national park in 1992. Staying safeCliff edges are unstable. Keep wellback from the edge and supervisechildren closely. 19

Explore Tregole on foot Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld GovtTregole National ParkMust dos Be surprised by almost pure stands of ooline—rainforest trees with 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 Morven-Bollon Road from mulga, brigalow from belah and life where two biogeographic regions displays at the day-use area. bitterbark from fuchsia bush. meet—the Brigalow Belt and the Mulga Lands. Mulga clothes Tregole’s ridges; Walk the Tregole circuit• Savour a bush barbecue or peaceful brigalow grows on areas with heavy picnic with the birds. clay soils; while woodlands of poplar 2.1km return (allow 45mins) Class 4 track box and Mitchell grasslands are found Weave through stands of ooline and mulga,Getting there on the park’s undulating plains. spot birds and identify different plants using signs along the track. Beautiful black orchidsTurn south off the Warrego Highway at Things to do growing abundantly on tree trunks attractMorven and follow the sealed but narrow many insects when in bloom. These flowersroad 11km to the Tregole day-use area. Picnicking are rarely seen so far west.Did you know? Cook lunch on the free gas barbecue To Morven or simply picnic under a shady tree. 11km Ooline Cadellia pentastylis has rainforest origins dating back to the Ice Ages when Wildlife spotting Scale most of Australia was wetter than it is 0 100 200m today. The ooline forest at Tregole is Grab your binoculars and camera and unusual given such a hot, dry climate. go birdwatching. Spot brown or white Once more common further east, ooline treecreepers working busily prising is now considered as vulnerable to insects from underneath bark, and see extinction due to clearing over much of weebills, warblers, five different species its former range. of thornbills or numerous other ‘little brown birds’. Caper white butterflies flit from one wild orange bush to another while sand goannas prowl for an easy meal. (Above) Enjoy a family visit to the park; (right) R angers’ tip caper white butterfly; (far right) ooline is an attractive tree with tessellated bark Stay overnight in Morven, Photos: (above) Brett Roberts © Qld Govt; (right) © Qld Mitchell or Charleville. Camping Museum; (far right) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt is not permitted at Tregole.20

Thrushton National Park bursts into flower after rain Photo: © Qld GovtThrushton National ParkMust dos Disappear down backroads deep into the mulga scrub in search of solitude, pastoral heritage relics, colourful wildflowers in spring and the unusual sight• Capture contrasting colours of of spinifex so far east. wildflowers in spring and bright- green spinifex against red sand. Get to know this park with flat, sandy plains Places to camp containing extensive stands of mulga, a rare 1 Thrushton Homestead• Wander the homestead, woolshed sub species of belah and scattered ironbark, and stockyard ruins imagining cypress pine and kurrrajong growing above Camp 3km from the park entrance in an the bustle of a working pastoral areas of spinifex. open, flat area near the old Thrushton property in years gone by. Homestead. This building was originally Things to do part of the Dunkeld Inn and moved hereGetting there in 1921 on carts drawn by 40 horses. Wildlife spottingThrushton is best accessed from 2 Thrushton WoolshedBollon via the Mitchell–Bollon Search for koalas and echidnas amid river redRoad. Turn onto Homeboin–St gums and coolabahs lining Neabul Creek. Keep Enjoy a peaceful bush camp near the oldGeorge Road 51km north of Bollon watch for rare square-tailed kites and if lucky woolshed, 2km past the homestead site.(or 156km south of Mitchell) and see the golden whistler and delicate mouse at Camp sites are accessible to 4WD only incontinue east for 16km to the park. the south-western limit of their range. dry weather. There are no facilities.From St George, head west along Spot a ‘western’ skink or snake! Tiny Ctenotusthe Balonne Highway for 51km, brachyonyx and C. schomburgkii skinks areturning north at Boolba onto usually seen further west, as is the woma—aCypress Tank Road. Drive for large ground-dwelling python. Glimpse rare36km, turn left into Rutherglen yakka skinks perched on sunny logs.Road, then travel a further 15km tothe park entrance. Walking To Bollon 67km via Scale Mitchell-Bollon Road 0A 4WD is recommended. Roads are Wander creeklines, around buildingunsealed and impassable in wetweather. Please leave all gates asyou find them. Nea bul C Mourilyan Road reek 4 8km ruins or along a bush track. HGoeomregbeoRino–aSdt Rutherglen To St George 102km Road There are no designated walking tracks so use a compass or GPS and be mindful of your 2 1 Thrushton THhormusehsttoeand location. It’s easy to become disorientated in Woolshed the thick vegetation and flat terrain.Old Thrushton stockyards R angers’ tip To Balonne Highway Photo: © Qld Museum Never attempt to cross bore drains in your vehicle. These open drains directed water to where it was needed but stopped flowing in 2007 when bores were capped as part of the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative. 21

Journey confidentlyRoads through the Mulga Lands can be long and dusty Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld GovtEnjoy 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 q Adequate water, food and emergency • Pack for hot and cold conditions… and Mobile phone and internet coverage is 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 camping gear. radio you can use to contact support extra emergency supply for or emergency services should the need 3–4 days in case of stranding. • Expect rough, slow, dusty and/or boggy arise—see back cover for useful contacts. roads far from help should something A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is also q Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and go wrong. Many parks are only advisable for travel in remote areas. accessible in a 4WD. insect protection and medications. Camping in parks • Choose your destination carefully. q Detailed map showing travel routes Are you, your vehicle and equipment To camp in national parks you need a up to it? Do you have remote travel camping permit. Book your camp sites and distances. A GPS may be useful. experience and sound mechanical and obtain camping permits online before knowledge of your vehicle? Consider you go at qld.gov.au/camping q Communication equipment and list travelling with another vehicle. Stop for local advice at a friendly visitor of emergency contacts. • Fuel up regularly. 4WD travel and low information centre along the way. Many gear uses fuel more quickly. Fuel stops offer free wi-fi which can be used for q Sufficient fuel, vehicle spares and repair are few and far between. checking park alerts and making camping bookings. For accommodation options equipment. Have extra tyres, fuel, oil, • Plan for emergencies. Pack extra outside national parks visit Outback engine coolant and vehicle retrieval supplies and leave an itinerary Tourism at outbackqueensland.com.au equipment if travelling to remote areas. (including travel routes and check-in or call 1800 247 966. points) with a friend or relative. q Reliable camping gear in good (Right) Nothing beats camping beside an outback • Avoid rushing. Allow for delays and take waterhole; (opposite page top) Culgoa Floodplain working order. your time to appreciate all this vast region offers. sometimes lives up to its name; (opposite page q Portable stove and/or clean, weed- bottom) remember to pack your binoculars Fishing Photos: (right) Raelene Neilson © Qld Govt; free firewood. (opposite page top to bottom) © Qld Govt; Fishing is only permitted at Currawinya Karen Smith © Qld Govt q Sturdy rubbish bags and sealable, National Park. Regulations apply, for details see npsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/fishing animal-proof containers. No bins are provided.22

Flood warning Be responsible Drive safelyAfter good rains (in local areas or • Avoid disturbing animals and plants, • Drive according to the speed limit andfar upstream) flooding can cut roads cultural artefacts and historic sites. local conditions. Unsealed roads mayand leave parks or townships isolated have gutters, washouts or loose edgesfor long periods. Be ready to sit tight • Leave your pets at home. and dust decreases visibility. Alwaysif it rains. • Please don’t feed wildlife or leave food watch out for livestock and wildlife.• Check for closures before or scraps behind. • Keep to designated roads to help travelling. • Take your rubbish away with you. Never prevent erosion, protect vegetation and avoid the confusion of multiple tracks.• Obey all road closures—roads bury rubbish as animals will dig it up. Plants here are slow to regrow. may be closed due to boggy • Please don’t place rubbish or contents conditions or water over the road. • Be considerate of other road users and of chemical toilet tanks into pit toilets. local land holders. Leave gates as you• Avoid flooded crossings as • Avoid the spread of weeds and pests. find them and never drive on private submerged obstacles and property without permission. Some washouts may pose a hazard. Use vehicle wash-down facilities in local maps show roads not open to the public. If it’s flooded—forget it! towns. Check clothing and equipment regularly: wrap weed seeds and plant • Avoid driving on rain-affected roads.Stay informed material and dispose with your rubbish. Even if you get through you could • Don’t use firearms, chainsaws, quad damage the road surface and make itRegularly check: bikes or unregistered motor cycles. dangerous for other road users.• park alerts at npsr.qld.gov.au/ • Use a portable stove or your own clean, weed-free firewood. Collecting firewood • If you break down, ALWAYS stay with park-alerts for park conditions in national parks is not permitted. Use your vehicle until help arrives. and closures. fire rings where provided.• current and forecast weather • Wash at least 50m away from Watch wildlife, conditions and river heights at waterbodies and minimise use of soap don’t hit it! bom.gov.au and detergent.• travel and road condition • Where toilets are not provided, bury Vehicles share the road with wildlife. information at 131940.qld.gov.au human waste and toilet paper at least Minimise your chance of collision and or phone 13 19 40. 15cm deep and 100m away from camp vehicle damage by travelling at or sites, tracks and watercourses. below the speed limit. Avoid driving at dusk or dawn when wildlife are Photo: Shane Hume © Qld Govt Be safe most active. Slow down for wedge-tailed eagles • In an emergency, call feeding on road-kill—they need time to lift their huge bulk off the ground. Triple Zero (000). Watch for emus, kangaroos and • Always carry drinking water, whether livestock, and for reptiles basking on sunny road surfaces. driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from any source. 23 • Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and sturdy 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.

Useful contacts Emergencies: Call Triple Zero (000) from a digital orLocal information on roads, waste satellite mobile phone. Mobile phonedisposal sites and local services: coverage is extremely limited.Balonne Shire phone (07) 4620 8877 For non life-threatening emergencieswww.balonne.qld.gov.au you can also try to make contact viaBulloo Shire phone (07) 4655 3399 UHF radio—scan for people using otherwww.bulloo.qld.gov.au channels while you are driving.Murweh Shire phone (07) 4654 7771www.murweh.qld.gov.au Tourism information:Paroo Shire phone (07) 4655 1120www.paroo.qld.gov.au outbackqueensland.com.auQuilpie Shire phone (07) 4656 0540 or phone 1800 247 966.www.quilpie.qld.gov.au Toilet waste dump points:Road conditions: Campervan and Motorhome ClubVisit the Department of Transport and of Australia cmca.net.auMain Roads at 131940.qld.gov.auor phone 13 19 40.Connect withQueensland National Parks npsr.qld.gov.au/nationalparks qld.gov.au/camping qldnationalparks @QldParks; #QldParks ©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.