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National Parks
The soft sound of a babbling creek that floats through the lush rainforest can rejuvenate the soul. An intimate encounter with a tiny turtle hatchling scurrying into the ocean will leave you with a feeling of wonderment. These constant calls from the wild resonate throughout the Gladstone Region creating a landscape that invites exploration.
Whether it is a gentle stroll through evergreen forest, the thrilling adventure of maneuvering a four-wheel drive through unexplored terrain or the solitude of camping in a pristine coastal landscape, the Gladstone Region provides an impressive setting for all kinds of nature-based pursuits. Here’s just a snapshot of what our National Parks have to offer.
BROADWATER CONSERVATION PARK
Nestled between Baffle and Deepwater creeks, this park offers a tranquil coastal retreat for self-sufficient campers. Foredunes coverd by casuarina woodlands are just one example of the diverse coastal vegetation protected here. The park is found 7 kilometres noth of Rules Beach. Access is by four wheel drive aong the beach at low tide or by boat. Sand driving experience is required as access can be difficult.
Things To Do
Stroll along a deserted beach as solider crabs skittle away or witness migrating whales breaching out at sea. Birdwatch, fish or explore the coastal dunes, paperbark woodlands and mangrove-lined creeks. At night relax in your tent and listen to the natural orchestra of the wildlife.
Camping
Camping is permitted at Mitchell Creek. Bring water and a fuel stove; no facilities are provided and generators are not allowed.
CANIA GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Cania Gorge National Park protects a spectacular backdrop of prominent sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt forests and dry rainforest on sheltered slopes. Cania Gorge can be reached via a bitumen road branching off the Burnett Highway 12 kilometres north of Monto, passing through the small settlement of Moonford.
Things To Do
Cania Gorge offers spectacular walking tracks suitable for the whole family. The network of tracks is in the southern end of the park and lead to places of interest. The Dripping Rock, Dragon Cave, Fern Pool and the Bloodwood Cave tracks are just some of the walks from and with Cania's extensive range of wildlife, you are sure to seen some Australian fauna along the way. A short walk to the Shamrock Mine site is a feature of the northern end of the park.
Facilities
Petrol and general supplies are available in Monto. Day use and picnic facilities, including sheltered tables, tank water and toilets are provided in the park's southern section.
Camping
Camping is not permitted in the National Park however, private caravan and camping parks are located within the Gorge, 7km past the National Park picnic area and at the southern entrance to the National Park. Altenatively, hotel, motel and caravan accommodation is available in Monto. For assistance with obtaining details for these accommodation providers, please contact our Visitor Information Centre in Gladstone.
CAPRICORN CAYS NATIONAL PARK
Only some of the islands are open to the public, while others are used for research purposes. The reefs and coral cays can be accessed by boat. Heron Island can also be reached by helicopter.
Things To Do
Anchor in sheltered lagoons, go reef walking, snorkelling, diving, birdwatching, boating and fishing.
Facilities
Camping facilities on Masthead, North West and Lady Musgrave Island are very basic (see further information below). Heron Island and Wilson Island have five star resorts.
Camping
Camping is permitted at Masthead Island, North West Island or Lady Musgrave Island. Seasonal closures apply.
CURTIS ISLAND
Curtis Island is a large and diverse island forming the north-east protection of the Port of Gladstone, and lies between Gladstone and Rockhampton. The north-eastern end of Curtis Island is the National Park. A variety of vegetation types grow in the park from heath, grassland, stunted paperbark woodland and open eucalypt forest to extensive patches of dry rainforest. Curtis Island has a magnificent eastern coastline of beaches and headlands overlooking the Coral Sea. Access is by vehicular ferry from the Gladstone Marina. Private boats may also visit, though local knowledge is desirable. Curtis Island is located in the Gladstone Harbour. On an unspoilt coastline, 7.5km south of Agnes Water, Deepwater National Park features beautiful freshwater wetlands, high sand dunes and is backed with open forest. Access to the park from the north is by 4WD only. The track through the park can become sandy and unformed and is unsuitable for conventional vehicles or caravans. From the south there is 2WD access to Wreck Rock campground in dry weather only, however 4WD is recommended.
Things To Do
Camp at the Yellow Patch — a natural sandblow of bright yellow sand — a sheltered anchorage for boats. Fishing and birdwatching are popular on the island. There are no walking tracks, but you can spend two to three days hiking along the east coast of the island. Be sure to refer to a map, as there is private property on the island and tell someone of your plans in case of an emergency. You can also visit the township of South End — a safe, family-oriented getaway. It is an interesting location for recreation, swimming, bush walking, bird and turtle watching, and exploring wilderness areas.
Facilities
The National Park: Visitors to the island must self-sufficient — be sure to take drinking water and a fuel stove.
South End: There is a free camping ground about 1 kilometre from the landing ramp. Toilets, shelter shed, free gas barbecues. A convenience store operates out of the local accommodation, including take-away food, fuel, gas, picnic and fishing supplies, and a licensed bottle shop. All major credit cards accepted.
Camping
Camping is available at Yellow Patch. Yellow Patch is accessible by boat only. Permits are necessary to camp at Curtis Island National Park and must be purchased in advance.
DEEPWATER NATIONAL PARK
Deepwater National Park provides captivating scenery and is a place where people can fish and enjoy the beach in a quiet, unspoilt area. There are a number of walking tracks for visitors to enjoy a stroll. For experienced bushwalkers, a walk from the beach west to the creek system is very interesting.Deepwater is also an excellent area for bird watching and from January to April, marine turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests. Their emergence is a fascinating sight, but please watch quietly without handling the hatchlings as it may cause them to die. As with all National Parks, domestic animals are not allowed. Vehicles are not permitted on the beach. Local operators half-day and full day to both Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks.
Facilities
A developed camping area is situated at Wreck Rock with picnic tables, one cold shower and self composting toilets. Rainwater and bore-water are provided. Primitive camping without facilities is permitted at Middle Rock further north and day trips can be made to an area provided at Flat Rock.
Camping
Camping permits are required for all protected areas and can be obtained from the self-registration stand at the campgrounds or from Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Prebooking is required for peak periods.
EURIMBULA NATIONAL PARK
Picturesque coastal park with sandy beaches and paperbark swamps, eucalypt forest, mangroves and rainforest with a spectacular floor of wildflowers in spring can only be found at Eurimbula National Park, just west of Agnes Water. Visitors to the park are recommended to use 4WD after heavy rain and are advised not to attempt to tow a caravan into the area. In the dry seasons, the park is accessible by 2WDs. Eurimbula National Park is found 14 kilometres west of Agnes Water.
Try beach fishing. At high tide, explore Eurimbula Creek by boat or canoe. The 360 metre walking track to Ganoonga Noonga lookout offers spectacular views of the coast. Local operators half-day and full day to both Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks.
Things To Do
A walk through the rainforest area is a treat in spring as the floor is covered with a lovely array of wildflowers.
Camping
Camping is permitted at Middle Creek where only toilets are available or Bustard Beach with has toilet and limited water facilities.
ISLA GORGE NATIONAL PARK
Situated 35 kilometres south of Theodore on the Leichhardt Highway, Isla Gorge is a maze of gorges and sandstone cliffs with stunning scenery and panoramic views. The 7850 hectare park lies at the southern tip of the Dawson Range at the eastern end of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. The gorge is broad and contains Gorge Creek, a tributary of the Dawson River. The lookout is located about one kilometre from the highway. The road into the park is unsealed and 4WD is recommended. Please note that in the event of heavy rain the roads may become slippery and unsuitable for use.
Things To Do
There are no walking tracks through the park and it is recommended that only experienced bushwalkers explore the gorge system. However the lookout atop the gorge provides for excellent birdwatching. The gorge is home to a number of species including blue-faced honeyeaters, wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons. Rock engravings and stencils on the sandstone cliffs are a reminder of the Aboriginal history linked with the park. Watch the sunset over the orange sandstone cliffs and camp overnight. Venture through to Flagstaff Hill and view the remains of an old hand-paved road constructed in 1864 to transport wool from Roma to Rockhampton. Contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife for details on how to get to Flagstaff Hill.
Facilities
A picnic area at the lookout has toilets, a shelter shed and water tank. The camping area overlooks the gorge just over one kilometre off the Highway.
Camping
Camping is permitted in the small camping area near the lookout.. Take drinking water. Open fires are not permitted in the park, with fuel stoves recommended for use instead. The park has toilets, a shelter shed and a water tank. It is recommended that campers be self sufficient whilst in the park. Camping permits can be arranged through QPWS Taroom or at the self-registration station at the park.
JOESPH BANKS CONSERVATION PARK
The imposing rocky headland greeted Lieutenant James Cook and botanist Joseph Banks when they came ashore in 1770. Little has changed in the hundreds of years since the first European landed on its pristine shores with pure blue ocean to the east and undisturbed estuarine waters to the west. The park can be accessed by car from the Town of 1770.
Things To Do
Walk 205 metres to Round Hill Lookout and get a glimpse of the dolphins and turtles playing in the see-through waters below or white-bellied sea eagles in the sky above. Visit the rock cairn monument to Cook's first Queensland landing.
Facilities
Two lookouts are available.
KROOMBIT TOPS NATIONAL PARK
Kroombit Tops with its rugged parklands, spectacular views, subtropical rainforest patches and palm-fringed waterfalls is situated 85km south-west of Gladstone. Access and exit to Kroombit Tops is from the north via Tableland Road and the exit is via Tableland Road entry. Please note that this road is not suitable for use immediately following seasonal rain. Further west of the park is an accommodation operator offering a variety of accommodation and tours. Lady Musgrave Island, part of the Capricornia Cays National Park is a tiny coral cay surrounded by reef, sitting at the western end of a huge, calm water lagoon and is situated just east of Gladstone and the Town of 1770. It offers a pleasant climate all year round with hot and humid days between October and January and cool north-east sea breezes from January to April. Lady Musgrave Island is home to spectacular native flora and fauna — an ideal location for camping and nature study. Millions of years ago, molten lava spewed from a volcanic crate, but didn’t create a lave flow. Instead, the crater clogged and lava cooled to create unusual columns of scoria rock that attracts people to Mount Scoria every year. When these columns are struck, it creates a sound that reverberates up the entire mountain. The mountain is located 6 kilometres south of Thangool, near Biloela.
Things To Do
Kroombit Tops is ideal for bushwalking and exploring the many wonders of the national park including Dry Gully Gorge and the lookout on the eastern escarpment. The lookout offers stunning views of Curtis Island, Gladstone, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands coastline and visitors can stop for a bite to eat at the numerous picnic spots along the escarpment. A four-wheel drive is recommended to access Kroombit Tops.
Facilities
Kroombit Tops is ideal for a full day trip or overnight bush camping, however there are no facilities. Visitors and campers must take their own food, water and fuel.
Camping
The camping grounds have no facilities. Short-term campers are allowed to select their own sites but must remember there are no water, toilet or shower facilities provided. Day visitors are required to obtain a forestry permit. Those wishing to camp overnight must obtain a camping permit in advance.
LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND
The beautiful Lady Musgrave Island showcases superb wildlife displays throughout the year with endless bird watching and turtle nesting between October and February with hatchlings emergine 8 to 12 weeks after nesting. Reef walking, snorkelling, swimming, diving and fishing is also available, and because the island can be walked around in just 30 minutes it is a great spot for those bush walking enthusiasts as well! Water surrounding Lady Musgrave Island provide fishing opportunities.
Visitors are requested to limit their fishing and you must only fish in authorised ones. Local operators able to assist with transfers to Lady Musgrave Island, departing from the Town of 1770. A local operator offers regular day trips to the island, which includes snorkelling, coral viewing, fish feeding, morning and afternoon tea and lunch.
Facilities
Composting toilets are available on the island for the convenience of campers only. You will need to take your own water (five litres per person each day is recommended), fuel and a small broadcast radio for weather updates. Also be sure to pack sturdy rubbish bags to take rubbish away with you.
Camping
Self-sufficient camping is offered throughout most of the year with bookings taken 11 months in advance. As there are limited campsites available, bookings are essential and permits are necessary in advance.
MASTHEAD ISLAND
Masthead Island, also part of the Capricornia Cays National Park a magnificent 45 hectare coral cay preserving the Great Barrier Reef eco system. It is situated approximately 60km north-east of Gladstone and named in 1802 by renowned explorer Matthew Flinders. This remote spot is one of the most undisturbed cays in the area and offers a pleasant climate throughout most the year. Days can often be hot and humid between October and January. From April to September days are mild to warm with nights often cool.
Things To Do
Masthead Island National Park is the most botanically diverse cay with a large pisonia forest surrounded by a fringe of small trees and shrubs. It is also home to many species of seabirds and shorebirds as well as a variety of sea turtles. The island can be walked around in an hour but has no defined walking tracks. You can walk, swim or dive to see the reef's corals, fish and other marine life to full advantage.
Snorkelling also has great rewards for those prepared to swim around over the reef edge. Turtle nesting mainly occurs at night between October and February with hatchlings emerging 8-12 weeks after laying. Masthead Island offers superb opportunities for fishing with over 36 different species of reef fish inhabiting the area. However, with recent zoning visitors are requested to limit their fishing and only fish in the authorized zones. Please obtain zoning maps from QPWS Gladstone, for further details.
Facilities
Masthead Island is for self-sufficient campers only. Visitors are reminded to take their own food, water and fuel to the island. Also be sure to pack sturdy rubbish bags to take rubbish away with you.
Camping
Camping is permitted on the island most of the year with bookings taken 11 months in advance. Permits are necessary in advance. A limit of 50 campers applies. During the period 15 October until Easter the following year, access to Masthead Island will not be permitted to minimise human impact on vegetation, breeding seabirds and turtles. Visitors to the Island need to arrange transport to the island.
MOUNT SCORIA CONSERVATION PARK
Mount Scoria is a stricking local landmark feature many-sided basalt columns. Thye distinctive conical mountain was formed 20-26 million years ago when frothy lava exploded into the air, then fell as scoria. An ideal park for resting and taking in nature. Have a picnic or barbecue at the picnic area. Go birdwatching. Take the short cultural track along the mountain's base through semi-evergreen vine thicket to view the columns. Look for the characteristically shaped bottle trees around the mountain's base, relicts of much wetter times.
Facilities
Toilets, barbeques, bush walking trails and shaded areas are available for the public. Camping is not permitted.
MOUTH OF BAFFLE CREEK CONSERVATION PARK
Experience the quiet solitude of one of Queensland’s remaining undisturbed coastal rivers. Its mouth marks the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef while the northern shore of the Baffle Creek estuary features sandy beaches backed by low, open casuarina woodlands, with paperback woodlands further inland. Mangrove woodlands line the southern shore. The park is found along the Rosedale-Town of 1770 Road.
Things To Do
This restful coastal estuary is teeming with wildlife making it the ultimate escape for camping and bushwalking. Drop a line into the pristine water and land a mighty fish or stroll along the beach and take pleasure in the sound of the water crashing against the shore.
Facilities
Launch and minimal camping facilities available.
Camping
Camping is permitted behind the sand dunes. The camping area is 1 kilometre along a sandy beach, accessible only by four wheel drive at low tide. Sand driving experience necessary.
NORTH WEST ISLAND
Situated north-east of Gladstone, North West Island is the largest coral cay in the area. With surrounding reef, dense tall pisonia forest, nesting turtles and seabirds, this tranquil island is also part of the Capricornia Cays National Park.
Things To Do
North West Island offers opportunities for bushwalking, nature study, reef walking, diving and snorkelling. Being a large coral cay it has longer walking opportunities through the island and around its beaches. Fishing is also quite popular on the island. Visitors are requested to limit their fishing and you must only fish in the authorised zones. Please obtain zoning maps from QPWS Gladstone for further details.
Facilities
Composting toilets are available on the Island for the convenience of campers only. Self-sufficient camping is available however, visitors are required to take their own water and a fuel stove. Also be sure to pack sturdy bags to take rubbish away with you.
Camping
Bookings are necessary before camping and permits apply.
For further information on the natural wonders and experiences throughout the Gladstone Region pick up a Queensland Parks and Forests Guide or National Parks Guide from our Visitor Information Centres or visit www.epa.qld.gov.au.
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