Bald Rock National Park
Located in the Northern Tablelands,Bald Rock National Park is adjacent to the Queensland border. You will find the entrance  29km north east of Tenterfield, along the Mount Lindsay Highway. The park takes its name from its main feature which is a  magnificent dome 750metres long and 500metres wide. It rises 200m above the surrounding bushland and is the largest exposed granite type rock in Australia.

 

Boonoo Boonoo National Park lies 22km north of Tenterfield offering a great variety of picturesque, ecological and historic attractions for it’s visitors.The Boonoo Boonoo River is one of the park's most spectacular features as it meanders it’s way through high granite country, spotted with boulders and covered by open forest.

 

Bunya Mountains National Park
The Bunya Mountains make up a remote part of the Great Dividing Range lying about 150km from the coast. They rise sharply from the surrounding country to an average height of 975m, reaching over 1100m at Mounts Mowbullan and Kiangarow.

 

Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park
Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park features an historic Quarantine Station. The Queenslander style buildings that are still standing were built in 1915 and are maintained as offices for the EPA/QPWS.A small museum offers an insight into the history of quarantine around the area. Visitors can experience a touch of the past in a picturesque coastal setting. Walking tracks pass by abandoned WW2 gun positions with stunning views of Townsville and Magnetic Island.

 

Cania Gorge National Park
Cania Gorge National Park protects a spectacular landscape of outstanding sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt forest and dry rainforest on protected slopes. While side gullies and creeks provide damp, cool conditions for ferns and mosses, above 70metre cliffs is an arid, craggy expanse of open woodland typical of central Queensland's extensive sandstone belt. An important habitat for wildlife is also provided by the park’s 3,000 hectares.

 

Carnarvon National park
Carnarvon Gorge is a paradise cut out from the craggy sandstone range by the passage of water and time. This stunning gorge carries special significance in Aboriginal mythology and is equally important as an historic geological landmark. Huge formations of rock hide their secret memories of ancient tribal gatherings. Art, images and symbols of the Aboriginal past adorn the various walls in the Gorge.
Carnarvon Gorge is the most popular section of visitors to the expansive 298,000 hectare Carnarvon National Park. The Consuelo Tableland and Great Dividing Range provide a stunning backdrop to the Gorge though there is no possible access to this area.
The Park is a haven for bird watchers with over 180 bird species recorded. Take an early morning stroll along the Nature Trail and you may see duck-billed  platypus diving in the pools of Carnarvon Creek. Take a torch with you for an evening stroll and you may see possums, gliders, bandicoots and kangaroos. Hundreds of plant species pack the fertile gorge which still shields giant Angiopteris ferns which possibly date back 300 million years. Palms and Cycads, Grass-tress and Eucalyptus, and an abundance of mosses, lichens and other small plants can be found.
Cathedral Cave is one of the most extensive Aboriginal Art Sites within the Gorge. Other sites include Baloon Cave, or a half-day walk to the Art Gallery. Stencilled, engraved and freehand drawings decorate the soft sandstone and overhanging rocks.
Numerous short walks from the main gorge track lead to beautiful side gorges and waterfalls. Longer walks to sites such as the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward's Canyon may take half a day. The Moss Garden is like another world where a natural spring constantly pours water which, slowly filtering through the sandstone, leaves the rock surface with a garnished with tiny droplets. A carpet of lush moss and a magic waterfall looking up into the accessible Violet Gorge make this spot an essential place to visit.
The Amphitheatre is a site which simply must be seen to be believed. Inside the ancient rock wall, hidden behind a narrow gap, millions of years have created an amazing crevice in which you will feel dwarfed by it’s splendour. It will lift your spirits as well as your voice as the Amphitheatre is well known for its remarkable acoustics. As you enter Ward's Canyon you will immediately feel a big drop in temperature. Like going back in time you will be surrounded by ancient King Ferns (Angiopteris), the largest fern in the world. There is also the rare moment of sunlight playing on the hidden Aljon Falls, which only happens for about five minutes every day.
'When walking in Carnarvon Gorge National Park, remember that the walk along the way can offer you as much enjoyment as the destination. Carnarvon National Park is a 10-hour journey from Brisbane by bus. Millions of years of weathering has molded the landscape of the lonely Mt.Moffat part of this central Queensland park and the 20,000 acres of the adjacent Saddler Springs Education Center.
Cycads such as macrozamia moorei were common in the grassy understorey. This ancient plant is the symbol for the center. According to information from the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the Aboriginal peoples of Australia used this plant as a food source. "The seeds of these and other cycads are borne in a large cone and have an orange outer coat. They are poisonous, but the Aborigines knew how to treat them to remove the poison, and so take advantage of the large amount of food provided by a single plant. One of the ways was to cook the seed, break it up, and then soak it for up to three weeks in running water. In Western Australia, only the outer red part was eaten, after treatment by washing and burying."
Much of the park area is open woodland on broad undulating hills. The Saddler Springs site is rather more rough country with a mixture of cliffs, gorges, outcrops, and springs.

 

Clump Mountain National Park
Mission Beach
Here you can take the four kilometre rainforest circuit walk uphill to Bicton Hill's summit and enjoy great views of the mainland and offshore islands from seats positioned along the track. Clump Mountain National Park is also a great place for watching wildlife where you can see echidnas, rainforest skinks and lace monitor lizards which may appear along the track.At night you may see giant white-tailed rats feeding on the red seeds of the palm cycad from May to June.

Should you decide to do some birdwatching you might be fortunate enough to see a buff-breasted paradise-kingfisher or a cassowary. Cassowaries can be very aggressive towards people if they feel intimidated so stay well out of harms way as they have an extremely sharp and dangerous claw on each foot and can kick out. If you do come across one it is best to back away slowly and, if you have a backpack,hold it in front of you until well away.

At night, take a good torch with you and look out for striped possums feeding.They feed on beetle larvae, flowers, fruit or the honey of native bees.
You are not allowed to camp here but there is plenty of accommodation in the Mission Beach such as:

Apollo Jewel Beachfront Apartments,
South Mission Beach,
Mission Beach

Cassawong Cottages,
Wongaling Beach,
Mission Beach

Del Rio Apartments,
South Mission Beach,
Mission Beach

Eco Village ,
Mission Beach,
Mission Beach

Or,if you prefer a hotel there is:

Horizon At Mission Beach,
South Mission Beach,
Mission Beach

Mackays Mission Beach
Mission Beach

Mission Beach Resort,
Mission Beach

Sanctuary Retreat,
Mission Beach

The Clump Mountain area is the traditional land of the Dyiru Aboriginal people. Closeby is Bingil Bay which was a favourite camping spot and the Dyiru used rainforest plants to make fish nets, shelters, tools, weapons and even for medicinal purposes. Clump Mountain can be found on the Bingil Bay Road about four and a half kilometres north of Mission Beach. The park entrance and carpark are about 500 metres south of Bingil Bay.

Cooloola National Park
Cooloola National Park shelters the largest intact sand dune    system in the world, and also includes rainforest, open forest and heathlands. The major features of the park are the coloured sandcliffs, extensive beaches, forests and peaceful lakes. Visitors can enjoy bushwalking, scenic drives, beach fishing, lake and surf swimming. Many tracks within the park are for use by 4WD vehicles only and day tours and safaris are available.

 

Curtain Fig National Park
Yungaburra
The Curtain Fig National park protects a small area of an endangered type of forest, called mabi forest. The name"Mabi" comes from the Ngadjon word for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo. There are several unique features in this type of forest. The most notable being the semi-deciduous canopy trees, which allow more light than normal to penetrate through and to the forest floor. This has helped a well-developed shrub layer to grow over the years and it is endangered because most of this type of forest has been cleared for farming.

The name ‘Curtain Fig’ comes from the single large fig tree that is found in the park and which is unique because it’s wide-ranging aerial roots which drop 15 metres to the forest floor, form a "curtain". Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighbouring tree — a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres, and is estimated to be over 500 years old.

A raised boardwalk around the tree gives the tree protection whilst allowing visitors clear views of the fig from all angles. Wheelchair users can also gain access via this boardwalk. Night-time visitors come to this area with their spotlights to see the elusive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and other nocturnal animals. Guidelines about spotlighting are available in the information shelter. The Curtain Fig is on the Atherton Tableland, 10 kilometres south-east of Atherton. Access is via the Atherton-Yungaburra Road, on the outskirts of Yungabura which  is about 66 kilometres from Cairns via the Gillies Highway. The Atherton Tableland is also accessible via the Kennedy Highway from Cairns, the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail or the Mossman Mt Molloy Road from Port Douglas. There are several tour companies who travel to the Curtain Fig National Park.

 

Deepwater National Park
To the west of the track on sandy type soils grow a mixture of paperbark forests, low shrubland dominated by wallum banksia and open heathlands. These diminish into swamplands close to Deepwater Creek.
The creek water is stained brown by tannins and substances sucked from surrounding heath plants. The creek is bordered by tall forests of swamp mahogany, paperbark and cabbage palms, and is broken in places by shallow sections of reed bed and paperbark forest. In these areas water only flows during the wet season.Behind the beach, exposed dunes are vulnerable to erosion. Twisted shrubs and creepers help keep sand from being blown away. Thickets constantly buffeted  on the higher parts of the dune show the strength and direction of the prevailing wind.

 

Edmund Kennedy National Park
Within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is Edmund Kennedy National Park. Few parts of north Queensland's wet tropics can boast the range of vegetation types found in this park.
Sitting along the coastline, north of Cardwell, Edmund Kennedy National Park contains areas of coastal rainforest, eucalyptus forest, melaleuca woodland, sedge swamps and widespread mangrove swamps.
This section of coastline is just as explorer Edmund Kennedy found it. In 1848, he and his party of 12 men landed at Tam O'Shanter Point, about 35km north of the park, to begin their ill-fated expedition to Cape York.
Kennedy, first of all, travelled south, in search of a way through the ranges behind the coast and this became the national park which bears his name. Moving inland at Meunga Creek, Kennedy's progress was impeded by swamps and mangroves as well as disease and clashes with local Aborigines.
Over six months later, following these disagreements,Kennedy was killed by Aborigines near the tip of Cape York, only a short distance form his meeting point with the supply ship 'Ariel'. Only three members of the party survived.
The entrance road to the park (Clifts Road) can be found 4km north of Cardwell on the Bruce Highway. It is about 1km to the park entrance and another 1km to the park entrance. A further 1km will take you to the ranger station. The road past this point is unsuitable for caravans and you are asked to leave them here if you wish to drive through the rest of the park. Check road conditions with the ranger during the wet season because some areas become boggy. Driving is not allowed on the beach.
Walking tracks take you through coastal rainforest, open forests and woodland before eventually reaching the beach. Where the track ends near Wreck Creek, it is possible to return along the beach. Only attempt this at low tide because you have to cross an outflow from a tidal creek. It is not recommended that any of the main creeks be crossed as saltwater crocodiles are found in this area. Along the tracks there are boardwalks and bridges which allow you to view the extensive mangroves. Stop for a moment and look for the small, colourful mangrove crabs as they emerge from their holes.
The marine parks waters that surround Edmund Kennedy National Park are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Here the Marine Park is zoned general Use and most activities are allowed. Detailed zoning information can be obtained from a map of the central Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Things to remember: Saltwater crocodiles are present in the creeks which flow through this area. Do not swim in the creeks.
Swimming in the ocean is particularly hazardous between October and May when the potentially fatal box jellyfish are present in the creeks and along the coastline. Vinegar should be applied to stings and medical help sought immediately.
During summer months mosquitoes and midges are a problem. Remember to bring insect repellent and to wear protective clothing.

 

Eurimbula National Park
In May 1770 Captain Cook first landed in Queensland on this picturesque stretch of coast. The Endeavour, Cook’s ship,anchored in the sheltered inlet that became known as Bustard. Botanist Joseph Banks collected 33 species of plant from the Bustard Bay area and noted the presence of palms which indicated the expedition had returned to the tropics. This is an important coastal area botanically as a complex mix of vegetation including some plants common are preserved in both southern and northern areas.
The area displays noticeable changes in plant varieties as visitors to Eurimbula will come across mangrove fringed estuaries, freshwater paperbark swamps, coastal lowland eucalypt forests with weeping cabbage palms before meeting with tall rainforests and towering hoop pines. (Araucaria cunninghamii)
Access From the Bruce Highway at Miriam Vale, take the Agnes Water-Town of 1770 road. Sections of the road are gravel. Turn left at the 10km sign to Eurimbula National Park sign before the town of Agnes Water then arrive at the park entrance after 4km. An 11km bush track leads to Bustard Beach campground and the mouth of Eurimbula Creek. The sand is soft but accessible to conventional vehicles with high clearance during dry weather. A 4WD vehicle is recommended after heavy rain as the road may become boggy and includes several creek crossings. At no time attempt to tow a caravan into the area.
Permits are required for camping for all protected areas including Eurimbula Resources Reserve and can be purchased either from the self-registration stand at the campground or from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office in the town of 1770. Bookings are accepted three months in advance for the holiday periods.
The nearest shops providing provisions are located at Agnes Water (25km by road) and in the Town of 1770 (4km by boat).
Ganoonga Noonga Lookout (Aboriginal for low ground) The lookout car park is 3km from the park entrance along the Bustard Beach track. A 360m walking track rises steeply to the lookout. From this vantage point you can view swamps and heaths covering the parallel dunes that have built up over the last 6000 years. This walking track also provides panoramic views of the park. To the west is the Munro Range, to the north are Bray Hills and Bustard Head and Bustard Bay lies to the east.
Boating  Eurimbula Creek is popular for small boats. Care must be taken as the creek has a flat sandy bottom and a broadly winding channel not navigable at low tide. Boat ramps are located on Eurimbula Creek (for small craft) and across Round Hill Creek at the Town of 1770. Fishing for crabs is not permitted in Eurimbula Creek.
Caring for Eurimbula Regulations are designed to help care for the beauty ofEurimbula. Please observe them to ensure all can enjoy Eurimbula.

 

Eungella National Park
This major park preserves a significant sample of the central Queensland rainforests. Most of the park is rough and inaccessible but the southern part is popular with campers and day visitors.
Access Eungella township is 80km west of Mackay. Follow the Pioneer Valley road to where it winds steeply up the Clarke Range to Eungella township. Caravans may have difficulty negotiating this section of the road.
On arriving at Eungella township, also known as 'Dalrymple Heights', follow the road sweeping to the left to reach Broken River, 5km away. Along the way you will see signs indicating the starting points of various walking tracks. The entrance to the first track known as Pine Grove, starts just past the Eungella Chalet.
Walking Tracks
1. Pine Grove (1.5km one way) Start near the Eungella Chalet and walk through rainforest past Eagle View Lookout.' After 700m take the fork back to the road and Cedar Grove. It is only 250m back along the road to your starting point.

2. Cedar Grove (3km one way) Taking it’s name from the Red Cedar trees growing here, this gentle sloping path winds it’s way through rainforest for 3km to the roadside picnic area at Sky Windo. The return is then back the same route or along the roadway.

3. Sky Window (300m circuit) This circuit starts and ends at the Sky Window picnic ground. The track is wheelchair accessible and trackside signs inform visitors about Aboriginal history and use of the area. 30 minutes will give you plenty of time to stop at the lookouts. At the beginning of the loop track is a large lawn for picnicking, as well as a sheltered table, a gas barbecue and toilet facilities.

 
4. Palm Walk (1.8km one way) Walk through tall Piccabeen and Alexandra palm Groves. Palm Walk circuit starts 200m along the road from Sky Window picnic ground. Take the right fork back to the road after 1.1km. It is 500m back along the road to your starting point. The left fork leads to starting point. The left fork leads to Broken River (see track 5 below).

5. Clarke Range Track (6.5km one way)  You can join this track from the southern end of the Palm Walk Track. View the Pioneer Valley from Surprise Lookout and cross the Clarke Range at Sunshine Corner. At the Granite Bend you cross the Broken River and then join the Granite Bend Circuit and Rain forest Discovery walk for the final 700m.

6. Rainforest Discovery Walk. (1km circuit) This is a short circuit track with trackside information signs for those wishing to do a self-guided walk in sub-tropical rainforest. The track starts and ends in the Broken River picnic ground.

7. Granite Bend Circuit (2.1km circuit) This track is an extension of the Rainforest Discovery Walk and takes you deeper into the rainforest. The Crediton Creek Trail and Clarke Range track depart form this circuit.

8. Crediton Creek Trail (8.5km one way) Only for the physically fit, Crediton Creek Trail forks from the Rainforest Discovery walk and follows Broken River upstream to Crediton Creek. Make sure you arrange a a pick-up at Crediton Creek or you will have to walk the 6.5km back along the road.

9. Wishing Pool Circuit (1.5km circuit) At the end of the Crediton Creek trail, a circuit track leads through rainforest past a waterhole in Broken River.
Finch Hatton Gorge The road to Finch Hatton Gorge leaves the main Pioneer Valley road 1km east of Finch Hatton Township. This narrow road is 10km long with 6km of gravel. Creek crossings flood periodically.
A car park is sited adjacent to the National Park picnic area with toilets, picnic tables and gas BBQ's. There is no National Park camping in Finch Hatton Gorge.

10. Wheel of Fire and Araluen Falls (2.1km one way) This area features low-land tropical rainforest, granite boulders and cascades. The track begins at the picnic ground and extends 2.1km up Finch Hatton Gorge. 1.2km up this track turn left to Araluen Falls (400m) or continue ahead 900m on the Wheel of Fire track. The last 500m includes 260 steps. The track terminates at a large pool. For your own safety, remain on the track.

 

Fraser Island National Park
Fraser stretches 123km along Queensland's southern coast, and is the world's largest sand island. More than 98 percent of its 165,280 hectares is part of the larger Great Sandy National Park. So important are its natural features that all of Fraser Island is World Heritage-listed.

Fraser Island is managed as the Fraser Island Recreation Area for nature-based recreation where the needs of protection and recreation are carefully balanced. The island bears scattered reminders of an ancient people and many more recent enterprises yet it is amazingly intact.

 

Glass House Mountains National Park
The Glass House Mountains, a group of 13 volcanic peaks, are an outstanding part of the Sunshine Coast landscape. Years of weathering by wind and rain has helped make these spectacular remains of volcanic activity which occurred more than 20 million years ago.
Glass House Mountains National Park protects seven of the thirteen distinctive mountains - Beerwah, Tibrogargan, Ngungun, Coonowrin (Crookneck), Miketeebumulgrai, Elimbah (Saddleback) and Coochin Hills - along with Blue Gum Creek Section. Within the park, rare plants, vegetation, and their dependent animals are conserved.
Natural vegetation linking the national park's separate sections is vital for the survival of native animals such as koalas, parrots, lizards and wallabies. Nearby landholders can help conserve native fauna by retaining or replanting native vegetation.
Camping Camping is not permitted inside the national park because of it’s small size and the possibility of damage to vegetation. Those wanting to camp near the park should instead consider the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) camping ground on the banks of Coochin Creek, 9km east of Beerwah township. Contact the DNR, Beerwah Office on (07) 5494 0150. Inexpensive accommodation is also available in caravan parks located along Glass House Mountains Road.
Bushwalking and climbing Blue Gum Creek, Mt Elimbah, Mt Miketeebumulgrai and Coochin Hills are reserved primarily for conservation of their natural and cultural features. There are no facilities located on these parks.
Mt Ngungun summit is the most accessible of the peaks in Glass House Mountains National Park. It has a 700m long trail which, while rugged and quite sheer, can be undertaken by most people who are reasonably fit. Inexperienced climbers and family groups should be careful, as the upper sections of the trail pass close to the cliff edge. Children should be guided by adults at these narrow sections. Allow 1-2 hours to complete a return walk. There are excellent views of the Glass House Mountains and surrounding ranges from this vantage point.
At Mt Tibrogargan and Mt Beerwah, lookout points offer great views of the surrounding mountains. These can be found near the base of the cliff lines and can be accessed by 350m long walking trails. The summits can be accessed by rugged trails continuing past these lookout points. Access to the top can take 2-3 hours return and is recommended only for those who are physically fit and have bushwalking and climbing experience.
Mt Coonowrin is closed to public access due to the danger of rockfalls. Excellent roadside views of Mt Coonowrin are possible along Beerwah Road.
Near by state forest parks and council reserves such as Mt Beerburrum, Wild Horse Mountain, Glass House Mountains Lookout, Jowarra State Forest and Mary Cairncross Park provide formed walking tracks for those who are not experienced bushwalkers or climbers.

 

Girraween National Park
Meaning place of flowers, Girraween is a park of huge granite outcrops, precariously hanging boulders, mirror-like streams and tumbling waterfalls. Fabulous wildflower displays are one of the highlights of spring.  High on the northern end of the New England Tableland, the 11,700 hectare park has an average height of 900m and is cold in winter and hot in summer. Close to the Queensland-New South Wales border, it has more in common with cooler southern climes than with most of the Sunshine State.
The park’s eucalypt forests and heathlands support various birds, including the uncommon turquoise parrot and stunning lyrebird. Wombats graze on the grassy areas that edge the heath and forest. Girraween is only about a three hours’ drive from Brisbane, and offers great trekking and camping, bordered by the orchards and vineyards of the Granite Belt. It makes an ideal holiday destination or stop-over between Brisbane and Sydney. A near neighbour of Girraween is Bald Rock National Park just over the border in New South Wales.

 

Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park
Mulgrave River is an ideal place to take a swim or do some canoeing and also an excellent place to take a picnic. You may decide to take a short walk through the rainforest to Kearneys Falls, or if you are more energetic you can take a longer hike, the 18 kilometre Goldfield Track that passes between two of Queensland's highest mountains (Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker) and leads to the Boulders Scenic Reserve near Babinda.

The area is the traditional homeland of the Yidinydji Aboriginal people and was a productive goldfield in the 1870s and '80s.

Individual campsites, toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues, firewood, drinking water and a shelter shed are provided to paying campers, who must pay their fees at the self-registration station.

Goldsborough Valley can be found 25 kilometres south-west of Gordonvale and 50 kilometres south of Cairns via the Gillies Highway. The final 16 kilometres of access road is a narrow, winding gravel road and is unsuitable for buses and caravans.

 

Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island is one of the world's most diversely beautiful areas of wilderness.
Hinchinbrook is 393 sq. km and lies just off the Cardwell coast, midway between Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland, Australia, and is Australia's largest island National Park. The island has a strong aboriginal past and was first seen by Europeans in 1770 when Captain Cook sailed past. Its rough skyline is dominated by Mt. Bowen which towers more than 1100 metres over a wilderness of rainforest, mangrove-lined shores and stunning golden beaches.

 

Kondalilla National Park 
Part of the traditional lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people, Kondalilla National Park has a special meaning for the Aboriginal people who visited here when the bunya nuts were in season. Kondalilla Falls got its name from the Aboriginal word meaning “rushing waters”.

 

Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is positioned on the New South Wales/Queensland border, 120km south of Brisbane, and just 50km from the Gold Coast. Lamington National Park protects the environment of a sub-tropical rainforest which possesses fertile, volcanic soils yielding a lush environment and is home to a large assortment of flora and fauna.
Within the park's 20,600hectares are hundreds of waterfalls tumbling from jagged mountain ridges into densley forested valleys of unspoilt beauty. Sub-tropical rainforests flourish in this area of high precipitation, and on the peaks over 1,000 metres are cool temperate rainforests with magnificent cool Antartic Beech trees adorned with ferns and mosses.

 

Lochern National Park
Lochern National Park is located about 120km south-west of Longreach and just north of Stonehenge. It is 24,600 hectares in size and has a 20km facade to the Thomson River.To access Lochern National Park travel about 100km south of Longreach along the Longreach-Jundah road to the Lochern signpost. To reach the park office, follow the unsealed road for about 40km to the park boundary at the Thomson River and then travel another10km into the park.

 

Lumholtz National Park
At Lumholtz National Park there is ravine scenery, rainforest, open forest and waterfalls in the Herbert River valley. Facilities at Wallaman Falls. Seasonal canoeing. Conventional vehicles can gain access to Wallaman Falls in the dry but only 4WD to the remainder of the park in wet conditions. Wallaman Falls is 51 km west of Ingham, of which 30km is on unsealed road.

 

Maroochy Shire National Parks
A total of 13 either national or environmental parks are in or partly within the Maroochy Shire. Together these parks make a significant contribution towards the long term conservation of the natural environment. They represent a wide variety of flora & fauna providing ideal habitats for a diverse population of wildlife.These parks are:

Mount Walsh National Park
Steep slopes of forest, sheltered valleys, craggy ridge lines and areas of mountain with stunning exposed granite outcrops and cliffs support an amazing mixture of vegetation. Mt Walsh and The Bluff Mount at the northern end of the park are prominent landmarks in the area of Biggenden.
Mt Walsh National Park crosses the Coast Range, covering an area of 5,240 hectares and rising to 703metres above sea level.
Access: The main visitor access is about 2km east of Biggenden, along the Biggenden to Maryborough Road. Turn into the National Park Road and follow the signs for approximately 5.4km to a council barbecue, shelter shed and amenities.

Murray Falls, Murray Upper National Park
Cardwell
The Murray Falls are one of north Queensland's prettiest falls and what makes them pretty is the large amount of water falling over granite boulders which are coloured pink.

In this park rainforest mountains and tropical lowlands come together in the scenic foothills of the Kirrama Range. As you walk along the paths you are kept informed about the area by information signs that provide the opportunity to learn about the Girramay Aboriginal people's culture.

There is a moderately graded 930 metre walk that offers the able bodied and reasonably fit, a great walk through a cool rainforest gully and up into open forest for fantastic views over the falls and Murray Valley.

Leaving from the top end of the grassy campground you may take a delightful river boardwalk of which, the first 75 metres is accessible by wheelchairs.You will find this park 42 kilometres north-west of Cardwell and 38 kilometres south of Tully. It is accessible by conventional vehicles and motorhomes and caravans can be taken into the camping area. However some of the road is rough and stoney.

Noosa National Park Headland Section
Noosa National Park situated on Queensland's Sunshine Coast provides an important shelter for indigenous plants, animals and people from the urban development of the surrounding area. As early as 1879, early settlers had the foresight to declare Noosa Town Reserve. Additions and mergers over many years has resulted in a 454hectare national park which, though only small by comparison with many parks, is extremely valuable for the local conservation of nature.Today, we appreciate Noosa National Park for many reasons, including its picturesque beauty, it’s many types of vegetation and its protected wildlife.

 

Orpheus Island National Park
Orpheus Island National Park features secluded bays with stunning fringing reefs. Made up of granite and volcanic rocks, Orpheus Island is a member of the chain of continental islands called the Palm Group located 20km off the Queensland coast, east of Ingham.These volcanic rocks were formed around 280 million years ago. A geological feature of the island are 'ring dykes', formed by the invasion of molten lava into granite bedrock cracks. These created a spiders web effect and can be seen on the headland and rocky shores where erosion has created caves and crevices.

 

Palmerston, Wooroonooran National Park-Innisfail
Palmerston is one of the most accessible parts of this scenic park in the centre of the World Heritage Area. Along the highway are many entry points that allow walkers to visit rivers and waterfalls that are amidst dense, ancient rainforest. When you stop at Crawford's look out for the view down to the North Johnstone River and climb down the steep winding track for a closer look. Henrietta Creek is an ideal place to pitch your tent and do some platypus-spotting. Take the circuit track to Nandroya Falls or walk to Tchupala and Wallicher Falls. The creek at Goolagan's picnic area is a great place to enjoy a little relaxation.

 

Porcupine Gorge National Park
Porcupine Gorge National Park provides a striking contrast to the thin wooded, dry flat plains which encircle it. This stunning canyon shows sections of sedimentary rocks which cover hundreds of millions of years of geological history. Porcupine Gorge begins about 50 kilometres north of Hughenden. The Gorge Lookout and Pyramid are several kilometres further north. The rough Kennedy Development Road from Hughenden to Lyndhurst runs parallel to the western edge of the gorge and, when dry, is accessible by all vehicle types with care. After storms, the road may be temporarily closed or become inaccessible to conventional vehicles. Local advice should be sought regarding road conditions at these times.

 

Simpson Desert National Park
Queensland’s Simpson Desert National Park covers an area of 10 000sq. km of the north-east part of this dry, but far from lifeless, stretch of parallel sand dunes. It is the state’s largest protected area and adjoins South Australia’s Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Simpson Desert Regional Reserve. A visit to the desert is an experience that will live in the memory for many years but it requires good preparation and extreme caution as the area is extremely isolated and dry.

 

Sundown National Park
High 'traprock' country along the Queensland/New South Wales border has been cut out by the Severn River and numerous creeks run into sharp ridges and spectacular steep sided gorges. This landscape mixes impressively with open granite hilltops and the valleys of nearby Girraween National Park and the Granite Belt.The barren atmosphere of Sundown National Park and Sundown Resources Reserve (Total 16,000hectaresa) is maintained by keeping development to a minimum. Sundown is 250km southwest of Brisbane. A small provisions store at Glenlyon Dam has the only food and fuel supplies after leaving the New England Highway.Conventional vehicles can be driven to Broadwater camping area and the Severn River at the southern end of the park via 75km of tarmac road from Stanthorpe and 4km of gravel road.From Tenterfield, travel north 5km then west along the Bruxner Highway 52km to Mingoola. Turn right and travel 12km to the park turnoff.A 14km gravel road leads from Ballandean to the park's eastern boundary, with rough 4WD tracks leading to campsites along the river (7-20km). Bushwalkers can leave vehicles just inside the park.

 

Tam O'Shanter National Park
Tully
One of the largest remaining areas of coastal lowland rainforest in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area can be found in the Tam O’Shanter National Park. Within the park there is a rare patch of licuala fan palm forest and it is one of the few places you are likely to see an unusual and endangered bird, the Southern Cassowary.

You can learn about cassowaries at the information shelter and have a barbecue at Lacey Creek. Nearby there are signs in the cassowary arboretum that describe the trees that cassowaries feed on, and a short circular walk that leads you through the forest and past a viewing platform overlooking the creek. Picnic at Licuala day-use area and follow the children's cassowary walk. A slightly longer circuit leads you under the bright green, patterned canopy of licuala palms. All of this can be found about 20 kilometres north-east of Tully and about five kilometres west of Mission Beach.

 

Tully Gorge National Park
Tully
The Tully Gorge National Park is Queensland's wettest area and frequent rainfall gives the park it’s green tropical vegetation and the white-water rapids of the Tully River. There are walks and lookouts within the park that offer spectacular views of both the rainforest and the river rapids.

You can relax and enjoy the peaceful campground beside the river. Organised white-water rafting tours are available and can be booked nearby so if you have a sense of adventure and plenty of energy why not try it?. There is also a 20 minute wheelchair-accessible rainforest butterfly walk, where clouds of colourful butterflies, including Australia's largest, the Cairns Birdwing, can be seen from September to February. Access to here is 40 kilometres north-west of Tully with conventional vehicle access along Jarra Creek and Cardstone Roads. The road is quite narrow in places and watch out for large buses.

 

Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays Islands are about 1125 km north of Brisbane and about 725 km south of Cairns. The climate is in keeping with a tropical sub rainforest region. Airlie Beach is the mainland base for exploring the Whitsunday Islands. Ever since Captain James Cook discovered the stunningl tropical islands of the Whitsunday's, people have come to the region just to see them. Today,the Whitsunday Islands, are one of the greatest tourist attractions in Australia, with more than 600,00 visitors a year (3rd busiest tourist destination in Queensland).
 
There are many more National Parks and Conservation areas in Queensland and some of these are as follows: