National Parks
Whether you are looking for adventure or seeking quieter pleasures, the Capricorn Region is a natural paradise of vast National Parks, spectacular sandstone gorges and tropical islands lying within the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion have created some of the most dramatic sandstone gorges you will find anywhere in Australia, their deep rock crevices concealing ancient aboriginal art.
The region is also host to some ecologically sensitive and unique wetlands, breeding areas and marine protection zones that are significant because of the extent and richness of their diversity. Blackdown Tabeland National ParkRising abruptly above the surrounding dry plains, Blackdown Tableland protects spectacular sandstone scenery with gorges and waterfalls at the north-eastern edge of
Byfield State ForestPicturesque recreation areas surrounded by rainforest-edged creeks, rugged mountains, pine plantations and ancient cycads
Byfield National ParkOutstanding coastal scenery, massive sand dunes, rugged granite pinnacles and remote coastal camping opportunities are highlights of a visit to Byfield National Park and Conservation Park. All tracks through the park are sand or unsealed therefore best suited for 4x4 driving. Cania Gorge National ParkA spectacular landscape of prominent sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt forest and dry rainforest on sheltered slopes. While side gullies and creeks provide moist, cool conditions for ferns and mosses, above 70m cliffs is a dry, rugged expanse of open woodland typical of Central Queensland's extensive sandstone belt. Capricorn Coast National ParkRocky outcrops along the Capricorn Coast were formed by volcanic eruptions about 130 million years ago. The park protects a
Carnarvon National Park168 kilometers south west of Springsure. Sculpted by millions of years of weathering Spyglass Peak and The Sentinel dominate the skyline. Follow the vehicle track through
the park to Belinda and Major Mitchell springs. Observe the vivid yellow jacket trees, go bird wathcing and stay at the Nogoa River camping area. Carnarvon Gorge SectionAn oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland. Here, in the Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park, towering white sandstone cliffs form a spectacular steep-sided gorge with narrow, vibrantly-coloured and lush side gorges. Boulderstrewn
Isla Gorge
At the Southern end of the Dawson Range, Isla Gorge National Park, protects spectacular sandstone scenery in the Central Highlands. Here, among a complex maze of gorges, standstone outcorps and striking rock formations change colour throughout the day. Scenic Isla Gorge is fairly broad and contains Gorges Creek, a tributary of the Dawson River as well as visible art engravings on rocks.
Ka Ka Mundi SectionAcross the undulating plains, Ka Ka Mundi’s sandstone cliffs dominate the clear blue skyline. This remote section of Carnarvon National Park contains more than 30km of escarpments and plateaus in the central highlands. Ka Ka Mundi was grazed for more than a century before it became national park in 1974. Mt Moffatt SectionSculpted sandstone outcrops, spectacular
Salvator Rosa SectionCrystal clear springs add more than 10 million litres of water a day to peaceful Louisa Creek and the Nogoa River as they meander beneath a backdrop of rocky sandstone crags and spires. Expedition National ParkOn the Expedition Range in central Queensland lies remote and rugged Expedition National Park. Dry eucalypt forest covers most of the park. The mature spotted gum forest is the only intact forest of this type. Patches of dry rainforest scrub grow in narrow side gorges and wildflowers flourish along the cliff tops. Sandy Robinson Gorge is lined with cabbage palms (a relic from the dinosaur era), bottlebrushes and wattles. Keppel Bay Islands National ParkSecluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, plunging cliffs and diverse plant communities are some of the attractions of Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Includes 154 islands surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. Kroombit Tops National ParkRugged mountain scenery, sandstone cliffs and gorges, creeks, waterfalls and a variety of vegetation types are protected in two
Minerva National ParkSpectacular jagged peaks provide a scenic backdrop to Springsure in this park in Central Queensland. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, Mt Boorambool and cliff-fringed Mt Zamia today
Mt Archer National ParkOn Rockhampton’s northern doorstep, Mt Archer National Park protects bushland remnants in the Berserker Ranges, a scenic
Mt Etna Caves National ParkLimestone outcrops and dense, decorated caves are protected in Mt Etna Caves National Park. Mt Etna is the roosting site for
Mt Jim Crow National ParkVolcanic activity created Mt Jim Crow, a trachyte plug protected in Mt Jim Crow National Park. The base and lower slopes of this impressive dome are covered in semievergreen vine thickets and hoop pines. Mt Jim Crow is important to the local Aboriginal people. A Dreaming legend tells the story of how this mountain was created by the Rainbow Serpent. Lake Nuga Nuga National ParkThe Lake Nuga Nuga National Park is in the fertile Arcadia Valley. If, while visiting Lake Nuga Nuga, you happen to see the Aboriginal Dreamtime Rainbow Serpents who live under the two peaks that dominate the northern shoreline, please do not disturb them as the lake will go dry! Shoalwater & Corio Bay Wetlands & Marine HabitatThe Shoalwater & Corio Bay areas are home to 14 of the 29 wetlands found in Queensland, unique dune systems dating back into the Pleistocene era, almost half the mangrove species found in Australia. These wetlands and marine habitats are important feeding and breeding grounds for almost a thousand species of migratory birds, marine turtles and dugongs. Because the area is relatively undeveloped and community entry to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area is very limited, the bays do not attract mass tourism. The area is managed by the EPA & GBRMPA as part of a protection and conservation plan.
|
