Important updates: coronavirus (COVID-19)

Queensland national park and State forest sites that were closed due to COVID-19 are now open.

Bookings for camping and vehicle access permits can be made online via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service. Telephone bookings and some over-the-counter agent bookings resumed from Monday 15 June 2020.

Camping and vehicle access permit bookings

Please note some restrictions are in place to support Queensland Health directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our visitors safe. This includes:

• limiting the number of campsites to assist with social distancing
• limiting the number of people who are able to access amenities at any one time
• keeping showers closed
• enhancing cleaning regimes.

We request those who are able to be self-contained do so to reduce the number of people using facilities.

Bookings are essential:

• Camping areas and vehicle access permits (all locations except Minjerribah and Mulgumpin) – book online via Queensland National Parks Booking Service
• Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — book via Minjerribah Camping
• Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) — book via Mulgumpin Camping.
• Cooloola and Bribie Island – details are available via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service for how to book as you will require a COVID-19 Access Authority to enter the Restricted Access Area.
• Cape York Peninsula camping – available for booking for local residents only

Restricted Access Area—Cooloola and Bribie Island Recreation Areas

Cooloola and Bribie Island Recreation Areas have been designated Restricted Access Areas under the Recreation Areas Management Act to assist with managing visitor numbers and community safety as part of the government’s COVID-19 response.

You must secure a COVID-19 RESTRICTED ACCESS AREA AUTHORITY to enter these Restricted Access Areas before travelling even if you hold a valid vehicle access permit. This is available for no additional cost to the normal requirements for vehicle and camping permits.

There are two (2) ways you can use your vehicle access permit while the Restricted Area Access declaration is in place. These must be acquired in the sequence as follows:

1. If you intend camping:
1. Firstly – You must have a valid camping permit (which includes a COVID-19 RESTRICTED ACCESS AREA AUTHORITY ) for the duration of your visit; and
2. Secondly – Acquire a current vehicle access permit, or you can use your existing one (which must cover the period of camping and can only be used for the dates of your camping permit).

Or

2. If you are a day visitor:
1. Firstly – You must acquire a COVID-19 RESTRICTED ACCESS AREA AUTHORITY from http://qpws.bookeasy.com; and
2. Secondly – Acquire a current vehicle access permit, or you can use your existing one (which can only be used only for the dates of your COVID-19 RESTRICTED ACCESS AREA AUTHORITY).

To book, or for more information, visit the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Before visiting a national park

• Always check Park Alerts before leaving home for up-to-date information for a specific location.
• Only visit open sites where there are car spaces available in the car park, follow social distancing measures and adhere to public gathering numbers.
• Do not attempt to visit any closed areas, unless authorised, for your own safety and protection, and that of your community.
• Please exercise appropriate hygiene with regard to washing hands with soap, use of sanitisers, and leave no trace behind when you depart.

Sites that remain closed

• Daisy Hill Koala Centre and the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre currently remain closed, however we are working to open these as soon as possible in line with Queensland Health directives (note David Fleay Wildlife Park reopened Friday 12 June 2020 and the Mon Repos Turtle Centre reopened 13 June 2020).
• Travel restrictions remain in force under the Queensland Chief Health Officer public health directions for the designated Indigenous community areas of Kowanyama, Wujal Wujal, Northern Peninsula Area and the Torres Strait. National parks in these areas (Ussher Point and those North of Jardine River), along with Boodjamulla National Park in north west Queensland remain closed to the public living outside the designated areas until 10 July. Bookings made from outside these designated area will be cancelled. Check the DATSIP website prior to travelling to designated Indigenous community areas and check Park Alerts prior to visiting national parks and state forest.
• Other local closures or restricted access to facilities may apply for management purposes—check the specific location at Park Alerts.