About Barakula

Forest features

In 1907, Barakula was one of the first state forests in Queensland and has remained a working forest for over 110 years. Barakula is not only the largest state forest in Queensland, but also in the Southern Hemisphere—spanning an area of 283,000 hectares. Straddling the Great Dividing Range, Barakula contains a rich mosaic of vegetation communities, including eucalypt forests, cypress pine woodlands, heath-lands and spinifex.

Brightly coloured flowers are scattered throughout Barakula State Forest.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Barakula State Forest plays host to a number of natural and historic attractions. Sprawling views of native vegetation and the Great Dividing Range can be seen from a few different observation points and many species of native flora and fauna are protected under the watchful eye of scientific research. The forest provides opportunity for bird watchers and gives bloom to spectacular wildflowers during spring.

Visit the old sawmill to see relics of the forest’s timber harvesting history.

Looking after the forest

Help preserve this forest’s natural and cultural values by following these few common sense rules:

• Leave everything as you find it. This includes plants, animals, rocks, ruins and artefacts.
• Firearms and other weapons must not be used in Barakula State Forest.
• Take care with fire. Clear away any flammable material for a metre around campfires and ensure your fire is out (with water) before you leave.
• Bury toilet waste at least 15cm deep and 150m from any watercourse.
• Preferably use fuel stoves. The collection of firewood from the State forest is prohibited. Bring your own clean-milled firewood.
• Please remove your rubbish from the state forest and leave campsites clean and tidy.
• Do not contaminate waterholes with detergents, soap, shampoos or human waste.
• Drive only on declared roads indicated on the map and always wear seatbelts.

Longicorn beetle amongst the wattle.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Forest management

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manage Barakula State Forest and the Dogwood Creek camping area under the Forestry Act 1959.

Tourism information links

For information about activities, tours and accommodation in this region, see: southernqueenslandcountry.com.au.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.