Visiting Barakula safely

Dogwood Creek, Barakula State Forest.

Photo credit: John Cambourn © Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

Maps

Barakula State Forest (PDF, 117.8KB) is 45km north of Chinchilla (about 335km west of Brisbane).

Head west from Chinchilla along the Warrego Highway for 500m, turn right into Auburn Road and follow the signs.

When driving on forest roads—expect the unexpected!

• Slow down—allow time to react to unexpected situations and changed conditions. Others share the road—logging trucks, cyclists, walkers and wildlife.
• Be courteous—pull over to the left to allow vehicles to pass. For photography and enjoying the scenery, find a safe place to pull over or turn around. Do not stop in the roadway.
• Take extra care on steep and wet roads—shift down a gear.
• Obey road signs—speed limits apply.

Note: Roads suitable for conventional vehicles in dry weather only. Be aware of logging trucks as this is a working forest.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks or facilities in Barakula State Forest.

Staying safe

For your safety ensure that you:

• Plan your trip carefully.
• Inform a reasonable person of your itinerary.
• Carry adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies.
• Drive to conditions on the forest’s narrow, unsealed roads.
• Always wear seat belts and look out for wildlife and other users on the roads.
• Avoid walking, riding and driving during wet weather. Tracks can be slippery and boggy, especially after rain.
• Observe and comply with all regulatory and closure signs.

Please take care. It is very easy to get lost. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it! A vehicle is much easier to find than people. Mobile phone coverage is limited and unreliable.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency:

• call Triple Zero (000)
• advise the location and nature of the emergency
• stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

The nearest hospital is located at Chinchilla.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing. Local water is not suitable for drinking.
• Carry enough food, water, fuel, vehicle spares for your trip.
• Pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes and hat.
• Bring warm clothing and camping gear as winter nights can drop below freezing.
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
• Toilet paper and small shovel (or trowel).
• Bring clean-milled firewood—such as untreated mill off-cuts—if you are intending to have an open fire. It is illegal to collect wood from the state forest. Ensure fire bans are complied with.
• Bring you camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife.

Opening hours

Barakula State Forest is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Permits and fees

Camping permit

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Pets

Dogs are permitted in Dogwood Creek camping area only—they must be on a leash and under control at all times.

Horses are permitted in Barakula State Forest where signs permit horse riding. Please adhere to any signage that may restrict or prohibit horses from entering.

Other domestic animals are not permitted in Barakula State Forest.

Climate and weather

In summer, the average temperature is approximately 35°C. Throughout the winter months, the temperature can drop below freezing.

The average annual rainfall is 663mm, with most of it falling over the summer months, particularly in December.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in Chinchilla, 45km from the State forest.