Blackbraes National Park Outback Queensland | Townsville | Tropical North Queensland

Hospital Spring, Blackbraes NP Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Camping is available in the national park near Emu Swamp or Moonstone Hill. The camping areas may be closed during the wet season, usually from November to March, when conditions make areas inaccessible.

    See park alerts for up-to-date information. There are no facilities so visitors must be self-sufficient. Camping permits are required and fees apply.

    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation including motels and caravan parks in Hughenden. The Oasis Roadhouse on the Lynd Junction provides caravan accommodation. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Birdwatch at Emu Swamp dam.

    Photo credit: Eleanor Collins, Queensland Government

    Walking

    Map

    Fire trails (Grade: easy–moderate)

    Distance: various
    Time: various depending on route taken
    Details: There are no formal walking tracks in Blackbraes National Park though visitors can walk along the roads and fire trails throughout the park. Expect to share the roads with vehicles and remember to follow the walk with care guidelines. Walkers must not enter private land, adjacent to the park and reserves.

    Cycling

    Cycle through Blackbraes National Park on the internal roads and fire breaks. Riders must not enter private land adjacent to the park and reserves. Expect to share the roads with pedestrians and other vehicles.

    Access to the park may be closed during the wet season. See park alerts for up-to-date information.

    For more information, see cycling.

    Four-wheel driving

    Four-wheel-drive through Blackbraes National Park on internal formed roads. Vehicles must not enter private property adjacent to the park and reserves. Drivers must be licensed and vehicles must be fully registered. Expect to share the roads with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

    Stay on formed roads—vehicles are not permitted off-road.

    Access to the park may be closed during the wet season. See park alerts for up-to-date information.

    For more information, see trail-bike riding and four-wheel driving.

    Viewing wildlife

    Birdwatching at Emu Swamp dam is popular with more than 30 waterbirds recorded from the park and reserves. At night, spotlight for greater gliders, rufous bettongs, bandicoots, insects, frogs and snakes.

    • See the description of the park's natural environment for more details about wildlife in Blackbraes National Park.

    Spotlighting

    If planning a spotlighting trip there are a few things that will make the experience memorable:

    • Keep bulb wattage to 30 or less. This will increase the chance of finding animals (by not warning them of your arrival) and will extend your viewing time.
    • Bring binoculars to get a good view.
    • Use your senses to find wildlife. Look for eye shine, listen for leaves rustling and inhale the smells.
    • Use a white light to explore, then add a red or orange filter to view wildlife. Cellophane is useful.
    • Remember that loud voices and sounds will scare away the wildlife and ruin your experience.
    • Lights should never be trained on nesting birds—this can cause them great distress.

    Other things to do

    Gem fossicking

    Fossicking at Moonstone Hill Resources Reserve is popular with gem collectors and lapidary enthusiasts. Fossicking in the reserve requires a licence.

    Camping is not permitted in the resources reserve, but camping is available in the adjacent national park at Moonstone camping area—book your camp site online.