Visiting Blackbraes safely
Photo credit: Eleanor Collins, Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
Map
Blackbraes National Park is on the Kennedy Developmental Road and can be accessed via Hughenden or the Lynd Junction.
Hughenden access
From Townsville follow the Flinders Highway 380km south-west, or from Mount Isa, follow the Flinders Highway 520km east. At Hughenden, turn onto the Kennedy Developmental Road and travel north for 170km to the park.
Lynd Junction access
Access to the Lynd Junction is from Townsville (via Herveys Range), Charters Towers or Mount Garnet. From Townsville, follow Herveys Range Developmental Road for 109km through Herveys Range. Turn right onto the Gregory Developmental Road and travel 163km to the Lynd Junction. From Charters Towers, follow the Gregory Developmental Road north-west for 262km to the Lynd Junction. From Mount Garnet, travel 162km south on the Kennedy Highway to the Lynd Junction. The park is a further 95km south on the Kennedy Highway.
To access Emu Swamp camping area, follow Dulthara Road (from the Kennedy Developmental Road) for 4.5km, past the ranger base and turn right at the fork. Travel a further 14km and turn right at the windmill. The camping area is another 2km along this road.
Moonstone camping area is on the east side of the Kennedy Developmental Road, next to Moonstone Hill. It is 5km from the northern park entrance and 6km southern park entrance.
The Kennedy Developmental Road is unsealed and may be temporarily closed or inaccessible after heavy rain. When dry, this road can be used by conventional vehicles with care. However, travellers should expect to encounter bulldust, corrugations, exposed rocks, creek crossings, other vehicles, native wildlife, cattle and road trains. Access to the park is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about local road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks or facilities in the park.
Staying safe
- This area is isolated so it is important to plan trips carefully and be prepared for emergencies.
- Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.
- Carry plenty of drinking water and try to walk and ride in the cooler part of the day.
- Wear appropriate helmets and safety gear and be realistic about your cycling and riding abilities.
- Ride and drive to the conditions.
- Carry adequate food, first-aid equipment, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment in case of unexpected delays or breakdown.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
To enjoy your time in these parks remember to bring:
- sufficient water
- a fuel stove for cooking
- a first-aid kit
- sunscreen and insect repellent
- rubbish bags.
Opening hours
Blackbraes National Park is open 24 hours a day. The camping areas are open during the dry season—usually from March to November. They may be closed at other times depending on weather conditions. See park alerts for up-to-date information. Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about local road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.
Permits and fees
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.
Fossicking in Moonstone Hill Resources Reserve requires a licence.
Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. Contact us for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Blackbraes National Park or the resources reserves.
Climate and weather
In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C. The cooler months of the year—May to August—are the best times to visit. Night time temperatures can drop below 6°C and frosts can occur during this time. Most rain falls in the summer months—December to March—and there is little rainfall in winter. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology. For more information, see the tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Hughenden and the Lynd Junction. For more information, see the tourism information links.
- Emu Swamp Camping Area at Blackbraes National Park temporarily closed 17 May to 1 June 2021