Visiting Blackbraes safely
Simpsons Creek waterhole. Waterholes provide a refuge for native animals and plants in the parks' seasonally dry landscape.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © 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 Developmental Road.
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, and rangers may not be on park to help you. It is important to plan trips carefully, be self-sufficient and be prepared for all 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 not available.
- Carry and drink plenty of water and try to recreate in the cooler part of the day.
- Wear appropriate walking and cycling safety gear and be realistic about your abilities. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Drive to the conditions. The unsealed roads in the park maybe rough. Visitors must be experienced in four-wheel-driving and travel with the necessary recovery gear.
- The unsealed roads in the national park become boggy, over-grown and inaccessible during the wet season (usually November to March). Don’t take risks, don’t get stuck. Don’t drive into the park during or after periods of heavy rain—you could be cut off for days. If it’s flooded, forget it.
- Be alert to unfenced areas as livestock may be on the roads.
- Carry adequate food, first-aid equipment, fuel and a basic vehicle repair kit in case of unexpected delays or breakdown.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
Mobile phone coverage is not available, although some networks may have service in major towns.
We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
To enjoy your time in this park remember to bring:
- drinking water, sufficient for your stay
- a fuel or gas stove for cooking
- a first-aid kit and communication equipment
- food storage containers
- sunscreen, at hat, sunglasses and insect repellent
- bags to take your rubbish with you
- a shovel to bury toilet waste.
Opening hours
Blackbraes National Park is open 24 hours a day. The camping areas may be closed during the wet season, usually from November to March, when conditions make areas inaccessible. The park may be closed at other times due to management activities and 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.
Other permits and fees
Various activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. See Permits and fees 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 (170km) and the Lynd Junction (95km). For more information, see the tourism information links.
- Emu Swamp camp ground at Blackbraes National Park temporarily closed 10 January to 14 February 2023