Visiting Blackwood safely

Getting there and getting around

• Blackwood National Park map (PDF, 89.6KB)

Blackwood National Park is on the Gregory Developmental Road (Great Inland Way), 15km north of Belyando Crossing and 180km south of Charters Towers.

Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

Vehicles are not permitted beyond the car park.

Wheelchair accessibility

Blackwood National Park has no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Staying safe

• Carry adequate drinking water.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days and try to walk in the cooler parts of the day.
• Wear insect repellent, clothing and sturdy footwear to protect yourself from stings, scratches and bites.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, carry a first-aid kit and be realistic about your cycling and walking abilities.
• When cycling, slow down or stop when approaching other track users. Avoid skidding and sliding around turns.
• 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.

Read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests for more information.

In an emergency

For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency+ app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit make sure you bring:

• a first aid kit and communications equipment
• fresh water, as water facilities are not provided
• a fuel stove and fuel, as fires are not permitted
• a sealable container for rubbish—bins are not provided
• a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses

Opening hours

Blackwood National Park is open 24 hours a day (camping is not permitted). The park may be closed at times due to extreme weather or management operations, check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.

Permits and fees

Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. See Permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Blackwood National Park.

Climate and weather

Days can be very hot between October and March, reaching an average temperature of 31 to 35ºC and, at times, exceeding 40ºC. Wet periods occur during this time and can often make access difficult to impossible. Visit in the cooler months, from April to September, when daily temperatures average a more pleasant 27ºC. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and basic supplies are available at the roadhouse at Belyando Crossing, 15km south of the park. Charters Towers (180km north) has a wider range of supplies For more information see the tourism information links.