Visiting Bladensburg safely

Getting there and getting around

• Parks of the Diamantina Catchment—park maps (PDF, 230.8KB)

Bladensburg National Park is part of the Diamantina catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, go to the Parks of Central West Queensland web page.

Conventional vehicles can access Bladensburg only during dry weather, and a high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended at all times. Driving south from Winton on the Winton-Jundah Road, drive about 8km then take a left turn along the Route of the River Gum.

From the turn-off it is 5km to a junction. Turn left to Bladensburg homestead (5km) or right along the Route of the River Gum to Bough Shed Hole camping area (12km).

Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check Queensland Traffic or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.

Staying safe

This park is remote and rangers may not be on park to help you. You must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) and if this fails try 112. You could also contact the Winton Police Station on (07) 4652 5130, or try to make contact with people on UHF radio (try channel 1 duplex and scan for other local radio traffic).

Before you visit

Bladensburg National Park is close to Winton but you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

Essentials to bring

• Adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least seven litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least seven days in case of stranding.
• Fuel stove. No fires are permitted in Bladensburg National Park.
• Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
• UHF, satellite phone and/or a Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). Mobile phone coverage is poor or not available in most areas of Bladensburg National Park.
• Extra fuel and vehicle repairs. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly on park drives. You should also bring vehicle repair tools, spare tyres, oil and engine coolant.

Opening hours

Bladensburg National Park is open all year however wet weather may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts or contact us for information on park conditions and closures.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required and fees apply.

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

Commercial photography permits may be required if you intend to sell any photographs taken of Queensland’s parks and forests. Organised event permits may be required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use. Contact us for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Bladensburg National Park.

Climate and weather

Visiting is recommended from April to September.

Be aware!

• Summer temperatures reach 40°C—often over 45°C—during the day
• Summer rains often cause flooding.
• Rain can fall at any time of year and flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest fuel and supplies are in Winton, 17 km from the park entrance.