Visiting Bladensburg safely
Getting there and getting around
Bladensburg National Park is part of the Diamantina catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide .
Conventional 2WD vehicles can access Bladensburg only during dry weather, and a high clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended at all times.
From Winton head south towards Lark Quarry road, turning left after 8km along the Route of the River Gum. At the junction 7km further along, turn left to Bladensburg homestead (5km) and Scrammy Drive, or right to Bough Shed Waterhole camping area.
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.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
- Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
- Carry drinking water, whether driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from streams, rivers or waterholes before drinking.
- Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
- Watch your step on escarpments — edges can be unstable due to natural weathering. Stay away from the edge and be mindful where you walk. Take heed of all safety advice and warnings.
- Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). You could also try to make contact with people on UHF radio (try channel 1 duplex for other local radio traffic).
Mobile phone coverage is available at the Homestead information centre, though unreliable in other areas of the park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.
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
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 7 litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least a week in case of stranding.
- Fuel stoves are recommended.
- Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
- UHF, satellite phone and/or a personal locator beacon (PLB).
- 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 additional spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.
Opening hours
Bladensburg National Park is open all year however wet weather and management activities may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts for information on park conditions, access 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.
Other permits and fees
Various activities in national parks require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events (for example weddings or birthday parties), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. 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 has fallen 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, 17km from the park entrance.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.