Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest Townsville | Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: Russell Kluver © Queensland Government

Spend hours exploring the serenely beautiful Broadwater Creek. Photo credit: Paul Curtis © North Queensland Wildscapes

Be inspired: Camping ‘nature fix’ for families at Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest

We all lead busy lives, balancing work, school and play. How long since your last nature fix? Photo credit: © North Queensland Wildscapes

Visiting Broadwater, Abergowrie safely

    Broadwater Creek.

    Photo credit: © Jodie Bray

    Getting there and getting around

    There are 2 access routes to Broadwater.

    Southern access

    From Ingham travel 27km via Trebbone along Abergowrie Road. Turn right at Elphinstone Pocket Road and travel a further 4km. Turn left at the sign for Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest.

    Northern access

    Turn off the Bruce Highway at Hawkins Creek Road just north of the Herbert River (2.4km north of Ingham). Travel 26km along Hawkins Creek Road. Turn right at the sign for Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest.

    These routes converge just outside the state forest boundary. From here the last 16km is unsealed but can be accessed using conventional vehicles.

    Logging trucks use the access roads to Broadwater and the southern end of the Dalrymple Gap track. To reduce the risk of collision, a 3km section of the road between the Dalrymple Gap walking track and Broadwater has been designated for one-way traffic (east to west) only. Please use caution when travelling in this area and obey all signs. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, (May to September). During the wet season (December to April), flooding may temporarily close access roads. Contact the RACQ to enquire about local road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for updated weather reports.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    The boardwalk at the start of the rainforest walk is wheelchair-accessible. It leads to a magnificent white fig (Ficus virens var. sublanceolata) commonly known as the Broadwater fig. The toilets, showers and shelter shed in the camping and day-use area are also wheelchair accessible.

    Staying safe

    • Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
    • Wear protective clothing, sturdy footwear and insect repellent to protect yourself from stings, scratches and bites.
    • Venomous fish called bullrouts live in some creeks. Wear sandshoes or similar footwear when swimming and take care when investigating unusual rocks or objects. Be aware of the required first-aid procedures.
    • Never jump or dive into water
    • Detour around snakes—never provoke them.
    • Carry a torch at night.
    • There is no mobile phone coverage. Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area.
    • In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Download the Triple Zero emergency app —it could save your life.

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    • a first-aid kit
    • a pair of old sneakers for swimming
    • a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
    • firewood
    • rubbish bags
    • drinking water.

    Opening hours

    Abergowrie State Forest is open 24 hours a day and is generally accessible from May to October. During the wet season, between December and April, the road into the park may be inaccessible. Contact the RACQ to enquire about local road conditions.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Find out more about camping in Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest.

    Permits are required for commercial or organised events. View permits and fees for further information.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Abergowrie State Forest.

    Climate and weather

    Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. Please carry suitable clothing to accommodate all extremes. May to September is generally the driest period and the best time to visit, but heavy rain can fall at any time. During times of heavy rainfall, especially in the wet season (December to April), access roads may become impassable. For more information see the tourism information links. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Ingham and Cardwell. For more information see the tourism information links.