Visiting Mount Moffatt safely

Navigation skills and adequate preparation are essential for off-track bushwalking.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Mount Moffatt map (PDF, 175.4KB)

Mount Moffatt is 220km north of Mitchell via Womblebank Station. It is 160km north-west of Injune via Womblebank Station or via Westgrove Station.

The road from Womblebank is unsealed and can become impassable after rain. High-clearance 4WD is recommended. Once in the park, high-clearance 4WD is required to reach many of the features.

Note: Some roads and sections of Mount Moffatt might be closed without prior notice during wet conditions, in the event of wildfires or when rangers are carrying out other management duties. Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions in the national park.

There are no roads from Mount Moffatt directly to the other sections of Carnarvon National Park, namely Carnarvon Gorge, Salvator Rosa and Ka Ka Mundi.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks or facilities in the Mount Moffatt section of Carnarvon National Park.

Staying safe

Be aware of potential danger and take care of yourself while exploring parks and forests. By following a few simple steps you can make your visit a safe and enjoyable one.

• Drive carefully at all times. Dirt roads may have gutters, washouts or loose edges (especially after heavy rain). Check local road conditions before visiting the park.
• If your vehicle breaks down while within the national park, stay with it—a vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
• Always take care near cliff edges—sandstone can crumble.
• Never walk alone, and stay on the tracks unless you are a very experienced and well-equipped bushwalker.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Carry an adequate first-aid kit and know how to use it.
• Plan your trip carefully and ensure you bring adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies. Roads may become impassable after rain, so ensure you take extra supplies.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
• Creek water is often not suitable for drinking, so take water with you when walking in the park. Treat water obtained from all sources including taps, creeks and lakes. Boil water for ten minutes or use sterilisation tablets.
• Wear sensible footwear—boots or strong shoes.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and long-sleeve shirt, even on cloudy days. Start longer walks at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days. Plan to complete your walk before dark.

Walking safely

No matter what type of walk you intend to do, you should always plan ahead to walk safely. Judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out, even on short walks. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger. Learn as much as you can about the terrain and local conditions and make sure that you wear appropriate clothing and reliable gear. Choose walks that suit the capabilities of your entire group. Stay together and keep to the walking tracks.

Most importantly, you should always advise friends of your itinerary before departing for a walk, particularly if you are planning on remote walking in the park. Whether on a day walk or longer trek, you should plan to finish walking well before dark. If walking in thick forest, it will get dark much earlier, so carry a torch, even if you are on a day walk.

When walking, stay together as a group and walk at the pace of the slowest person. Fatigue on long walks raises the risk of accidents and an injury in remote country can become life-threatening.

By planning ahead, you will not only have a memorable trip, but also a safe one.

In an emergency

In case of an accident or other emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Mobile phone coverage is not available at Mount Moffatt. Satellite phones can be used. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) can be used in life threatening emergency situations if no other communication is available.

The nearest hospital is located 160km from the park at Injune.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
• Carry adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies.
• Prepare for an extra four or five days in case you become stranded due to wet weather.
• Bring warm clothing and camping gear as winter nights can fall below zero.
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags, and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
• Bring a fuel or gas stove for cooking.
• Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife.

Opening hours

Carnarvon National Park is open 24 hours a day.

Permits and fees

To camp in the national park a permit is required and fees apply.

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

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Carnarvon National Park.

Climate and weather

Be prepared for extreme temperatures at Mount Moffatt. In winter, temperatures may fall well below zero, while in summer they may reach more than 30°C. Storms are frequent in summer. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in Mitchell and Injune. No fuel is available between these towns and Mount Moffatt, so before you leave either town for the park, allow extra fuel for driving the 100km of park roads as well as the trip back to town. For more information see the tourism information links.