Combo Waterhole Conservation Park Outback Queensland

Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Visiting Combo Waterhole safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is part of the Diamantina catchment area. To help you plan your outback journey, download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide (PDF, 4.9MB) .

    Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is just south of Kynuna and 132km north-west of Winton. Turn south off the Landsborough Highway 13km south of Kynuna and follow the short 8km drive into the park. You can access the park with a conventional vehicle. Vehicles are not permitted beyond the car park as this will further damage the stone-pitching. Follow the self-guided walking track to Combo Waterhole on foot, discovering the story of Waltzing Matilda.

    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 with Queensland Transport or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.

    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, so stay away from the edge and take care where you walk.
    • Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
    • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and 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 scan UHF channels for local radio traffic.

    Mobile phone coverage is poor or not available in most 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

    Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is close to Kynuna, but you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

    Essentials to bring

    Although not as remote as other Central West Queensland parks, unexpected rain and flooding can cut road access. We strongly suggest you take the following:

    • 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 stove. Fires are permitted in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.
    • 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 extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.

    Opening hours

    Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is open all year round, however wet weather may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts for information on park conditions, access and closures.

    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 Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.

    Climate and weather

    Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures reach over 40°C during the day, and 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 Meterology.

    Fuel and supplies

    The nearest fuel and supplies are at Kynuna (13km) or Winton (132km).