Visiting Conway safely

Getting there and getting around

Conway National Park lies on the Central Queensland coast, between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Turn off the Bruce Highway just north of Proserpine, or 65km south of Bowen, then travel 26km to Airlie Beach.

To explore the parks coastal trails there are a number of options starting from Airlie Beach.

• Follow Shute Harbour Road south-east for about 7km to the Conway National Park day-use area.
• Follow Shute Harbour Road south-east for about 8km to the Swamp Bay/Mount Rooper car park.
• Follow Shute Harbour Road south-east for about 9.6km, turn left onto Whitsunday Drive follow this drive for approximately 1km to the Coral Beach car park.

To explore the trails on the Conway circuit, travel west along Shute Habour for about 10km and turn left onto Brandy Creek Road. Follow this road onto Forestry Road through to the car park.

Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

If you are planning to access the park's undeveloped southern end by boat, be aware that boating restrictions apply. See the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for further information.

• Conway national and conservation parks trails map (PDF, 170.6KB)

Wheelchair accessibility

Toilets at the Conway National Park day-use area are suitable for wheelchairs, however some assistance may be required.

Staying safe

Conway National Park and conservation park provide the opportunity to appreciate the natural, cultural and scenic values of this special area. To ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable please follow these guidelines.

Take heed of all safety and warning signs on the trails.

Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government

• Be prepared to encounter wildlife. Snakes, spiders, stinging plants and insects are common, so know how to respond. Remember, all wildlife in the parks is protected.
• Plan carefully and travel in groups. Tell a responsible friend or family member of your plans and let them know when you return. Take plenty of water and snacks with you, in case of emergency.
• Ensure you have enough daylight. Light levels in the rainforest fade rapidly before sunset, you could get disorientated and lost.
• Night-time temperatures can get down to 2 degrees during the cooler months, so plan accordingly.
• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable. There is patchy coverage around the Mount Rooper area, and occasional coverage from the ridgelines only on the Conway circuit.
• Heed all safety and warning signs.
• Tank water must be treated before drinking.
• Cyclones are common along Queensland's tropical coastline. Never go walking or cycling if a cyclone is imminent and be prepared for an emergency. Check weather forecasts before you visit.
• Never swim alone. Lifesavers do not patrol Coral Beach or Swamp Bay. Visitors to the Whitsunday area are reminded to be SharkSmart on beaches and the coastline in and around the national park.
• Protect yourself from marine stingers, especially from October to May, although some may be present year-round. Always wear a stinger suit when swimming. See marine stingers for more information.
• Be aware that estuarine crocodiles occur in the waters around the parks. Remember—always be croc wise in croc country.

Please follow the Parks and forests stay safe and visit with care guidelines.

In an emergency

For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

We recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency + app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• a first-aid kit and reliable communications equipment
• drinking water—all tank water needs to be treated before drinking, and may not be available
• fuel stove and fuel—fires are not permitted
• sealable rubbish container—bins are not provided
• insect repellent
• sun protection—some areas of the park are quite exposed.

Drinking water

Bring your own drinking water. There is no reliable water source in the park. If available, water from tanks and taps must be treated before drinking.

Opening hours

Conway National Park and conservation parks are open 24hr. The parks or sections of the parks may be closed at times due to extreme weather or management operations. Check park alerts for the latest information on parks and forests access, closures and conditions.

Permits and fees

Camping permits

If you intend to camp you will need to obtain a camping permit and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site. Penalties apply for camping without a permit.

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

Other permits

Various activities conducted in Conway National Park may require a permit. These activities include commercial tours, social events such as weddings, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and sale of photographs or vision of Conway National Park and conservation parks. View permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Conway National Park or conservation parks.

Climate and weather

The region has a well-defined dry season in winter, with average temperatures of 10–20°C. Between January and March, high humidity, strong seasonal rainfall and average temperatures of 20–35°C make conditions less comfortable. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest fuel and supplies are located near Airlie Beach (12km) or at Proserpine (18km).