Visiting Crows Nest safely

Valley of Diamonds from Koonin Lookout.

Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government

A rose robin, one of the many species of bird found in Crows Nest National Park.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

At certain times of the year small ground orchids, such as this nodding green-hood, can be seen alongside the park's walking tracks.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Crows Nest National Park map (PDF, 182.7KB)

Turn off the New England Highway at the police station at Crows Nest (44km north of Toowoomba) and take the sealed road 6km to the park.

Caution: after heavy rain, creek crossings may be flooded.

Wheelchair accessibility

Crows Nest National Park is not wheelchair accessible.

Staying safe

Your safety is our concern, but your responsibility. Please exercise caution and sound judgement during your visit.

• Do not enter areas designated as restricted access—these areas are closed to ensure your safety.
• Never dive or jump into waterholes. Water may be shallower than it looks or hide submerged objects.
• For your safety, never attempt to climb around the lookout barriers at Crows Nest Falls—to do so could result in serious injury or cost you your life!
• Be careful—rocks and stepping-stones can be slippery, especially after rain.
• Supervise children closely. Some sections of track have steps and steep drop-offs.
• Wear a hat and sturdy walking shoes—avoid bare feet as there could be broken glass.
• Obey all signs.
• Carry drinking water when walking. Treat or boil water supplied at the park before drinking.

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency:

• call Triple Zero (000)
• advise your location and nature of emergency
• stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.

The nearest hospital is located at Toowoomba.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Bring sufficient water, food and first-aid supplies.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and sturdy shoes. Apply insect repellent and carry a raincoat.
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave. Secure supplies and rubbish from goannas and currawongs.
• Preferably use fuel or gas stoves. Gas barbecues are available free of charge in the day use area. If you are camping and wish to use the wood barbecues provided, please bring your own clean, milled timber. Never collect wood from the bush. Take care with fire—keep your fire below the grate and make sure your fire is out before you leave it; especially during hot or windy conditions.
• Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife. A torch, preferably with a red filter to protect animals' eyes, is useful for spotlighting at night.

Drinking water

Bring your own drinking water. Treat or boil water collected in the park before drinking.

Opening hours

Crows Nest National Park is open 24 hours a day.

Permits and fees

To camp in the national park a permit is required and fees apply. Camping fees must be paid before you camp overnight. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Find out more about camping in Crows Nest National Park.
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Crows Nest National Park.

Climate and weather

Expect warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Most rain falls during summer months, often as storms. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Crows Nest, Hampton and Toowoomba.