Visiting Culgoa Floodplain safely
Water across the road near Bollon.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
From St George, travel 160km south to Hebel, then 45km south to Goodooga. From Goodooga, turn right into Brenda Road and travel on the sealed road for 12km and a further 11km along the gavel road. Take the left fork shortly after the border grid and travel 7km to the park. A 4WD is essential.
From Cunnamulla, travel east 3km along the Balonne Highway and turn right onto the Mitchell Highway. Travel 29km and turn left onto Jobs Gate Road and travel 90km to the park. A 4WD is essential and roads become impassable after rain.
Maps:
Staying safe
Warning: Culgoa Floodplain is remote.
Plan for the unexpected when travelling through remote parks.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Be aware of potential dangers and take care of yourself while exploring parks. By following a few simple steps you can make your visit a safe and enjoyable one.
- Plan your trip carefully—this is essential!
- Roads may become impassable during and after rain so ensure you take extra supplies for at least an extra four or five days.
- Drive carefully at all times. Dirt roads may have gutters, washouts or loose edges (especially after heavy rain). Bull dust on some roads may seriously decrease visibility. Check local road conditions before visiting particular parks.
- Never walk alone and stay on the tracks unless you are a very experienced and well-equipped bushwalker.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Start longer walks at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days. Plan to complete your walk before dark. Visiting in the cooler months is recommended.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt even on cloudy days.
- Carry a first-aid kit—packed with remote area first aid in mind and know how to use the items in it.
- Local water is often not suitable for drinking, so take water with you when walking in parks.
Please take care. It is very easy to get lost. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it! A vehicle is much easier to find than people.
Before you leave
- Thoroughly check the condition of your vehicle and pack vehicle spares and equipment, including two spare tyres, engine coolant and oil.
- Check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads or call 13 19 40 for current local and main road conditions.
- Check the Park Alerts section of this website for current information on tracks and conditions.
- Leave an itinerary with a friend or relative. Include travel routes and/or check-in points.
- Pack reliable communication equipment.
- Pack for hot and cold conditions. Outback Queensland can be very hot during the day, and very cold (to below freezing point) overnight.
- Contact us or relevant tourist information centres to help you plan your trip.
In an emergency
In case of accident or other emergency call Triple Zero (000).
Mobile phone coverage is not available. Satellite phones can be used at Culgoa Floodplain National Park. Consider taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). If you have a PLB, it should only be activated in serious emergency situations, when there is no alternative way to raise assistance.
The nearest hospital is located at Dirranbandi, 130km away. The Royal Flying Doctor Service operates in this area.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
- Bring at least 7 litres of water per person a day for drinking, cooking and washing. Local water is not suitable for drinking.
- 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 flooding. It is possible to become stranded away from your campsite.
- Bring warm clothing and camping gear as winter nights can be cool.
- 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.
Opening hours
Culgoa Floodplain National Park is open 24 hours a day.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
- Find out more about camping at Culgoa Floodplain National Park.
Pets
Domestic pets are not permitted in the national park.
Climate and weather
In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C. The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit.
During July, the average maximum temperature is 19°C, while overnight temperatures can fall to a frosty 5°C. Clear winter nights ensure magnificent starry skies.
More than half the average annual rainfall of 450mm falls during summer.
After good rains (whether in the local area or far upstream), flooding isolates the park from nearby townships for long periods.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Dirranbandi 130km from the park.
For more information see the tourism information links below.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.