Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

The chimneys are all that remain of an old soldier-settler house. Photo credit: Roger James © Queensland Government

Lake Tinaroo is the heart of Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: ‘Slow camping’ at Danbulla where families enjoy the ‘little things in life’

‘Because one day you will look back and realise they were big things’. Writer Kurt Vonnegut was so right. Time is fleeting and we wish we could ‘bonsai’ our kids, but before we know it, they’ve grown and flown. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Chasing volcanoes (and waterfalls) in the tropical north

They say ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls’ but we suggest you do, and volcanoes too! Photo credit: Steven Nowakowski © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Legendary fish, aquatic adrenaline and waterfront vistas—Danbulla offers all this and more!

Does the smell of sunscreen and insect spray evoke childhood memories of dangling a fishing line with Dad, bucket-washing the dishes with Mum and building a camp fire with your siblings? Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: Queensland National Parks’ best-loved camping areas

We are truly a nation of coast dwellers, so when it comes to camping holidays, where do we head? To the water, of course! Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

The Chimneys day-use area

Picnic in the shadow of two tall chimneys—all that remain of a home built here in 1924.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle

Attraction facilities

  • Wood-fired barbecue (BYO wood)
  • Picnic tables (some sheltered)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)

Following World War I, land in the Danbulla area was released for soldier settlement. An early soldier settler built a modest house here in the early 1920s, but later abandoned his block. Bill Hanley then built a new house here with his brother-in-law, Thomas Clark, in 1924.

These 7m high, double-brick chimneys are all that remain of the home. If you look closely, you can see where the mantle pieces were secured above the fireplaces on the chimneys.

After lunch, let the kids kick a footy around the large, grassy area or visit nearby Lake Euramoo.

Getting there and getting around

The Chimneys day-use area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hr) from Cairns.

  • The Chimneys day-use area is 25km from the western entrance and 3km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road.
  • Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles.

Refer to number 9 reference on Danbulla National Park and State Forest locality and road maps (PDF, 207.2KB) .

For more information see visiting safely—getting there and getting around.

Wheelchair access

The toilets and picnic area are wheelchair accessible.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Chimneys day-use area is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Danbulla safely.