Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

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

Things to do

    Fong-On Bay camping area is favoured by water-skiers.

    Platypus camping area is popular with anglers.

    Lake Euramoo.

    Mobo Creek.

    Kauri Creek Road.

    Kauri Creek day-use area.

    Cathedral fig tree.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Note: numbers before place names are map (PDF, 207.2KB) references.

    (2) Platypus day-use area

    This joint camping and day-use area is in a hoop pine plantation that was established in 1971. Popular with waterskiers and anglers, this site provides an interesting view of the dam wall. The picnic area is separate from the camping area and can accommodate several groups. Picnic tables and open fireplaces are provided. Read more about the Platypus day-use area.

    (5) Kauri Creek day-use area

    Hidden in pine plantations and native forest, this small day-use area is ideal for family stopovers. Children can paddle in the shallow sandy-bottomed creek while parents enjoy the facilities in the shaded surrounds. Picnic tables and open fireplaces are provided. Read more about the Kauri Creek day-use area.

    (9) The Chimneys day-use area

    Following World War I, land in the Danbulla area was offered to returned soldiers for clearing and farming. Settlers battled to make a living from the small blocks, with poor soil fertility and native animals hampering their efforts. Many blocks, like the one on which this day-use area is located, were abandoned. The chimneys are all that remain of the house, built in 1924, standing taller than the surrounding tree line. This day-use area has picnic shelters, tables and a large grassed area that would suit large family groups. Dogs are permitted on a leash. Read more about The Chimneys day-use area.

    Boating and fishing

    Lake Tinaroo is a popular area for waterskiing, swimming, sailing and fishing. Several public boat ramps are available around the lake. The Queensland Boating and Fisheries enforces fisheries and boating safety laws and conducts periodic patrols on the lake. A stocked impoundment permit is required to fish in Lake Tinaroo. Bag and size limits also apply. Details are available from the Queensland Fisheries. The lake contains many submerged trees and other hidden hazards. These hazards vary as the water level in the lake changes. Vessel masters must ensure they navigate with extreme caution.

    The Queensland Police Service enforces laws relating to alcohol misuse and nuisance behaviour. For emergencies please dial 000 or 112 if you have reception. For non-urgent incidents, contact Policelink on 131 444.

    Viewing wildlife

    Wildlife in Danbulla forest includes many endangered and near-threatened species. You may catch a glimpse of the endangered northern bettong as it searches for truffles. In the rainforest sections, keep an eye out for the near-threatened green-eyed tree frog and the well-camouflaged Boyd's forest dragon. The variety of habitats and vegetation types also support a wide range of bird species so don't go anywhere without your binoculars.

    See the description of the park's natural environment for more details about Danbulla's diverse wildlife.

    Lookouts and places of interest

    Note: numbers before place names are map (PDF, 207.2KB) references.

    (1) Platypus Rock lookout

    Not far from the dam wall is Platypus Rock lookout. You can climb the steps on to the huge granite boulders for a unique view of the plantation and forest canopy and a glimpse of the lake through windswept branches. Read more about Platypus Rock.