Diamantina National Park Outback Queensland

Discover Diamantina’s spectacularly diverse and ancient landscape. Photo credit: © Fiona Leverington

Visiting Diamantina safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Diamantina National Park is part of the Diamantina catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, download the Central West Queensland National Park visitor guide (PDF, 4.9MB) .

    Diamantina National Park can be reached by heading south from Winton (306km) or south-east from Boulia (183km), north from Windorah (350km) or east from Bedourie (275km).

    A 4WD vehicle with high clearance is necessary as roads are unsealed for 200–300km and wheel ruts can be deep. Fill up with fuel before you leave town and carry extra for driving within the park. The drive to Diamantina is slow and dusty.

    Even small amounts of rain can make outback roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check Queensland Traffic or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.

    For protection of natural resources, entry to Diamantina National Park east of the Diamantina River Road is prohibited (PDF, 67.4KB) .

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair accessible facilities in Diamantina National Park.

    Staying safe

    This park is remote and rangers may not be on park to help you. You must be self-sufficient and prepared for all emergencies.

    It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.

    • Keep to designated roads and tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
    • Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
    • Carry drinking water, whether driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from streams, rivers or waterholes before drinking.
    • Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
    • Watch your step on escarpments. Edges can be unstable due to natural weathering, so stay away from the edge and take care where you walk.
    • Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
    • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite.

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

    In an emergency

    In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). You could also try contacting the park base on UHF 2 (duplex).

    Mobile phone coverage is not available in the national park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.

    We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    • Adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least 7 litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least a week in case of stranding.
    • Fuel stoves are recommended.
    • Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
    • UHF, satellite phone and/or a personal locator beacons (PLB).
    • Extra fuel and vehicle repairs. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly on park drives. You should also bring extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant plus vehicle recovery gear.

    Opening hours

    Diamantina National Park is open all year however wet weather or management activities may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts for information on park conditions, access and closures.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits are required and fees apply.

    Other permits and fees

    Various activities in national parks require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events (for example weddings or birthday parties), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. Contact us for further information.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Diamantina National Park.

    Climate and weather

    Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C during the day, and summer rains often cause flooding. Rain can fall at any time of year and flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain has fallen elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.

    Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Fuel and supplies

    The nearest fuel and supplies are at Boulia (183km), Winton (306km) or Windorah (350km).

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

    View all park alerts