About Dryander

Park features

Dominated by mountainous terrain Dryander National Park encompasses approximately 55km of coastline including six headlands and Mount Dryander (790m above sea level). The bulky hills of the national park are the remains volcanic activity over the last of 300 million years. Evidence of the Airlie Volcanic can be seen along the coastline.

A landscape of steep ridges and bulky granite formations provides an important watershed for seasonal flowing streams, creeks and rivers which form an integral part of the reef catchment. Typically supporting vine thickets, an endemic rainforest tree Ristantia waterhousei is found in the park. Part of an old growth forest of restricted distribution, this rainforest tree can grow to 45m tall and occurs in clumps on Dryander’s lofty mountaintops. The park contains 52 species of plants which are nationally, state or locally significant— Dryander is known as a ‘Gondwana’ refuge for plants.

The park provides important habitat for the endangered Proserpine rock-wallaby, and other vulnerable species. Populations of ghost bats, coastal sheath-tail bats and water mouse find refuge here, as other areas become increasing fragmented by urban encroachment.

Dryander’s deeply incised coastline shelters beds of sea grass and provides critical habitat for a number of significant marine mammals— dugong, humpback whales and marine turtles.

The Gia and Ngaro people have a strong connection to Dryander and ask that you respect and help care for this land and sea country.

Looking after the park

Parks and forests protect Queensland’s outstanding natural and cultural values. National parks, including heritage sites and artefacts, are protected areas under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Penalties apply for offences under the Act.

• Protect the wildlife. Remember, plants and animals (dead or alive) are protected.
• Use a gas or fuel stove for cooking. Open fires are not permitted.
• Leave no rubbish. Rubbish bins are not provided. Do not bury or burn rubbish—take it with you when you leave.
• Be considerate. People visit parks and forest to enjoy nature, be mindful and respectful of others.
• Camp softly. Leave your camp site better than you found it. And camp at designated camp sites only.
• No domestic animals. Domestic animals are not permitted on the national park or the intertidal lands adjacent to the park.
• Dump fish scraps at night. Food scraps and fish frames thrown from boats, or left lying on beaches and camping area, can attract sharks, crocodiles, goannas and silver gulls.
• Be pest-free! Before your visit, please check that your boat, clothing, footwear and gear and free of soil, seeds, parts of plants, eggs, ants and insects (and their eggs), spiders, lizards, toads, rats and mice.

See the guidelines on stay safe and visit with care for more general information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for managing Dryander National Park. The area is carefully monitored to conserve the areas natural and cultural values

The Great Barrier Reef, which is part Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, lies just off Dryander National Park’s coast and is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Tourism information links

Whitsunday Regional Information Centre
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au
192 Bruce Highway, Proserpine Qld 4800
ph +61 7 4945 3967
email info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Open Monday-Sunday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Closed Christmas Day

Bowen Visitor Information Centre
www.tourismbowen.com.au
Bruce Highway, Mount Gordon, Qld 4805
ph (07) 4786 4222
fax (07) 4786 4222
email info@bowentourism.com.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.