Visiting Forest Den safely
Getting there and getting around
Forest Den National Park is 100km north of Aramac, via Torrens Creek Road. Turn east at the ‘Corinda’ signpost and travel 5km before turning left and heading north for 4.5km to Four Mile Waterhole camping area.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, as even a small amount of rain can make the roads impassable.
Always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check with Queensland Traffic or local council offices for current road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for local weather information.
Forest Den National Park is part of the Cooper Creek catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, simply download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide .
Wheelchair accessibility
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Forest Den 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.
- Carry adequate food, drinking water, first-aid equipment, fuel and a basic vehicle repair kit in case of unexpected delays or breakdown.
- Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is poor or not available in most areas of the national park.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Wear insect repellent, appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear to protect yourself from stings, scratches and bites.
- Be alert for snakes all year round. Detour around snakes and never provoke them.
It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
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.
- A fuel or gas stove for cooking.
- Complete first-aid kit. Remember to include sun and insect protection in your kit.
- UHF, satellite phone and/or an Personal Locator Beacon (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 spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.
Opening hours
Forest Den National Park is open 24 hours a day. The park may be closed at times due to management operations or extreme weather. Check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other permits and fees
Various activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, 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 Forest Den National Park.
Climate and weather
Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures reach over 40°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 Aramac (100km).
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.