Visiting Princess Hills safely

Getting there and getting around

Princess Hills camping area is closed throughout the wet season from 1 December to 31 March inclusive—roads into and on the park become impassable for extended periods and are closed to public access. These dates may vary depending on weather and road conditions, and roads may also be closed after heavy rain. Observe road closures and restrictions, as penalties can apply. Check park alerts and Queensland Traffic for local road conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology provides updated weather reports.

By road, Princess Hills camping area is 124km south-east of Mount Garnet—the two hour drive passes through several cattle stations. From Mount Garnet, travel 4km west along the Kennedy Highway and turn left onto Gunnawarra Road. About 55km along Gunnawarra Road turn right onto Wairuna Road and travel 42km to the Princess Hills Road turn-off. Turn left at the intersection and travel another 11km to the park boundary. Turn left onto Greasy Track and travel a further 12km. Camp site 1 is 200m off the main track, and camp site 2 is 1km. Access should only be attempted in dry conditions and four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Access roads are suitable for off-road caravans and camper trailers.

Maps

• Girringun National Park and surrounds map (PDF, 978.6KB)
• Princess Hills camping area map (PDF, 82.4KB)

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Princess Hills.

Staying safe

Princess Hills is remote and help can be hours away. Remember to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a contingency plan in place if you fail to contact them by the agreed time. If you change your plans, inform them. Be aware that mobile phone coverage is very limited.

• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on.
• In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Download the Triple Zero emergency app—it could save your life.
• Cattle may be encountered in the camping area. Never startle or approach these animals and ensure they have a clear path to get away.
• Never jump or dive into water; it may be shallower than it looks and there could be hidden, submerged objects.
• Take care around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along tracks and at lookouts.
• Supervise children closely.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
• Carry adequate drinking water.
• Estuarine crocodiles live in the Herbert River Gorge, below the Herbert River Falls. Please remember to be crocwise in croc country.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Princess Hills is a remote area and visitors must be self-sufficient. Remember to pack:

• a first-aid kit including a space blanket
• adequate clothing including wet-weather gear
• sturdy, reliable footwear
• a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• insect repellent
• adequate drinking water, to last the duration of your stay
• at least one form of emergency communication equipment—mobile phone coverage is very limited.
• rubbish bags
• firewood (collecting firewood in Girringun National Park is prohibited).
• carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on.

Opening hours

Princess Hills camping area is closed throughout the wet season from 1 December to 31 March inclusive—roads into and on the park become impassable for extended periods and are closed to public access. These dates may vary depending on weather and road conditions, and roads may also be closed after heavy rain. Additional closures may occur for management purposes including pest plant and animal control. Observe road closures and restrictions, as penalties can apply. Check park alerts and Queensland Traffic for local road conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology provides updated weather reports.

Permits and fees

Camping permit

Camping permits are required for all camping areas in Girringun National Park and fees apply.

All camping must be booked prior to arriving in the area. For information on how to obtain an e-permit see camping information.

Other permits

Various activities conducted in Girringun National Park may require a permit. These activities include commercial tours, social events such as weddings, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and sale of photographs or vision of Girringun National Park. See park permits and policies for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are prohibited in Girringun National Park.

Climate and weather

High rainfall summers and drier winters characterise the north-east Queensland tropical savanna. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. In July the average overnight minimum temperatures are between 9°C and 18°C. Temperatures may drop as low as 0°C and frosts can occur in elevated areas. July to October are generally the driest months, but heavy rain can fall at any time.

For more information see the tourism information links.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The closest major towns with fuel and supplies available are Mount Garnet (124km away) and Ravenshoe (170km away). Other locations with supplies include Kennedy and Cardwell to the north-east and Ingham to the south-east.