Visiting Wairuna safely

Getting there and getting around

• Girringun National Park and surrounds map (PDF, 978.6KB)

Wairuna 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. Roads may also be closed after heavy rain. Observe road closures and restrictions, as penalties can apply. Check park alerts and with the Tablelands Regional Council or Queensland Traffic for local road conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology provides updated weather reports.

By road, Wairuna camping area is 120km 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. Continue on Wairuna Road past the Princess Hills turn-off for another 11km and turn left onto Emu Vale Road. Travel 8km along Emu Vale Road until you arrive at the camping information shelter. Camp site 1 is about 500m from the information shelter. Continue to the left (east) another 300m to camp site 2  and a further 300m to camp site 3. Access should only be attempted in dry conditions and 4WD vehicles are recommended. Access roads are suitable for off-road camper trailers.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Wairuna.

Staying safe

Wairuna 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 there is no mobile phone reception.

• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. There is no mobile phone coverage.
• In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Download the Triple Zero emergency app—it could save your life.
• Stray 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. Treat all water before drinking.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

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

• first-aid kit including a space blanket
• adequate clothing including wet-weather gear
• sturdy, reliable footwear
• hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• insect repellent
• adequate water-carrying containers
• adequate drinking water
• at least one form of emergency communication equipment—mobile phone coverage is very limited
• bags to take rubbish home with you
• 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. There is no mobile phone coverage.

Opening hours

Wairuna camping area is closed throughout the wet season from 1 December to 31 March inclusive. Roads into and within the park become impassable for extended periods and are closed to public access. These dates may vary depending on weather and road conditions. Roads may be closed after any heavy rain events. 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 with the Tablelands Regional Council or Queensland Traffic for local road conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology provides updated weather reports.

Permits and fees

Camping permits

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—bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance. 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 web pages 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 (120km away) and Ravenshoe (166km away).