Main Range Conservation Park Brisbane | Southern Queensland Country

Photo credit: Mark Nemeth © Queensland Government

Visiting Main Range Conservation Park safely

    Getting there and getting around

    View over valley with hills behind.

    Main Range Conservation Park is rimmed by steep ridges and the Great Dividing Range.

    Blackfellows Creek rises and falls according to rainfall in the catchment.

    Blackfellows Creek rises and falls according to rainfall in the catchment.

    Main Range Conservation Park is about 130km from Brisbane and 40km south of Gatton at the southern end of East Haldon Road.

    From the Gatton−Toowoomba Road at the western edge of Gatton, take the Mount Sylvia Road heading south. Travel through Tenthill and on to Junction View. At the old Junction View State School veer left and follow East Haldon Road to the park.

    Signs pointing to Glen Rock Regional Park (the park’s former name) provide navigational assistance along the way.

    Accessibility

    There is a dirt walkway leading to a flat concrete landing providing access to toilets in the Casuarina day-use area which is left hand ambulant. The 800mm wide vegetation bordered walkway provides entry to the bathroom through an 800mm door jamb. There are no formed paths in the day-use area and the 780mm high, sheltered picnic tables are set on either gravel or pavers with fixed chairs on all four sides.

    At the Glen Rock camping area access is along a ramp which transitions from dirt to concrete and then pavers. There is a 90 degree turn onto the wooden decking which provides access to the left hand ambulant toilet and shower (cold) through an 800mm wide door jamb. The decking has balustrade on both sides with a 1300mm wide opening. Nearby access from the carpark is via steps. See Glen Rock camping area for further information. There are no formed paths and picnic tables are set on gravel with fixed chairs on all four sides.

    A ramp provides access to the small information hut opposite the day-use area. However, to use it you must cross grass from your vehicle, and the timber floor inside the building is uneven with some gaps between boards.

    There is no designated parking area for persons with a disability, and all surfaces are either gravel or grass. Walking track and shared trail surfaces are not suitable for manual wheelchairs or wheeled mobility devices with mostly unformed, uneven surfaces containing obstacles. There are steep sections and creek crossings comprised of boulders or loose rocks. After rain, creek crossings can be under water. The grassed 140m track from the bottom of the Glen Rock camping area to the creek is relatively level but could be wet and muddy after heavy rain or floods.

    Staying safe

    Facilities are provided for your enjoyment and provide an ideal base from which to experience the area.

    • Be prepared. Plan your trip carefully and make sure your camping equipment and vehicle are in good working order.
    • Check weather conditions at a minimum the day before you leave home, by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology.
    • Weather conditions can change rapidly. Leave early; once the creek crossings are flooded you could be stuck in the park for several days. When flood waters do subside be aware that roads may be damaged and remain impassable.
    • Tap water is provided in the day-use and camping areas. Water from all taps or from any creek or water body in the park must be boiled or chemically treated before drinking.
    • Wear a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes with good grip. Carry drinking water on walks and trails, as well as a basic first-aid kit.
    • Walk or ride in a small group. Stay together and keep to designated tracks.
    • Please do not feed or leave food for native animals. Human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive.
    • Keep away from livestock. Permitted livestock graze a small section of the conservation park and your behaviour can disturb them. Please stay away from livestock and leave all gates as you find them.
    • Venomous snakes live in the park, so watch for snakes on the path, and wait for them to move away. Never pick up, disturb or try to kill a snake. Carry elastic bandages in case of snakebite and know the correct first-aid procedure.
    • Check yourself and children daily for ticks, often found in body creases. Read more about how to safely remove ticks.
    • Lock your car and take keys and valuables with you. Car crime can occur anywhere.

    In an emergency

    In case of an accident or other emergency:

    • call Triple Zero (000)
    • call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing-impaired callers
    • advise emergency services of your location and nature of the emergency
    • stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

    The nearest hospital is located at Gatton 50kms away. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable. Depending on your mobile phone provider you may get a signal in areas with high elevation.

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

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    • Take warm clothing and raincoats as weather can change rapidly. A hat, long sleeves, sunscreen, and insect repellent are suggested for protection from sunburn, bites and scratches.
    • Bring drinking water, a stove for boiling water for drinking and/or chemical tablets to treat water.
    • Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
    • Fuel or gas stoves are recommended for cooking, but if you wish to use the fireplaces provided please bring your own clean, milled wood. Never collect wood from the park or roadside. Elevated barbecues and braziers that use heat beads are permitted provided the ground beneath them is protected.
    • Take a torch and first-aid kit. Learn first-aid procedures.

    Opening hours

    Main Range Conservation Park and Main Range National Park are open 24 hours a day. For your safety walk in daylight hours only.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits

    Camping permits are required to stay overnight and fees apply. Permits must be booked online BEFORE you camp and a camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Other permits

    Permits are required for all commercial activities, organised events and/or competitive events run in Main Range Conservation Park. View permits and fees for further information.

    Pets

    Domestic animals, except horses and certified assistance animals, are not permitted in the park. Horse are only permitted in the areas as shown on signs and maps.

    Climate and weather

    In summer, daytime temperatures in the area average 31°C and can exceed 40°C. The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit.

    Most rain falls during the summer months—thunderstorms are common. Check the weather forecast and local park conditions before setting out as this area can experience rapid changes in weather. Watch out for late spring and summer thunderstorms, they can form suddenly over the ranges, bringing heavy rainfall and localised flash flooding.

    After heavy rain, the roads may become impassable with numerous creek crossings subject to flooding. Check Department of Transport and Main Roads (13 19 40) or for road conditions before setting out.

    Fire can be a threat during the summer months—check park alerts before planning your trip.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Gatton, Grantham and Helidon. For more information see, the tourism information links.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.