Visiting Good Night Scrub safely

One Tree Hill 4WD access road. Take care on the unsealed roads.

Photo credit: Cathy Gatley © Queensland Government

Enjoy birdwatching throughout the park.

Photo credit: Cathy Gatley © Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Good Night Scrub National Park map (PDF, 235.8KB)

Good Night Scrub is in the Burnett Valley between Gin Gin and Gayndah.

Unsealed gravel roads may suit conventional vehicles in dry conditions. Other gravel roads are only suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles (4WDs), including the access to One Tree Hill lookout (limited views through vegetation).

In wet conditions, gravel roads become very slippery and may be impassable to all vehicles—including 4WDs—with boggy and eroded sections of track likely to occur.

Be aware that main access roads to the park can flood after storms and prolonged periods of rain. Check road closures and park alerts when planning your trip.

Access from the south (Maryborough/Sunshine Coast/Brisbane): Approximately 27km west of Childers, take the Booyal-Dallarnil Road turn-off on the left side of the Bruce Highway. After 300m, turn right onto Causeway Road. After 4km, cross the Burnett River causeway then travel another 7km to the junction of Goodnight Road. Turn left onto the gravel road section of Goodnight Road and travel another 10km to reach the entrance of the national park.

Access from the north (Gladstone/Bundaberg): Approximately 14km south of the township of Gin Gin and before the Burnett River bridge, take the Mittlehausers Road turn-off on the right side of the Bruce Highway. Then immediately turn left onto Walla Road. After 6km this road becomes Mingo Road. Travel for another 3km to the junction of Goodnight Road. Turn left and follow Goodnight Road for 5km to the junction with Causeway Road. Turn right onto the gravel road section of Goodnight Road and travel another 10km to reach the entrance of the national park.

Staying safe

Walking wisely

• Choose walks that suit the capabilities of your entire group.
• Wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes with good grip.
• Plan your walk to avoid walking in the middle of the day during hotter months.
• Leave a copy of your bushwalking plans with a friend, relative or other reliable person. Remember to let them know when you have returned. See more about walking safely.
• Stay together and on designated trails. Always supervise children.
• Take a basic first-aid kit and mobile phone.
• Always carry drinking water.
• Remain a safe distance from dam walls and outlet structures and stay in designated recreational areas.

Fire safety

Bushfires are a threat to walkers, campers and the forest community. They can occur without warning, so be aware and prepared for the dangers.

Always check park alerts before visiting the park.

If it’s a hot, dry, windy day, or if there is a total fire ban avoid bushwalking. Before you visit the park, check the Rural Fire Service Queensland website for current fire bans within the Bundaberg Regional Council area and fire danger ratings for the Wide Bay and Burnett fire weather district.

In high fire danger conditions, trails and other areas may be closed. It is essential for your safety to follow the instructions on signs in these conditions.

• Report bushfires immediately to Triple zero (000). Early reporting may avert a devastating bushfire.

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency please:

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

The nearest hospitals are Childers Hospital, Gin Gin Hospital and Mt Perry Health Centre.

Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in the park.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Plan your trip carefully, be self-sufficient and ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
• Carry enough food, and drinking water for your trip.
• Pack a first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, hat and raincoat.
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Remove excess packaging when you pack for your trip. Take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.

Opening hours

Good Night Scrub National Park is open 24 hours a day.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in the Good Night Scrub National Park.

Climate and weather

The North Burnett area has a climate that is subtropical and sub-humid with rainfall tending to be more concentrated in the months from October to March. Frosts can occur throughout the region, mainly in June to August.

Average temperatures range from 5°C to 32°C, however temperatures as high as 40°C can be experienced over short periods during the summer months.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Gin Gin and Childers townships.

For more information see the tourism information link below.