Visiting Idalia safely

Getting there and getting around

• Parks of the Cooper Creek Catchment—park maps (PDF, 134.0KB)
• Parks of Central West Queensland map (PDF, 961.4KB)

Idalia National Park is part of the Cooper Creek catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide.

Idalia National Park is 113km south-west of Blackall in the Gowan Ranges, to access the park a four-wheel-drive is recommended. From Blackall, head west along the Isisford Road for 44km, then turn left onto Blackall-Emmet Road. After 25km turn left again at the Idalia National Park sign and follow the road for 44km to the entrance of the park. It is a further 33km to Monks Tank camping area.

Many outback roads are unsealed. Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check with the RACQ or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.

Wheelchair accessibility

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet at Monks Tank camping area.

Staying safe

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). You could also try to make contact with people on UHF radio (try channel 24 or channel 6 duplex for other local radio traffic).

Mobile phone coverage is not available in the national park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.

We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency+ app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services.

Before you visit

Idalia National Park is 113km from Blackall, and you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

Essentials to bring

• Adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least seven litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least seven days in case of stranding.
• Fuel stoves are recommended.
• Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
• UHF, satellite phone and/ or a 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 a vehicle repair tool kit, extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant.

Opening hours

Idalia National Park is open all year, however wet weather may cause temporary closures. The park may be closed at times due to extreme weather or management operations, 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 campsite online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Commercial photography permits are required if you intend to sell any photographs taken of Queensland’s parks and forests.

Organised event permits are required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use.

Contact us for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Idalia 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 elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meterology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest fuel and supplies are at Blackall (113km) and Isisford (approximately 150km).