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 one of nine parks around Longreach that you can visit, and is part of the Cooper Creek catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, go to the Parks of Central West Queensland web page.

Idalia National Park is 113km south-west of Blackall in the Gowan Ranges. Access to Idalia is suitable for four-wheel-drive only. Take the Isisford Road from Blackall for 42km then turn left into the Yaraka Road. At the Benlidi siding, turn left and follow the ldalia-Benlidi Road for about 34km to the park boundary.

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

This park is remote and rangers may not be on park to help you. You must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone 000 and if this fails try 112. You could also contact the Blackall Police Station on (07) 4652 5151, or try to make contact with people on UHF radio (try channel 24 or channel 6 duplex and scan for other local radio traffic).

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 stove. No fires are permitted in Idalia National Park.
• Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
• UHF, satellite phone and/ or a Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). Mobile phone coverage is poor or not available in most areas of Idalia National Park.
• 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 vehicle repair tools, spare tyres, oil and engine coolant.

Opening hours

Idalia National Park is open all year, however wet weather may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts or contact us for information on park conditions and closures.

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).