Visiting Isla Gorge safely
Dry rainforest patches line some of the park's small, sheltered side-creeks. Two of the park's many bird species—the varied triller and emerald dove—are usually only seen within these small areas of scrub.
Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown
Getting there and getting around
Turn onto the Leichhardt Highway from the Warrego Highway at Miles or from the Dawson Highway at Banana. To reach Isla Gorge lookout, turn off the Leichhardt Highway 55km north of Taroom or 35km south of Theodore. The lookout is 1.3km west of the highway.
You can reach the Flagstaff Hill section from either Taroom or Theodore:
From Taroom, drive north for 31km along the Leichhardt Highway. Turn left at the 'Flagstaff via Waterton' signpost and travel for 49km (9km past the turnoff to Flagstaff Station). Turn left again and drive another 2km.
From Theodore, drive south for 8km along the Leichhardt Highway and turn right onto Glenmoral Roundstone Road. Travel 14km, then turn left into Glenbar Road and, continue for a further 3.6km before turning right into Flagstaff Road. After 9km, turn right into the park just after a cattle grid on the top of the range. Follow the road for a further 2km to reach the carpark.
Warning: Unsealed roads are slippery when wet and can become impassable after heavy rain.
Maps
Wheelchair accessibility
Isla Gorge has wheelchair-accessible toilets. Assistance may be required.
Staying safe
To enjoy a safe visit to this area, please:
- Take care and keep away from cliff edges—they can be deceptive and are often closer than you think. Sandstone is brittle and may crumble unexpectedly. Please supervise children at all times and take extra care when using binoculars or cameras at these sites.
- Be prepared, even on short walks. Judge your ability and park conditions carefully before setting out. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.
- Carry adequate drinking water. Treat water collected from all sources including taps, creeks and lakes. Boil water for 10 minutes or use sterilisation tablets.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Wear insect repellent, clothing and sturdy footwear to protect you from stings, scratches and bites.
- Take a first-aid kit, first-aid book and personal locator beacon.
- If you plan remote walks in the park leave a copy of your bushwalking plans with a friend, relative or other reliable person. This person has the responsibility for contacting police if you are overdue. Your plan should include:
- your name, address, number of people in your party, ages and any medical conditions
- vehicle registration, make, model, colour and parking location
- the route you are taking, and expected times of departure and return.
- For remote walking in the park, walk with one or more other person. At least one member of the party should be a competent map-reader and bushwalker.
- Do not feed or leave food for animals—human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive. Keep your food securely packed away when your campsite is not attended.
- Detour around snakes. Never provoke them.
In an emergency
In case of accident or other emergency:
- call Triple Zero (000)
- advise the location and nature of the emergency
- stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.
Mobile phone coverage is limited.
The closest hospital to Isla Gorge National Park is in Theodore (35km north of the park).
For more information, please read the guidelines on Safety in parks and forests.
The rock formation known as the 'Devils Nest' can be seen from the lookout.
Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown
Wildflowers, Isla Gorge.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
Visitors must be self-sufficient as facilities in this area are limited. Be prepared and use sound judgment while visiting and walking.
- Bring a first-aid kit and first-aid book.
- Carry adequate fresh water, as drinking water is not provided. If camping, bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing.
- Bring a sealable container for rubbish. Bins are not provided.
- Bring your own clean-milled firewood for the fire rings/wood barbecues. Firewood must not be collected from within the national park.
- Bring a gas stove, as there may not be a fire ring/wood barbecue available.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Bring a torch and some extra food.
- Wear practical footwear—boots or strong shoes.
- Bring a topographic map, compass and personal locator beacon if you plan to do any off-track walking. A GPS is also a valuable aid.
Opening hours
The park is open 24 hours a day.
Permits and fees
- Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
- Find out more about camping in Isla Gorge National Park.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted at Isla Gorge National Park.
Climate and weather
Temperatures in this region vary widely. Summer days can exceed 35°C. In winter, heavy frosts can be expected as temperatures sometimes fall below freezing. Rain mostly falls between December and March, however storms can occur throughout the year.
Fuel and supplies
Theodore is 35km north of Isla Gorge National Park and is the closest town for fuel and supplies. Taroom is 55km south of the park and also provides these services.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.