Visiting Lake Murphy safely

Check road conditions with RACQ and local councils prior to departing. Roads become impassable after rain.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Pacific baza Aviceda subcristata bird.

Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown

Getting there and getting around

The park can be reached via the Warrego Highway from Brisbane or via the Dawson Highway from Gladstone.

Turn onto the Leichhardt Highway from the Warrego Highway at Miles or from the Dawson Highway at Banana. Turn off the Leichhardt Highway 18km north of Taroom, onto the road signposted Fitzroy Development Road. Travel 2km to the Glenhaughton Road turnoff. Turn left and drive 10.5km to Lake Murphy. Conventional vehicle access is possible in dry weather.

Warning: Roads may become impassable after rain.

Maps:

• Lake Murphy Conservation Park map (PDF, 90.1KB)
• View Google map

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Lake Murphy Conservation Park.

Staying safe

To enjoy a safe visit to this area, please:

• 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.
• Choose walks that suit the capabilities of your entire group.
• Stay together and keep to the walking tracks.
• Carry adequate drinking water. Treat water collected from creeks.
• 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 and first-aid book.
• If planning a remote walk 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.
• Walk with one or more friends. At least one member of each 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.

The closest hospital to Lake Murphy Conservation Park is at Taroom (31km south-east of the park).

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

In an emergency

In case of an 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 unreliable.

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 as streams are seasonal and water quality cannot be relied upon. Bring water purifying tablets to treat stream water before use.
• Bring a sealable container for rubbish. Bins are not provided.
• Bring a gas stove. Wood-fired barbecues are provided. Bring your own cleaned milled wood. Please observe any fire bans.
• Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Bring a torch and some extra food.
• Wear sensible footwear—boots or strong shoes.
• Bring a topographic map and compass 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.

Find out more about camping in Lake Murphy Conservation Park

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Lake Murphy Conservation 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

Taroom is the closest town for fuel and supplies and is 31km south-east of Lake Murphy Conservation Park.