About Moorrinya

Park features

Moorrinya National Park protects 32,607ha and is located in the heart of the Desert Uplands, protecting 18 vegetation communities in the Lake Eyre Basin, one of Australia's most important catchments.

This remote park has dry, flat plains criss-crossed by watercourses and covered in open eucalypt, paperbark and acacia woodlands and grasslands. Moorrinya is a wildlife refuge, protecting Australian icons such as kangaroos, koalas, emus and wedge-tailed eagles, as well as threatened species including the square-tailed kite, squatter pigeon (southern subspecies) and Julia Creek dunnart.

Moorrinya National Park was initially established as the sheep grazing property, Shirley Station. In the late 1970s, cattle replaced sheep and grazing continued until the park was established in 1993. Much of the sheep station infrastructure, dating back to the late 1940s, remains as a reminder of the spirit and hard work of the people who lived in this remote part of Queensland.

Looking after the park

Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Help keep these places special by following these guidelines.

• Fires are permitted in the designated fire rings only (conditions apply). Collecting firewood in the park is prohibited. Preferably use a fuel stove for cooking.
• Leave domestic animals at home.
• Plants and animals are protected. Do not take or interfere with plants, animals, soil or rocks.
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Do not bury rubbish—take it with you when you leave.
• Do not use firearms or other weapons in the park.
• Do not fossick in or remove any historical artifacts.
• Stop the spread of weeds and pathogens. New introductions can spread and displace resident species and alter the local ecology. Before leaving home (or moving on to a new camping area) clean your vehicle, camping gear and clothing— as they can contain weed seeds and foreign plant pathogens. Wrap seeds and plant material, and dispose of it in a rubbish bin.
• Unlicensed trail bike riders and drivers are not allowed in the parks. Riders and drivers must be licensed and vehicles must be fully registered.
• Stay on the formed roads—off-road trail bike riding and four-wheel-driving is not allowed.
• Avoiding driving and riding on unsealed roads during and after heavy rains.
• Respect park users—ensure the noise and dust from your riding and driving doesn’t upset others.
• Obey signs and safety notices.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Moorrinya National Park was gazetted in 1993. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages the protected area to conserve its natural, cultural and historic values under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

For more information see the Moorrinya National Park Management Plan (PDF, 1.7MB) .

Tourism information links

Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre
www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au
12 Mosman Street, Charters Towers QLD 4820
Phone: (07) 4761 5533
Email: tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au

Flinders Discovery Centre
www.visithughenden.com.au
37 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821
Phone: (07) 4741 2970
Email: info@flinders.qld.gov.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.