Visiting Mount Archer safely

Getting there and getting around

Mount Archer National Park lies on Rockhampton's north-eastern outskirts. There are two pedestrian entry points to the Zamia walk and both are via sealed roads suitable for conventional vehicles.

Entrance via Fraser Park. Follow Dean Street north and turn right at the roundabout into Frenchville Road. Follow Frenchville Road for 3km and turn right into Pilbeam Drive, which is a steep 5km drive featuring lookouts with easy roadside access. Pilbeam Drive finishes at the summit of Mount Archer at Fraser Park, where parking is available. Access to the Zamia walk is via the Amphitheatre walkway. The Zamia walk Nurim summit trailhead is located part way along the track to Grasstree lookout.

Entrance via First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve. The lower entrance is off German Street via Moores Creek Road or Norman Road. There is limited parking at German Street adjacent to the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve. Access to the lower entrance of the Zamia walk is through the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve shared trails.

For more direction details download the Mount Archer National Park map (PDF, 1.2MB) .

Contact Queensland Traffic to find out about road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

See things to do for more information on walking in Mount Archer National Park.

Wheelchair accessibility

Rockhampton Regional Council manages Fraser Park, on Mount Archer's summit. The Nurim circuit elevated boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchair-accessible toilets and picnic tables are also provided.

Staying safe

Mount Archer National Park provides the opportunity to appreciate the natural, cultural and scenic values of this special area. To ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable, please follow these guidelines.

Hiking the Zamia walk? Remember to wear appropriate hiking gear, take enough drinking water and snacks, and pack a first aid kit.

Photo credit: Bryce Millar © Queensland Government

When walking please:

• Wear sturdy walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun and insects—wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Carry enough drinking water and food.
• Tell someone responsible where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
• Be realistic about your level of fitness before attempting the walk, particularly if starting from the base of the mountain via First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve. Being a remote walk, any required medical response may take several hours.
• Be prepared to encounter wildlife. Snakes, spiders and insects are common, so know how to respond. Remember, all wildlife in the national park is protected.
• Ensure you have enough daylight to complete your walk. Light levels fade rapidly before sunset and you could get disorientated.
• To avoid heat exhaustion, walk in the cooler times of the day.
• Pack a first aid kit and communication equipment. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in most sections of the national park. Consider taking a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB).
• Heed all safety signs and access warnings. Never begin a walk if you can see or smell smoke in the area.
• Check Park Alerts to ensure that there are no current closures in place for the park.
• Severe weather and cyclones are common along Queensland’s tropical coastline. Check weather forecasts before you visit. Never go walking if extreme weather or if a cyclone is imminent.

Remember to follow the Parks and forests stay safe and visit with care guidelines.

In an emergency

For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000)

We 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. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Enjoy your visit to Mount Archer National Park by remembering to bring:

• first-aid kit and reliable communication equipment
• drinking water
• insect repellent
• sun protection—some areas of the national park are quite exposed
• sealable rubbish containers, as bins are not provided.

Opening hours

Mount Archer National Park is open 24hrs. The park or sections of the park may be closed at times due to extreme weather or management operations. Check park alerts for the latest information on parks and forests access, closures and conditions.

Permits and fees

Various activities in Mount Archer National Park require a permit. This includes commercial tours, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and the sale of photographs or vision of the national park. View permits and fees for further information.

For organised social events at Fraser Park (such as weddings), please contact Rockhampton Regional Council.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Mount Archer National Park.

Climate and weather

The Rockhampton region has a tropical climate, with average summer temperatures about 32°C. However summer daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C. Rockhampton winters are mild and often dry, with average temperatures around 20°C. The cooler months are the best time to visit. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Rockhampton. For more information see the tourism information links.