Visiting Thrushton safely
Neabul Creek in flood, Thrushton National Park.
Photo credit: Bruce Cowell © Queensland Museum
Getting there and getting around
Thrushton is 40km north-east of Bollon and is accessible only in dry weather. A 4WD is recommended. Thrushton National Park is best accessed via the Mitchell-Bollon Road. The Homeboin turnoff to the park from this road is 51km north of Bollon or 156km south of Mitchell. Follow the Homeboin-St George Road to the park.
If approaching from St George take the Middle Road turnoff 51km west of St George, and head north. Follow this road for 36.3km until you reach the Rutherglen Road turnoff. Follow Rutherglen Road for 14.5km to reach the north-eastern corner of the park.
From Bollon, travel 14km east on the Balonne Highway, turn left at the Mourilyan Road and travel 17km north to the southern boundary of the park. Please leave station gates as you find them.
The park has few internal roads, access is on foot. Do not attempt to cross bore drains in your vehicle. These stopped flowing in 2007 when bores were capped as part of the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative.
Maps
Staying safe
Be aware of potential dangers and take care of yourself while exploring Thrushton National Park. By following a few simple steps you can make your visit a safe and enjoyable one.
- Plan your trip carefully—this is essential!
- Roads may become impassable during and after rain, so ensure you take extra supplies.
- Drive carefully at all times. Dirt roads may have gutters, washouts or loose edges (especially after heavy rain). Bull dust on some roads may seriously decrease visibility. Check local road conditions before visiting the park.
- If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it—a vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
- Never walk alone, and stay on the tracks unless you are a very experienced and well-equipped bushwalker.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Start longer walks at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days. Plan to complete your walk before dark. Visiting in the cooler months is recommended.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Carry a first-aid kit—packed with remote area first aid in mind—and know how to use the items in it.
- Local water is often not suitable for drinking, so take water with you when walking in Thrushton National Park. Treat water obtained from all sources including taps, creeks and lakes. Boil water for ten minutes or use sterilisation tablets in accordance with directions.
Please take care. It is very easy to get lost. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with it! A vehicle is much easier to find than people.
Before you leave
- Thoroughly check the condition of your vehicle and pack vehicle spares and equipment, including two spare tyres, engine coolant and oil.
- Check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads or call 13 19 40 for current local and main road conditions.
- Check the Park Alerts section of this website for current information on tracks and conditions.
- Leave an itinerary with a friend or relative. Include travel routes and/or check-in points.
- Pack reliable communication equipment.
- Pack for hot and cold conditions. Outback Queensland can be very hot during the day, and very cold (to below freezing point) overnight.
- Contact us or relevant tourist information centres to help you plan your trip.
In an emergency
In case of accident or other emergency call Triple Zero (000).
Mobile phone coverage is not available. Satellite phones can be used at Thrushton National Park. Consider taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). If you have a PLB, it should only be activated in serious emergency situations, when there is no alternative way to raise assistance.
The nearest hospital is located at St George, 129km away. The Royal Flying Doctor Service operates in this area.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
- Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
- Carry adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies.
- Prepare for an extra four or five days in case you become stranded due to wet weather.
- Bring warm clothing and camping gear as winter nights can be cool.
- Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags, and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
- Bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day for cooking, drinking and washing.
- Bring a fuel or gas stove for cooking.
- Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Opening hours
Thrushton National Park is open 24 hours a day.
Permits and fees
To camp in the national park a permit is required and fees apply.
Pets
Domestic pets are not permitted in Thrushton National Park.
Climate and weather
In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C. During July the average maximum temperature is 19°C, while overnight temperatures can fall to 5°C. Storms are frequent in summer. The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available in Bollon 40km away or St George 102km away.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.