Visiting Welford safely
Getting there and getting around
Welford National Park is part of the Cooper Creek catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide .
Welford National Park has a northern and southern entrance. Lying on the Barcoo River, this 124,000ha park can be accessed from either Jundah, Windorah, Blackall or Quilpie. Access roads are mostly unsealed and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check Queensland Traffic or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.
Southern entrance—accessible via Blackall, Quilpie or Windorah
From Blackall (260km) drive south-west to Yaraka then continue on the Yaraka-Retreat Road, or from Quilpie (253km) and Windorah (110km) take the Diamantina Development Road, connecting with the Jundah-Quilpie Road and enter the park from the south.
Northern entrance—accessible via Longreach or Jundah
Welford is 260km south-west of Longreach and 45km south of Jundah. You enter the park via the partially sealed Jundah-Quilpie Road.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Welford National Park.
Staying safe
This park is remote and rangers may not be on park to help you. You must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
- Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
- Carry drinking water, whether driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from streams, rivers or waterholes before drinking.
- Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
- Watch your step on escarpments. Edges can be unstable due to natural weathering, so stay away from the edge and be mindful where you walk.
- Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). You could also try to make contact with people on local UHF radio (try channel 3 duplex for other local radio traffic). Please note that this channel is the Barcoo Shire UHF Channel and is only to be used in an emergency.
Mobile phone coverage is not available in the national park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.
We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. 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
Welford National Park is remote and you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
Essentials to bring
- Adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least 7 litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least a week in case of stranding.
- Fuel stoves are recommended.
- Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
- UHF, satellite phone and/ or a personal locator beacon (PLB). Mobile phone coverage is not available at Welford National Park.
- Extra fuel and vehicle repairs. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly on park drives. You should also bring extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.
Opening hours
Welford National Park is open all year, however wet weather may cause temporary closures, especially during the wet season from December to March. The park may be closed at time for management operations. Check park alerts for information on park conditions, access and closures.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, you can purchase camping permits at an over-the-counter booking office, or learn about our camping booking options or at the camping registration stand upon arrival.
Other permits and fees
Various activities in national parks require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events (for example weddings or birthday parties), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. Contact us for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Welford National Park.
Climate and weather
Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures reach over 40°C during the day, and summer rains often cause flooding. Rain can fall at any time of year and flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain fallen elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meterology.
Fuel and supplies
The nearest fuel and supplies are at Jundah (45km) and Windorah (110km).
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.