Visiting Woondum safely

Rainforest features on the forest road from the day-use area.

Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

Getting there and getting around

Woondum National Park is a 20 minute drive south-east of Gympie via Noosa Road (bitumen) and Hill Road (last 2km gravel).

Forest roads from the Rock Pools day-use area through Woondum are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorbikes.

• Woondum National park map (PDF, 126.6KB)
• Gympie forests locality map (PDF, 293.0KB)

Staying safe

• Never walk alone—if something happens to you someone in your group can go for help.
• Walk to your ability and fitness levels.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Carry enough drinking water, mobile phone and insect repellent.
• Carry a first aid-kit and know how to use it.
• Wear sturdy, closed-in shoes.
• Plan to complete your walk before dark.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. In summer walk at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
• Observe and comply with all regulatory signs.

Road safety

Forest roads—expect the unexpected!
Unsealed forest roads can be steep and winding.

• Slow down. Allow time to react to unexpected situations and changed conditions. You share the road with other drivers, logging trucks, cyclists, walkers, horse riders, cattle and wildlife.
• Be courteous. Pull over to the left to allow vehicles to pass. To take photos and enjoy the scenery, find a safe place to pull over or turn around. Do not stop on the roadway.
• Watch out for curves and steep slopes. Drive carefully around corners, especially after rain. Stay on your side of the road and avoid sudden slowing. Shift down a gear when roads are steep.
• Wet roads. Take extra caution when driving on wet roads. Never cross flooded roads or causeways.
• All road rules apply. Obey speed limits. Always wear a seat belt. Never carry passengers outside the vehicle cabin.
• Obey all signage—access to some areas may be restricted, such as when logging operations are being conducted.

Flood safety

Flood waters in this area rise and fall quickly and are a hazard to life and property. The day-use area can become isolated following high rainfall events. For your safety:

• Obey all road closures—roads may be closed due to deep water levels at creek crossings or wet and slippery conditions.
• Avoid flooded crossings as submerged obstacles may pose a hazard and traffic ahead may have created hidden hazards such as deep holes.
• Do not walk into flood waters—if in doubt, wait it out!

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency, please:

• Call Triple Zero (000).
• Call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing impaired callers.
• Advise the location and nature of the emergency.
• Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

The closest hospital is located in Gympie.

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

Before you visit

Camping and domestic animals (other than horses) are not permitted in the park.

Essentials to bring

• Bring adequate food, drinking water, equipment and other supplies for your trip.
• Pack a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.
• For walking, wear sandshoes or similar sturdy closed-in shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
• Take your rubbish out of the park for appropriate disposal.
• Preferably bring and use fuel or gas stoves. If you do wish to use the barbecues provided, bring your own clean, milled firewood, as it is illegal to collect firewood from the forest.

Opening hours

For your safety, visit Woondum National Park in daylight hours only.
Walking tracks and roads within the park may be closed during fires, adverse weather conditions, for essential track maintenance or safety reasons. Before you go, check park alerts for current access, closures and conditions.

Permits and fees

An organised event permit may be needed for planned large group activities in this area.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted with the exception of horses, which may be ridden on the SEQ horse riding trail network only.

Climate and weather

Always check weather conditions before you visit. Forest areas are hazardous during strong winds, as branches may fall.

After high rainfall, check park alerts and road conditions before you visit.

Temperatures in the area can rise to above 30°C in summer and drop below 0°C in winter. Nights can be cool at anytime of the year.

For more information see the tourism information links below.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel, general supplies, public telephones, meals and light refreshments are available at Gympie and the townships of Traveston, Cooran and Kin Kin.

For more information see the tourism information links below.