Our Incredible National Parks

Hell Hole Gorge National Park

Picture rugged gorges framed by cliffs carved out over millions of years by the Powell and Spencers creeks. There are two popular swimming holes, Hell Hole Gorge and Spencers Gorge. Explore around the waterholes or stroll along the top of the plateau high above the creek. You may even spot wildlife resting in the cool gorge below. The park is one of a few places where you may see the elusive Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby.

Access to Hell Hole Gorge is via working pastoral properties. Take care to avoid stock on unfenced roads and leave gates as you find them. Take the Adavale-Blackall Road then turn left and follow the Milo-Gooyea Road to the park. Roads within the park follow old seismic lines and boundary fences.

„ Bush Camping is allowed at Powell Creek

„ Camping permits and bookings are required (available to purchase from Quilpie Visitor Information Centre)

„ Visitors must be self-sufficient. Bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day

„ Roads are unsealed. Access via 4WD only. Check road conditions before travel

„ Top activities: 4WDing, hiking, birdwatching, swimming

„ No phone coverage

Approx 73km from adavale spencers waterhole

1.2km to spencers waterhole

Mariala National Park

Soft mulga grows on deep red soils in the park’s east and hard mulga grows on the ranges. Early morning heralds the melodic sounds of butcher birds, Hall’s babblers and flocks of spiny-cheeked honeyeaters. Old man emu can often be seen strolling through the thick mulga shrublands. With some 140 species of birds and 27 mammals, Mariala is a popular park for nature-based activities. Access is via the Charleville-Adavale Road, 128km west of Charleville and 59km east of Adavale. The road dissects the park with entry points well signposted from the Charleville side.

„ Bush Camping suitable for 2WD and 4WD access

„ Camping permits and bookings are required (available to purchase from Quilpie Visitor Information Centre)

„ Visitors must be self-sufficient. Bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day

„ Roads are unsealed. Access via 4WD only. Check road conditions before travel

„ Top activities: Nature observation, photography, hiking & birdwatching

„ No phone coverage

Idalia National Park

Explore the gorges and rock formations of Idalia’s Gowan Range tablelands. As you emerge from the dense mulga, catch surprising views of rugged escarpments, home to Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies. You may also see other macropods grazing along the creek flats. Visit innovative stake stockyards built between the 1920s and the 1950s to hold up to 300 cattle during muster.

While Idalia National Park is in the Quilpie Shire, the access point is 113km south-west of Blackall. Take the Isisford Road from Blackall for 42km then turn left into Yaraka Road.

„ Bush Camping suitable for 4WD access. Pit Toilets

„ Camping permits and bookings are required (available to purchase from Quilpie Visitor Information Centre)

„ Visitors must be self-sufficient. Bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day

„ Roads are unsealed. Access via 4WD only. Check road conditions before travel

„ Top activities: Bush walks & drives, photography, wildlife & birdwatching

„ No phone coverage