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Globetrotter
Travel Map
Queensland
ISBN 1859747795

Blackdown Tableland
National Park

First day - Arrival to the park

Still unknown from a lot of people, even from Australians, the Blackdown Tableland national park is part of the Capricorn region. It is a plateau of sandstone which rise above the hot, dry plains of central Queensland. The plateau is about 600m above the surrounding area.

The Tableland is approximately 21/2 hours drive from Rockhampton (160 km.) along the Capricorn Highway. The little town of Dingo is the recommended place to buy fuel, food ... 11 Km. after Dingo, a sign clearly shows the turnoff to the park. From this point, the bitumen road soon becomes gravel road to the park boundaries at the base of the Tableland. Most roads in the park are suitable for conventional vehicles. A section called the Loop Road is only suitable for 4WD vehicles. When driving in the park, take care on the pea gravel surfaces of the range and beware of other vehicles, especially timber trucks.

You must be aware that there are only limited facilities in the park. There is a camp site at Mimosa Creek. Toilet and water (not drinkable) are available but no power. As in many national parks rubbish bins and firewood are not provided. You are not allowed to collect wood within the park. So bring your own firewood and take your rubbish with you when you are leaving.

As in all national parks, camping is by permit only. During school holiday or long weekends, booking is essential. Self-registration and payment (even by credit card) is available at the entrance of park (during off-peak period). (cost: AUD 3.5 /night/person)

If you want to benefit from more facilities, the nearest caravan park is located at Dingo.

The road that climb up to the Tableland is steep and winding but we will never forget all the wattles (mimosas) present all along the way. It was at the beginning of August. By the way, this period is still winter, nights are very cool (even in summer they can be). When we arrived at Mimosa Creek camping area we had to chose our camping spot (as it was not assigned by the rangers). If you are visiting this place I hope that you will be as lucky as we were. We were alone with another young couple to share all the camping area. It was so quite … As soon as we arrived we were already observed by Kookaburras and by crows. (Watch your sandwiches!!!)

We did not have time for a walk before the sunset, but if you still havesome  time, go for a short walk. You can select the one called 'Officers Pocket'. It is a 2.4 km. return walk. This track will leads you through tall stringybark forest to a lookout on the edge of the Tableland.

When we arrived we only had the time to light up the campfire and enjoy a very quiet evening.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE SECOND DAY IN THE BLACKDOWN TABLELAND NP