About us
This year sees Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) celebrating 50 years of conserving and protecting Queensland’s parks and forests, under the Nature Conservation Act which was introduced in 1975.
Over the past 50 years, we’ve built on a rich tapestry of generational care and conservation, founded with our First Nations people who have been custodians of Country for over 65,000 years. Thousands of people have each left their mark and many more continue on their legacy of protected area and wildlife conservation for future generations and global biodiversity.
Who we are
On World Environment Day in 1975, the National Parks and Wildlife Service was created when the National Parks and Wildlife Act was proclaimed. The service started with around 85 field staff across and nearly 300 national parks and forests covering over 1 million hectares.
Today, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is part of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
We now have over 1,400 staff including Rangers and specialists in fire, pest, asset and visitor management, wildlife and conservation officers, support staff and more.
We work over more than 1,000 protected areas, covering more than 15 million hectares, including 37 Joint Management areas with First Nation partners.
Herbie – a symbol for conservation
Since 1976, we have worn the uniform patch featuring the symbol, Herbie, which has become one of the most well-recognised symbols in Queensland.
Herbie is a Herbert River ringtail possum, Pseudochirus herbertensis, which is unique to Queensland.
These possums live in the tropical upland forests between the Herbert River Gorge and Cooktown in far north Queensland. Their habitat is restricted, and they are rarely seen as they move around the highest branches of the forest at night. The Herbert River ringtail possum depends on careful management of the environment for its survival and is a symbol of our responsibility to protect our natural heritage.
We all wear our Herbie badge with pride.
Our history
Stewarded by the oldest living cultures on earth, the First Nations peoples from the lands and waters that make up Queensland have been caring for country for thousands of generations.
The seeds which grew to become the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) were planted back in the late 1800s.
When pastoralist Robert Martin Collins was elected to Queensland parliament in 1896, he and like-minded supporters campaigned for the State to legally protect areas with significant natural resources. His inspiration was the declaration in 1872 of the world’s first national park—Yellowstone in the United States of America—preserved ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people’ and where all ‘timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders’ would be kept ‘in their natural condition.’
It was not an easy journey, but some 30 years later, on 28 March 1908, Collins succeeded in securing protection for Witches Falls at Tamborine Mountain which became Queensland’s first national park. This was followed closely by Bunya Mountains National Park in July 1908, and then Lamington National Park in 1915.
More than 100 years later, Queensland’s very first national parks are still popular places to visit, dedicated to the conservation of their incredible cultural heritage and special habitats, flora and fauna.
Guided by First Nations’ knowledge and expertise, the Gurra Gurra Framework helps reframe and guide us to work in genuine partnerships with Queensland’s First Nations people to continue to build a strong future together, for Country and people.
What we do
One of the most naturally and culturally diverse places on earth, Queensland is home to incredibly unique and globally important ecosystems.
Over half of the species living in Queensland are unique to the state. Queensland is home to twice as many native wildlife species as any other Australian state or territory, including:
- 72% of Australia’s native bird species,
- 85% of its native mammals, and
- just over 50% of the country’s native reptiles and frogs.
Queensland’s rich cultural values are also of global significance, with First Nations peoples —the world’s oldest continuous cultures —caring for land and sea Country as living cultural landscapes across thousands of generations.
National parks and other protected areas play a vital role in maintaining and protecting these amazing biodiversity and cultural values, for future generations.
We work in partnership with First Nations peoples, other department divisions, government agencies, councils, scientists, partners, and volunteers to manage and protect Queensland’s natural, cultural and heritage values, support their sustainable use, and provide ecotourism opportunities.
We work across:
- More than 1,000 national parks, State forests, marine parks and other protected areas—home to threatened native species.
- Over 15 million hectares of public and private protected areas—an area larger than 50% of the world’s countries.
- Five UNESCO World Heritage areas—more than any other State in Australia.
- Five significant wetlands protected under the international Ramsar convention.
Our vision
Queensland’s outstanding biodiversity and landscapes are conserved in partnership with First Nations peoples, enjoyed and cherished now and into the future, enhancing Queenslanders’ wellbeing and prosperity.
Our values
Our highest priority is the conservation of Queensland’s natural and cultural treasures for all, forever.
- Together with First Nations peoples and other landholders, we are committed to environmental stewardship on behalf of all Queenslanders.
- We regard meaningful engagement with our community as vital to the future of Queensland’s wildlife, land and sea.
- We believe our environment is enriched and strengthened by diversity of culture, people, ideas, nature and landscapes.
- Being genuine, practical, grounded and acting with integrity is in our nature.
- We value effectiveness founded on science, ingenuity and evidence-based decisions
Find out more
A Master Plan for Queensland’s parks and forests to 2025 guides our management practices, including fire management and pest management programs.
Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020–2030 aims to sustainably grow national parks to achieve an expanded Queensland protected area system that safeguards biodiversity and cultural values, protects threatened species, and builds climate change resilience while creating economic benefits.
Work with us
We come from a diverse range of backgrounds and work in a wide variety of disciplines in locations throughout the state.
- Employment opportunities—find out more about the opportunities available to work or partner with us.
- Being a Ranger—learn more about what it’s like to be a Ranger and how to apply for Ranger positions.
- Volunteering—a great way to gain a great way to gain valuable experience and develop contacts, volunteering for parks has information on how to find a volunteer project in your location and how to get involved in community partnership programs with QPWS.
- Industry placements—our industry placement program provides students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience to complement their studies.
Stay up to date
- Before you leave home, check Park Alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
- Subscribe to our e-newsletter Naturally Queensland and we will bring you inspiration and ideas on how to explore and enjoy Queensland National Parks.
- Be inspired to connect with the latest on park news, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service conservation efforts, Ranger and staff stories, as well as visitation tips from the people who manage our wondrous protected areas.
- Connect with us by following Queensland National Parks
Contact us
Find out the best way to contact us or provide feedback.
- Over-the-counter camping and vehicle permit booking locations
- Use the Enquiry form and we’ll respond to you by email.
- Camp bookings and vehicle access permit enquiries phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).