Visiting Expedition safely

Many roads in these remote parks are suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Stay on the tracks and keep away from cliff edges.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

The uncommon banded form of the lace monitor Varanus varius.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

Expedition National Park has three sections. Access to Robinson Gorge section is via Taroom or Bauhinia Downs, while access to the Lonesome and Beilba sections are via Injune.

It is a 5–6 hour drive between Robinson Gorge section and Lonesome and Beilba sections. There are no roads directly connecting Robinson Gorge section with Lonesome and Beilba sections.

Wet weather may cause some roads to become unsafe or inaccessible, most commonly between November and February, however this can occur at any time following heavy rain. Check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (13 19 40) or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.

For your safety, advise a friend or relative about your planned visit and safe return.

Maps

• Robinson Gorge section Expedition National Park map (PDF, 206.4KB)
• Lonesome section Expedition National Park map (PDF, 141.0KB)
• Beilba section Expedition National Park map (PDF, 170.2KB)

Robinson Gorge section

Robinson Gorge is 90km or two hours north-west of Taroom along a gravel road. The last 16km is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

After rain when the creeks rise it is best to travel north from Taroom on the Leichhardt Highway for 18km and turn left onto the Fitzroy Development Road. Travel approximately 1.6km then turn left onto the Glenhaughton Road heading towards Glenhaughton and Reedy Creek. Travel a further 86km on the Glenhaughton Road until you reach the signposted entrance turnoff to Expedition National Park on your left. From here the park is accessible by 4WD vehicle only. Travel a further 4.7km and turn right at the T-intersection then follow this track a further 9.9km to Starkvale camping area.

Alternatively, if Robinson Creek is passable, access can be gained by heading north from Taroom on the Leichhardt Highway for 10km and turn left onto Broadmere Road. Continue for 24km and turn right onto Robinson Creek Road. Travel a further 1.5km and turn left at a T-intersection onto Glenhaughton Road. Follow Glenhaughton Road for approximately 40km then turn left at the signposted entrance to Expedition National Park. From here the park is accessible by 4WD only. Follow the track to a T-intersection, turn right and follow the road to Starkvale camping area.

From the north, turn off the Dawson Highway 1km east of Bauhinia Downs and follow the Mapala-Fairfield Road for 93km. Turn right at Oil Bore Road and continue 7km before turning left and driving a further 16km along a 4WD sign-posted track.

Roads to the Robinson Gorge section are impassable in wet weather. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology. When you are in the area, listen to ABC radio on AM747 for the weather forecast for the 'Central Highlands and Coalfields' district. If rain is forecast, leave the park before the rain starts or remain in the park after rain until the roads dry out. For your safety, it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to drive on park management roads during or following rain.

Lonesome section

From Injune, travel north for 37km on the Carnarvon Highway and turn right onto the Arcadia Valley Access Road then drive 18km to Lonesome.

Roads leading to this section are suitable for all vehicle types. During wet weather, take care on the roads, as they may become slippery.

Beilba section

From Injune, travel north for 26km on the Carnarvon Developmental Road. Turn right onto Fairview Road and then left onto Beilba Road to the park (30km gravel road).

4WD vehicles recommended. Travel only during dry weather. Loose gravel surfaces and unfenced roads, require visitors to drive carefully. There is no access for larger vehicles such as caravans or buses.

Wheelchair accessibility

The picnic area and tables at Lonesome section are suitable for wheelchair access with assistance. The remainder of Expedition National Park has no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Staying safe

To enjoy a safe visit to this area please:

• Take care and keep away from cliff edges—they can be deceptive and are often closer than you think. Sandstone may crumble unexpectedly. Please supervise children at all times and take extra care when using binoculars or cameras at these sites.
• Avoid gas drilling sites in the Beilba section.
• Be prepared, even on short walks, and judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.
• Choose walks that suit the capabilities of your entire group.
• Stay together and keep to the walking tracks.
• Carry adequate drinking water. Treat all water before consumption.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
• Wear insect repellent, clothing and sturdy footwear to protect you from stings, scratches and bites.
• Take a first-aid kit.
• Leave a copy of your bushwalking plans with a reliable person. This person has responsibility for contacting police if you are overdue. Your plan should include:
  • your name, address, number of people in your party, ages and any medical conditions;
  • vehicle registration, make, model, colour and parking location;
  • the route you are taking, expected times of departure and return.
• Remember that a search and rescue is costly, endangers people's lives and can damage the environment.
• Walk with one or more friends. At least one member of each party should be a competent map-reader and bushwalker.
• Do not feed or leave food for animals—human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive. Keep your food packed away when your campsite is not attended.
• Detour around snakes. Never provoke them.

In an emergency

In case of an accident or other emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Mobile phone coverage is limited and unreliable in Expedition National Park. Satellite phones can be used. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) can be used in emergency situations if no other source of communication is available.

UHF Injune emergency repeater (for Lonesome and Beilba sections) is Channel 7. There is some access to Channel 5 UHF emergency repeater from the higher points of Robinson Gorge section. Channel 3 UHF Expedition can be accessed in areas to the north and east of Expedition National Park.

The nearest hospitals are at Taroom, 89km south-east of Robinson Gorge section, or Injune, 56km from Beilba and Lonesome sections. There is a full-time doctor present at Injune hospital and half-time doctor at Taroom hospital. Both hospitals also have access to flying doctor facilities.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Visitors to Expedition National Park must be self-sufficient, as facilities are not provided through most of the park. Be prepared and use sound judgment while visiting and walking.

• Bring a first-aid kit and first-aid book.
• Carry adequate fresh water, as drinking water is not provided. Bring at least 7 litres of water per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing as streams are seasonal and water quality cannot be relied upon.
• Bring a sealable container for rubbish and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave. Rubbish bins are not provided.
• Fuel or gas stoves are recommended for cooking, but if you do wish to use an open fire bring your own clean-milled firewood. Never collect wood from the park or roadside. Take care with fire and make sure your fire is out before you leave.
• Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Bring a torch and some extra food.
• Wear sensible footwear—boots or strong shoes.
• Bring a topographic map and compass if you plan to do any off-track bushwalking. A GPS is also a valuable aid.
• Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife. A torch, preferably with a red filter to protect animals' eyes, is useful for spotlighting at night.

Opening hours

Expedition National Park is open 24 hours a day.

Permits and fees

Permits are required to camp anywhere in the park and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Find out more about camping in Expedition National Park

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Expedition National Park.

Climate and weather

Temperatures in this region vary widely. Summer days generally exceed 35°C. In winter, heavy frosts can be expected as temperatures sometimes fall below freezing. Rain mostly falls between November and March; however storms can occur throughout the year.

For more information see the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Robinson Gorge section

Fuel and supplies are available at Taroom (89km) and Bauhinia Downs (116km).

Lonesome and Beilba sections

Fuel and supplies are available at Injune (56km) south.

For more information see the tourism information links.