Visiting Idalia safely
Getting there and getting around
Idalia National Park is part of the Cooper Creek catchment. To help you plan your visit to this remote area, download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide.
Idalia National Park is 113km south-west of Blackall in the Gowan Ranges, to access the park a four-wheel-drive is recommended. From Blackall, head west along the Isisford Road for 44km, then turn left onto Blackall-Emmet Road. After 25km turn left again at the Idalia National Park sign and follow the road for 44km to the entrance of the park. It is a further 33km to Monks Tank camping area.
Many outback roads are unsealed. Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least a week’s worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Check with the RACQ or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip.
Wheelchair accessibility
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet (assistance may be required) at Monks Tank camping area.
Staying safe
This park is remote and rangers may not be on park to help you. You must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
It is vitally important that you read staying safe in Parks of Central West Queensland.
- Keep to designated roads and tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
- Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
- Carry drinking water, whether driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from streams, rivers or waterholes before drinking.
- Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
- Watch your step on escarpments. Edges can be unstable due to natural weathering, so stay away from the edge and take care where you walk. Heed all safety advice and warnings.
- Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite.
In an emergency
In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). You could also try to make contact with people on UHF radio (try channel 24 or channel 6 duplex for other local radio traffic).
Mobile phone coverage is not available in the national park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.
We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.
Before you visit
Idalia National Park is 113km from Blackall, and you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
Essentials to bring
- Adequate water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least seven litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least seven days in case of stranding.
- Fuel stoves are recommended.
- Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
- UHF, satellite phone and/ or a personal locator beacon (PLB).
- Extra fuel and vehicle repairs. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly on park drives. You should also bring extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.
Opening hours
Idalia National Park is open all year, however wet weather may cause temporary closures. The park may be closed at times due to extreme weather or management operations, check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Book your campsite online.
Other permits and fees
Various activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. Contact us for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Idalia National Park.
Climate and weather
Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures reach over 40°C during the day, and summer rains often cause flooding. Rain can fall at any time of year and flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meterology.
Fuel and supplies
The nearest fuel and supplies are at Blackall (113km) and Isisford (approximately 150km).
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.