Visiting Lake Bindegolly safely
Getting there and getting around
View across Lake Bindegolly, one of a string of salt and freshwater wetlands within Lake Bindegolly National Park.
Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
Lake Bindegolly is 150km west of Cunnamulla, or 40km east of Thargomindah, on the Bulloo Developmental Road (Adventure Way).
To protect the fragile lake edges and samphire flats, vehicles are not allowed on the park. Park your vehicle at the shelter near the bridge and walk to the lakes.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks or facilities at Lake Bindegolly.
Staying safe
A black-faced woodswallow hawks for insects above the samphire.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Robert Ashdown
Your safety is our concern, but your responsibility. For your safety ensure that you:
- Carry adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
- Always carry drinking water and a first-aid kit when walking.
- Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day, especially in warmer months.
- Inform a responsible person where you are going and when you will be back.
In an emergency
In case of accident or other emergency call Triple Zero (000).
Mobile phone coverage is not available in Lake Bindegolly National Park.
Satellite phones can be used at Lake Bindegolly National Park. Consider taking a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). If you have a PLB, it should only be activated in a serious emergency situation, when there is no alternative way to raise assistance.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service operates in this area. For more information that will help you enjoy a safe visit to this area, please read the guidelines Safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
During dry times Lake Bindegolly can become a vast, white saltpan.
Photo credit: Mark Handley © Queensland Government
Usually only the main lakes in the park contain water, but in exceptionally wet years the lakes join to form a continuous body of water from north to south.
Photo credit: Mark Handley © Queensland Government
Fresh water flowing into the Bindegolly lakes sets off a 'boom and bust' cycle of life, where a rapid increase in shrimp and other invertebrates is followed by a rise in fish numbers and birds keen to take advantage of the sudden food.
Essentials to bring
- Carry adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, vehicle spares and medical supplies.
- Prepare for an extra four or five days in case you become stranded due to flooding.
- Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags, and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
- Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Opening hours
Lake Bindegolly National Park is open 24 hours a day.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Lake Bindegolly National Park.
Climate and weather
The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit.
During July, the average maximum temperature is 19°C, while overnight temperatures can fall to a frosty -5°C. Clear winter nights ensure magnificent starry skies. In summer, daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C.
Lake Bindegolly is in the semi-arid rangelands and has a low, variable rainfall and a high rate of evaporation. More than half the average annual rainfall of 276mm falls during summer.
After good rains (whether in the local area or far upstream), flooding isolates the park from nearby townships for long periods.
For more information see the tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Thargomindah, Eulo and Cunnamulla. For more information see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.