Visiting Moorrinya safely
Moorrinya park entrance.
Photo credit: Tony Salisbury © Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
Maps
From Townsville, travel south-west for 296km to Torrens Creek on the Flinders Highway. Moorrinya National Park is about 90km south of Torrens Creek on the Aramac Torrens Creek Road. If travelling from the south, the park is 180km north of Aramac, on the Aramac Torrens Creek Road. A directional sign marks the entrance to the park, it is another 15.3km to Shirley Shearing Shed camping area.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended as the tracks are rough and become impassable to conventional vehicles after rain. Vehicle access is not maintained within the stock route. The park may be closed during the wet season (November to April).
Check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads for road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for local weather information.
Wheelchair accessibility
Moorrinya National Park has no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Staying safe
This area is isolated, and rangers may not be on park to help you. It is important to plan trips carefully, be self-sufficient and prepared for any emergencies.
- Carry adequate food, drinking water, first-aid equipment, fuel and a basic vehicle repair kit in case of unexpected delays or breakdown.
- Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is not available.
- 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 yourself from stings, scratches and bites.
- Be alert for snakes all year round. Detour around snakes and never provoke them.
- Dingoes and wild dogs are potentially dangerous. Do not approach or feed dingoes and stay in groups when walking.
- Beware of other road users. Vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians use the access road in this park.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
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
Essentials to bring
To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit make sure you bring:
- a first-aid kit and communication equipment
- adequate drinking water for your stay
- sealable containers for rubbish as bins are not provided
- firewood—bring only clean, milled timber, collecting bush wood and kindling is prohibited
- a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
The best time to visit is the cooler, drier months.
Photo credit: Eleanor Collins © Queensland Government
Opening hours
Moorrinya National Park is open 24 hours a day and is generally accessible from May to September. During the wet season (between November and April) the road into the park may be inaccessible.
The park may be closed at times due to management operations or extreme weather. 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 site online before arriving at the old woolshed. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
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. See Permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Moorrinya National Park.
Climate and weather
Days can be very hot between October and March, reaching average temperature of 31ºC to 35ºC , and occasionally exceeding 40ºC. Wet periods occur during this time which makes access difficult or impossible. Visit in the cooler months, from April to September, when daily temperatures average a more pleasant 27ºC. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and basic supplies are available at Torrens Creek, about 90km north of the park. Charters Towers (about 250km north-east of Moorrinya) and Hughenden (about 178km north-west of Moorrinya) have a wider range of supplies. For more information, see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.