Visiting Rungulla National Park safely

Gilbert River.

Photo credit: Nick Smith © Queensland Government

The vibrant colours of the park are seen in the landscape, plants and insects.

Photo credit: Jodie Cross © Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

Travelling from Georgetown

Rungulla National Park is about 116km south of Georgetown, Queensland.

From Georgetown, travel south on the Forsayth Road for 45km to the outskirts of Forsayth. Turn right outside of Forsayth onto North Head Road and follow the signs to Cobbold Gorge. 25km from Forsayth, North Head Road forks to the right. Continue straight ahead on Cobb Road, passing the Cobbold Gorge turn off after 13km, crossing the Robertson River after another 12km and then passing the Old Robin Hood turn off after a further 13km. 5km after the Old Robin Hood turn off, pass the entrance sign to the Agate Creek fossicking area. Veer right at the fork after crossing over Agate Creek. Continue on this road a further 3km to the national park boundary, which is marked by a ‘Welcome’ sign. The Madha (Mountain) rock art site walking track is 9.4km from this sign and the camping area is a further 19km from this sign.

There are limited 4WD tracks within Rungulla National Park. Most of the park is inaccessible by vehicle.

It is expected that travel from Georgetown to Rungulla will take 3 hours.

Maps

• Restricted access area—Madha (Mountain) rock art site, Rungulla National Park (PDF, 121.3KB)
• Rungulla National Park and surrounds map (PDF, 1.3MB)
• Rungulla National Park camping area map (PDF, 223.0KB)

Wheelchair accessibility

There is 1 wheelchair-accessible toilet at camp site 1, but otherwise no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Rungulla National Park.

Staying safe

• This area is isolated, so it is important to plan trips carefully and be prepared for emergencies.
• Carry at least 1 form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. There is no mobile phone coverage.
• Carry plenty of drinking water and try to walk and explore in the cooler part of the day. At dawn and dusk you will see the greatest amount of wildlife activity.
• Drive to the conditions. Roads on the park can be very rough. Visitors must be experienced in four-wheel-driving and should travel with the necessary recovery gear.
• There are several creek crossings on the way to Rungulla National Park. Creek crossings may change after rain events. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads: if it’s flooded, forget it.
• Be wary of unfenced areas as livestock may be on the roads.
• Carry adequate food, first-aid equipment, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment in case of unexpected delays or breakdowns.
• For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

To enjoy your time in this park remember to bring:

• drinking water, sufficient for your stay
• gas or fuel stove for cooking
• a first aid kit
• food storage containers
• sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• insect repellent
• bags to take your rubbish with you
• a shovel to bury human waste.

Opening hours

Rungulla National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The park is closed during the wet season, from 1 November to 31 March inclusive, when it is inaccessible.

There is a restricted access over the area at the Madha (Mountain) rock art site. To help preserve this important cultural heritage site, please stay on the formed walking track and don’t go beyond the barrier. Penalties apply for entering the Madha (Mountain) rock art site restricted access area (PDF, 121.3KB) .

Permits and fees

Camping permits

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Find out more about camping at Rungulla National Park.

Other permits

Various activities conducted in Rungulla National Park may require a permit. These activities include commercial tours, social events such as weddings, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and sale of photographs or vision of Rungulla National Park. See park permits and policies for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Rungulla National Park.

Climate and weather

In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 35ºC. The cooler months of the year – May to August – are the best times to visit. Night-time temperatures can drop below 6ºC and frosts can occur during this time. Most rain falls in the summer months – December to March – and there is little rainfall in winter. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Georgetown and Forsayth. Cobbold Gorge Village has no fuel, but can supply some ice and minor mechanical repairs if the mechanic is available.

For more information, see the tourism information links.