Be inspired
Make life epic and explore Queensland National Parks
From day trips to weekend camping, from short walks to multi-day hikes and adrenaline adventures, our parks and forests have something for everyone!
So, whether you're new to camping, or seasoned campers looking for new places to peg your tent, whether you’re seeking active fun such as bushwalks and picnics, looking for journeys of discovery into incredible landscapes, culture and history, or chasing the next challenge on mountain bike trails and paddling expeditions, we've loads of handy hacks and epic destinations for you to explore.
Be inspired to think outside in Queensland National Parks!
66 articles.
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Issued 6 February 2025
Sand dunes are important, but fragile, ecosystems. Not only do they provide natural coastal protection, they’re also home to many rare and threatened wildlife species.
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Behind the burning curtain on Curtis Island
Issued 29 January 2025
Each year Rangers undertake a careful balancing act, planning the burns necessary to protect this beautiful stretch of Queensland island-life.
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Herbie heads to France
Issued 9 January 2025
Supported by the Queensland Ranger Association, Rangers Jo and Jess had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 World Ranger Congress, then spend a day with French Rangers learning and sharing marine conservation expertise.
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Issued 19 December 2024
QPWS carries out planned burns all year round in favourable conditions and we've recently conducted a burn which plays a vital role in conserving a protected bat species.
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Rangers versus rubber vine
Issued 13 December 2024
Rangers at Porcupine Gorge National Park have waged war against invasive rubber vine, and they’re winning!
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Issued 9 December 2024
Ranger Callum is proud to wear the Herbie badge. Find out the many great reasons why he loves working on and helping visitors protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
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The diligently dedicated volunteers behind Daisy Hill’s conservation
Issued 3 December 2024
The Daisy Hill Natural Area Volunteers are an integral part of Daisy Hill Conservation Park’s team, assisting Rangers to protect and manage the park for the native inhabitants and visitors.
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Issued 29 November 2024
Island experiences are a bucket list item for many. For our Rangers, remote work presents a unique set of challenges. Let us take you through the high and low tides of island-based upgrades.
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One more reason to visit the outback beauty of Central West Queensland
Issued 22 November 2024
A new culturally inspired storyboard display installed at Bladensburg National Park homestead is just one more reason why this, and Central West Queensland’s other national parks, should be on your ‘must visit’ list.
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Feral deer eradication protects threatened turtles
Issued 21 November 2024
The eradication of pest species is part of continued efforts to ensure Wild Duck Island remains a conservation haven for vulnerable flatback turtles.
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Lamington National Park has been Green Listed
Issued 14 November 2024
Lamington has been recognised as one of the best managed national parks in the world with its addition to the IUCN Green List.
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Working together to help endangered black-throated finches
Issued 11 November 2024
Ranger Kenneth successfully manages important black-throated finch habitat around Townsville. Collaborating with ecologists and sharing his knowledge and learnings with other protected area land managers is helping to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
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Many hands make effective bushfire response in Central Queensland's protected areas
Issued 4 November 2024
This bushfire season, two bushfires threatened Blackdown Tableland National Park and a nearby state forest, prompting a collaborative and prompt response from more than 90 QPWS Rangers, Ghungalu Rangers and integral partners.
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Issued 25 September 2024
For those curious about the nitty gritty (sometimes smokey) details of what fire management within our protected areas looks like, we’ve compiled a list…
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Park management on Cape York Peninsula bolstered by newly trained authorised officers
Issued 16 September 2024
Newly appointed Authorised Officers will be the cornerstones in safeguarding the precious natural and cultural values of Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) national parks.
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Planned burn protects pocket of nature and locals on the Gold Coast
Issued 12 September 2024
Find out how our planned burn at Pine Ridge Conservation Park reduced the risk of significant bushfire impact to wildlife, vegetation and the surrounding urban community.
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Guardians of Native Wildlife: Meet Queensland's Wildlife Officers
Issued 5 September 2024
Imagine a career where you're a champion for Queensland's incredible native wildlife! Well, that's the life of a Wildlife Officer in Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, within Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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Issued 27 August 2024
From inland to the coast, and beach tracks to endless corrugations, our Rangers are no strangers to driving on the many different road conditions found throughout Queensland’s protected areas. But they don’t just hit the road running, with regular training we make sure they have the skills and experience necessary…
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Issued 20 August 2024
Strandings can occur anywhere along the Queensland coastline and can happen for many different reasons. Find out the roles of our Marine Parks Rangers and Wildlife Officers in the event of a marine wildlife stranding and what you can do to help.
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Ensuring Wild Duck Island remains wild
Issued 8 August 2024
How we took an island with a decaying abandoned resort and turned it into a conservation haven for nesting turtles.
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A national park acquisition 57 years in the making
Issued 5 August 2024
Discover how a lot of patience and perseverance resulted in the acquisition and gazettal of over 1,600 hectares of land as national park, protecting endangered regional ecosystems and areas of national significance for perpetuity.
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Issued 30 July 2024
Hear from Senior Ranger Jess and her amazing team of dedicated Rangers, caring for protected areas amid the glitz and the glamour of the Gold Coast.
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Issued 4 July 2024
Hiking advice from a Senior Ranger working across some of Queensland’s most visited parks.
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The critters that call the Cape home
Issued 27 June 2024
We’re highlighting some of the unsung heroes of fascinating flora and fauna who call these Cape York Peninsula national parks home.
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Issued 25 June 2024
Ranger Gene is one of nine Rangers on Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL), and we asked him what tips he had for visitors to this iconic national park, he has some great advice and is only too happy to help visitors have the best, and safest, experience. Find out more.
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Have more to remember on your trip to ‘The Tip’
Issued 25 June 2024
We're giving you a sneak-peek at some of national park beauty and wilderness that awaits. Find out where to get the best info to start planning your four-wheel drive wilderness adventure of a lifetime so you've got the time to enjoy many a magic moment on our iconic national parks.
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Centuries-old grass tree rescued on Bunya Mountains National Park
Issued 24 June 2024
We’ve given a storm damaged grass tree the chance to live for another few hundred years!
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Escape the everyday—family camping in the paradise of the Sunshine and Fraser coasts
Issued 21 June 2024
The salty air, the crashing waves, the warm sand between your toes—there's nothing quite like a family camping trip on the Queensland coast.
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4 family-friendly 2WD coastal and island day trip adventures in South East Queensland
Issued 18 June 2024
Think you need a four-wheel drive to enjoy a coastal and island day trip adventure in South East Queensland? Think again! We’ve got beachside, creek side and rainforest picnic areas, coastal wildlife watching spots and island bushwalks, all accessible in the family two-wheel drive car.
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Connected creatures of the Great Barrier Reef
Issued 14 June 2024
A look under the waves at some of the incredible biodiversity found within our reef.
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Issued 27 May 2024
Ranger Kim loves the natural and cultural values of the parks her and her team help protect—from the parabolic dunes of Byfield, to the Berserker Ranges, and Mount Etna National Park limestone cave network, to the sandstone country of Blackdown Tableland National Park.
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Sharing Springbrook with Ranger Isla
Issued 5 April 2024
Isla shares her favourite parts of Springbrook National Park and what she loves about being a Ranger.
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Issued 26 March 2024
We talk with Ren from our Crocwise team and learn some of what goes in to keeping their local community safe.
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Issued 13 March 2024
Learn from Butchulla man (Elder) and Senior Ranger Boyd on how best to respect the natural wonder that is K’gari, so it remains for all our futures.
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Meet Regional Director Rachel
Issued 5 March 2024
Staff profile on Regional Director Rachel, from South West Queensland
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Meet Manager Susan
Issued 5 March 2024
Meet Susan, Manager of Planning, Policy and Training for Fire Services.
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Issued 19 January 2024
Sooo, our paths have crossed because you’re looking to spend some magic moments on park around Cairns this summer chasing waterfalls. Park on.
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Issued 12 January 2024
Well, well, well, you’re looking to spend some magic moments on park in our south east, are you? Park on.
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Four accessible (wheelchair and stroller-friendly) parks close to Brisbane
Issued 21 June 2023
There’s no need to feel like you’re stuck in the city with nowhere to go this weekend!
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Military fortress, quarantine and a historic prison—discover the heritage parks of Moreton Bay!
Issued 3 June 2021
Did you know you can experience echoes of our colonial past within a stone’s throw of our capital city? Living history on our very doorstep!
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A taste of Queensland’s Great Walks—take a day hike!
Issued 23 September 2020
Have you always wanted to have a sneak-peak of one of Queensland’s Great Walks?
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Leave no trace—minimise your impacts when visiting parks and forests
Issued 4 September 2020
We all love to visit Queensland’s parks and forests, and we want to leave them for our children, and theirs, to enjoy. How can we make sure we leave no trace?
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Short walks for the family around South East Queensland
Issued 3 September 2020
Walking in Queensland National Parks is a fun way to be healthier and happier, and to share special times with family and friends.
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How to prepare for your first multi-day hike
Issued 19 August 2020
There’s something magical about heading out on foot in nature with everything you need in a pack on your back, and the chance to camp out under big starry skies.
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Warm weather hiking—8 tips for handling the heat!
Issued 19 August 2020
Sweat dripping from your brow, you take off your backpack and sit down on a rock beside a cool stream. You splash your face and take a long drink of water from your bottle. Your clothes are sodden with sweat and sticking to your back.
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5 tech challenges for getting teens outdoors in Sunshine Coast parks
Issued 30 July 2020
We get it. Dragging your teens and tweens away from their technology and into the great outdoors can be difficult, if not downright impossible.
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How to prepare for your first day hike
Issued 14 July 2020
When we are planning a trip or our next outdoor adventure, we are happy. (This is a proven fact!)
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Winter hiking—why we love it and tips to make sure you do too!
Issued 14 July 2020
Winter is a fabulous time to make space for life’s best moments and get hiking in Queensland National Parks!
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Top 3 lessons learnt by new hikers
Issued 13 July 2020
You can feel the excitement! The Big Day Out (a.k.a. your first day hike) is looming. Heading out into the ‘wilderness’ as a first-time day-hiker brings with it a great deal of anticipation.
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Queensland National Parks’ best-loved camping areas
Issued 20 December 2019
We are truly a nation of coast dwellers, so when it comes to camping holidays, where do we head? To the water, of course!
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Top 4 mountain biking parks in south east Queensland
Issued 20 December 2019
South East Queensland is jam-packed with an incredible variety of national parks, state forests and conservation parks, some right on Brisbane’s doorstep!
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Why Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is the hidden gem Brisbane families love
Issued 17 October 2019
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a hidden gem right on Brisbane’s doorstep! Hidden in plain sight, that is!
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Snorkelling, seabirds and sightseeing—3 sensational reasons to visit the southern Great Barrier Reef!
Issued 15 October 2019
The southern Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations… and little wonder why!
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Favourite hikes for groups of besties and buddies around Brisbane
Issued 15 October 2019
When it comes to bushwalking with your besties (friends or family), in Queensland National Parks near Brisbane, you’re truly spoilt for choice!
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8 family-friendly walks around the Gold Coast
Issued 14 October 2019
Calling nature enthusiasts of all ages! If you’re looking for nature therapy the whole family can enjoy, there’s no better place than Queensland’s biggest playground—Queensland National Parks!
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Refresh in the ‘green behind the gold’—5 bushwalks on the Gold Coast
Issued 14 October 2019
Queensland National Parks in the Gold Coast hinterland offer bushwalks where you can refresh in cool mountain air, immerse your senses in lush green forests and feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery.
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Whale watching in the Great Sandy Marine Park!
Issued 14 October 2019
If you (or someone you know) has been fortunate enough to see humpback whales in their natural habitat, you’ll know why the experience is described as mind-blowing, majestic, even life-changing!
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Camping with your four-legged friend in South East Queensland
Issued 8 January 2019
Does your dog love new adventures just like you? There’s no need to leave your pooch pining for you at home when there’s long walks, new smells, and plenty of exploring to be had by your four-legged friend.
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Paddle, pedal, soar or sail—explore The Whitsundays your way!
Issued 22 November 2018
White sands, rich green landscapes and turquoise waters combine to make The Whitsundays your ultimate tropical getaway.
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Go batty at Mount Etna Caves!
Issued 20 November 2018
Whether you’re wildlife enthusiasts, keen walkers, a family seeking special nature experiences, or simply curious and hungry for adventure of a different kind, Mount Etna Caves National Park is a must-do!
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Dinosaurs and diprotodons—uncover fossil mysteries of the ancient past in Queensland’s outback
Issued 19 November 2018
The vast red landscape of western Queensland is a time capsule of our prehistoric past, waiting to be discovered.
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Grab your boots and adventure outdoors—7 short walks around Cairns and Townsville
Issued 6 November 2018
‘These boots are made for walkin’ and that’s just what they’ll do…’ If you like the sound of rambling through ancient rainforests, wandering along palm-fringed beaches and clambering around tropical islands, not to mention, spotting awesome wildlife, read on!
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How to pack for national park camping
Issued 6 November 2018
Camping—there is no better way to relax and get back to nature! You can escape to an island paradise, pitch a tent next to a rainforest stream or ‘chillax’ at the very top of Australia.
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5 things you didn’t know you could do at David Fleay Wildlife Park
Issued 6 November 2018
Tucked away in the heart of Burleigh Heads is David Fleay Wildlife Park—a park unlike any other. Cute and quirky critters—tick! Wildlife shows—tick! But what makes Fleay’s different? Here are our top 5 things you didn’t know you could do at Fleay’s.
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Regional ‘specialties’—ideas for Queensland National Parks adventures!
Issued 5 November 2018
So, you’re planning an adventure to Queensland National Parks? With so many amazing parks and forests across the state, just waiting to be explored, the hardest part is deciding where to go.
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Bunya Mountains ticks all the boxes for camping with kids!
Issued 2 July 2018
Planning your holidays and short breaks tends to revolve around the kids, right? Well, you’re not alone! A recent survey of 500 families found that not only do most families consider their kids’ wishes, but 87% give their kids a say in planning family trips.