3 long weekend ideas in Southern Queensland Country
Skip the Queensland coastline this long weekend and navigate your way to Southern Queensland Country – home to Queensland’s most productive food bowl, wine country and thermal basin.
Unearth five national parks across five days throughout Central Queensland Highlands. Pack a swag, load up the 4WD and head inland to discover these lush natural landscapes.
Carnarvon Gorge, Central Queensland Highlands
STOP1
Day 1: Nuga Nuga National Park
[Approx 130km / 90 mins]
Travelling north from Injune, stop for morning tea at the scenic Lonesome Lookout, Expedition National Park [55km]. Stretch your legs as you gaze over Arcadia Valley and the Dawson River Valley.
Hop back in the car and continue to Nuga Nuga National Park [75km], allowing plenty of time to set yourself up for a remote bush camping experience. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the tranquillity of Lake Nuga Nuga by canoe or walking around the shoreline. Remember your binoculars this hidden lake is a valuable refuge for migratory waterbirds, with more than 150 species recorded. Note: unsealed road.
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Carnarvon Gorge, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 2: Carnarvon Gorge
[Approx. 125km / 90 mins]
Drive 90 minutes to reach the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park. After a picnic lunch in the visitor area, follow the 6.4km return walking trail to Boolimba Bluff for spectacular views of the distant ranges. On return, take a refreshing swim in the nearby rock pool.
Note: Carnarvon Gorge camping area is only open during Easter, June-July and September-October Queensland school holidays.
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Carnarvon Gorge, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 3: Carnarvon Gorge
Rise with the birds and take an early morning walk along the short 1.5km Nature Trail circuit. See if you can spot platypus swimming in Carnarvon Creek. Book a full day walking tour with Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours and let an expert guide you to iconic attractions and exclusive untracked spots. You can also join a night safari to search for the gorge’s nocturnal beasties.
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Minerva Hills National Park, Springsure, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 4: Minerva Hills National Park
[Approx. 185km / 2 hrs]
After leaving Carnarvon Gorge travel two hours north to Minerva Hills National Park. Stop at Fred’s Gorge to enjoy a picnic with views. After lunch, explore the walking tracks and lookouts which survey surrounding farming country, Virgin Rock and Springsure. Note: high clearance vehicles only.
With no camping available within Minerva Hills National Park, overnight in Springsure, a mere 11km drive away.
STOP5
Blackdown Tableland National Park, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 5: Blackdown Tableland National Park
[Approx. 215km / 2 mins 30 mins]
Leave Springsure and continue north to Blackdown Tableland National Park. Stop at Yaddamen Dhina Lookout for sweeping views of the bordering ranges (we recommend sunset viewing). Brave the 240-stair descent deep into Gudda Gumoo Gorge before cooling off in the spring-fed rock pool below.
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