North Western Fishing Trail
Follow the footsteps of local fishing enthusiasts and take in the 7 day self-drive fishing tour from Toowoomba to Mitchell.
Distance: 1139 Kilometres
Defined by awe-inspiring landscapes, strap on your boots and step into Queensland Country to discover an abundance of spectacular national parks.
From bushwalking among peculiar boulders, swimming in crystal clear rock pools, discovering indigenous artwork and spotting native animals, there is an experience for awaiting every type of adventurer.
Read on to plan your next seven-day trip to unearth the best national parks within Queensland Country.
Girraween National Park, Ballandean, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
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Day 1
Start your adventure by heading west from Brisbane along the Cunningham Highway until you reach Main Range National Park, where Queen Mary Falls is waiting to be unearthed. The 2km circuit starts at the picnic area and traverses a fragrant eucalypt-topped ridgeline to reach the gorge. From the lookout, watch Spring Creek plunge 40 metres to the valley floor. Visit after rain to see the waterfall in its true glory.
Continue onto Warwick, where lunch is waiting at one of the many cafes.
Once fed and your energy for adventure is restored, continue onto Stanthorpe, where the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Our suggestions are to taste the fresh produce grown in the region straight from the source or soak in some tranquillity at Storm King Dam.
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Day 2 (1 hour | 72 kms)
Get up early, it’s time to explore Girraween National Park, and with 17km of walking tracks, the more time the better.
Start your morning with The Pyramid Trail, a 3.6km return trek that will challenge both your legs and nerves, but the views sure are worth it! The track starts by gradually moving uphill through eucalypt forest, grassy flats and past rocky outcrops. Catch your breath before starting up the steep exposed granite to reach the top where the iconic Balancing Rock awaits. Snap a pic for “the gram”, before soaking in the views across the forest.
If your legs aren’t complete jelly after conquering The Pyramid, head out on another hike after lunch, we recommend The Junction or Castle Rock.
If one hike was enough, spend your afternoon exploring the many wineries that call the Granite Belt home. We recommend starting with Balancing Heart Vineyard, a short 10 minute drive from Girraween.
STOP3
Day 3 (2 hours 56 minutes | 228 kms)
Hop in the car, it’s time to head to Crows Nest National Park. Few other places have the variety of eucalypt trees found here, from gums to stringybarks, bloodwoods and ironbark’s see how many you can spot. Crows Nest Creek meanders through the park, and the walk alongside it leads to waterholes and lookouts with spectacular views across the distant rolling hills. The 2.1km trail to Crows Nest Falls Lookout is a must with water tumbling over 20m high granite cliffs. If you’re feeling a little hot after exploring the national park, head to Bottlebrush Pool where you can swim in the shade of the she-oak and bottlebrush trees.
STOP4
Day 4 (1 hour 20 minutes| 100 kms)
Hit the road again and head up, up and away into the peaks of the Bunya Mountains, where the largest stand of ancient bunya pines in the world awaits. The 11,700-hectare expanse is home to one of Queensland’s oldest, and most underrated national parks.
Start your exploration with a few of the popular short walks, we recommend the Koondaii Circuit (2.5km), and the Scenic Circuit (4 km).
Afterwards, explore Dandabah Village. Join in the daily bird feeding activities at The Bunyas General Store where colourful king parrots crimson and rosellas flock to. If you’re looking for a taste of history, or want an opportunity to rest your legs, hop on board a Clydesdale-drawn carriage ride, with tours lasting from 10 minutes to 2 hours.
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Day 5
It’s time to tackle one of the longer walks in the Bunya Mountains National Park, the 10km Barker Creek Circuit. Meander through rainforest, past multiple picturesque waterfalls to an exceptional stand of towering bunya pines. While admiring the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, make sure to also watch out for the wildlife, with grey goshawks, wedge-tailed eagles and topknot pigeons soaring through the skies.
Spend your last evening in the Bunyas admiring the sunset from Westcliff Lookout.
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Day 6 (7 hours 27 minutes | 591 kms)
Today is a driving day so make sure to stretch. Head west from the Bunya Mountains and join the Warrego Highway, where you will pass through the stunning farmland of the Western Downs and Maranoa Region. Once you reach Roma hop onto the Carnarvon Highway and head north until you reach Carnarvon National Park.
Make sure to stock up on fuel and food at Roma or Injune as there are limited supplies near the National Park.
Rest up once you’re unpacked because the longest hike yet starts tomorrow.
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Day 7
Make sure to pack a lunch and lots of water because the Main Gorge Track is a 20km out-and-back hike that has it all. Uncover ancient indigenous rock art, towering cliff faces, bubbling creek crossings and so much more.
If you’re thinking 20km sounds a little long, shorter versions of the track exist. We recommend the 10km return Art Galley track which allows you to step back in time and admire the 62m-long sandstone wall featuring 2000 Aboriginal engravings.
For those looking to learn even more about Carnarvon’s diverse flora, fauna and history, join a guided tour by Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours or Central Queensland Nature Tours.
While our journey finishes here, if you’re planning to continue your travels, head north to Emerald or Blackdown Tableland National Park.
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