Central Highlands National Parks

Australian National Parks

The Central Highlands lie just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland. A sculpture originally marking the latitude was later moved into Rockhampton town to be more accessible to tourists. Although the Tropic of Capricorn is represented as a "dotted Line" on maps, it is actually a bio-geographical overlap of Tropical and Temperate zones more than 500km wide with Rockhampton being roughly at its centre on the East Coast of Australia. Rockhampton is also located on the overlap of Inland (Outback) and Coastal zones making it one of only two places in Australia where all four zones merge.

According to The 1993 Commonwealth Government inquiry into the surrounding regions up to 70% of all species of flora and fauna that inhabit Australia, can be found co-existing in and around Rockhampton. In particular, as mentioned in the inquiry, the Shoalwater Bay Wilderness which has a R.A.K.E.S. bio-diversity ranking of 15. While places such as Daintree ranks 9 and Fraser Island ranks 7.(Source: New Engalnd University) Rockhampton's Capricorn Region is arguably the most diverse region in Australia. The city is located on the banks of the Fitzroy River, approximately 40 kilometres from the river mouth.

Click here to see a list of parks in Central Highlands region

The Berserker Range lies on the eastern side of the city, with the Athelstane Range to the west. The coastal area to the east of the city is known as the Capricorn Coast, with the rapidly growing town of Yeppoon as its administrative centre.

Rockhampton is the City of lifestyle, rich community spirit, and the best tropical climate Queensland has to offer. The City lies just above the Tropic of Capricorn, and acts as gateway to the Capricorn Coast to the east, and the Outback to the west. Rockhampton is rich in natural beauty, has an excellent airport, values commercial growth, and offers first-class educational facilities from kindergarten right through to university.

The city was founded in 1858, and was built on the wealth of gold rushes and cattle empires. The City's Quay Street Heritage Precinct stands proud with well preserved heritage architecture, including historic Customs House and the classic Walter Reid Cultural Centre.

Countless Queenslander homes, and terrific tourist attractions such as the Archer Park Railway Station, the Heritage Village and the Dreamtime Cultural Centre can be found throughout Rockhampton.

Blackdown Tableland National Park - Rising abruptly above the surrounding dry plains, Blackdown Tableland protects spectacular sandstone scenery with gorges and waterfalls at the north-eastern edge of the central Queensland sandstone belt.

Carnarvon Gorge National Park - Carnarvon Gorge is a paradise carved from the rugged sandstone range by the passage of water and time.

Isla Gorge National Park - At the southern end of the Dawson Range, Isla Gorge National Park protects spectacular sandstone scenery in the central highlands.

Minerva Hills National Park - Spectacular jagged peaks provide a scenic backdrop to Springsure in this park in central Queensland.

Mount Moffatt Carnarvon National Park - culpted sandstone outcrops, spectacular views from the highest plateau in Queensland and highly significant Aboriginal rock art sites are found in this remote section of Carnarvon National Park.

Salvator Rosa Carnarvon National Park - Spring-fed Nogoa River and Louisa Creek wind through a picturesque broad valley beneath craggy sandstone outcrops in the Salvator Rosa Section of Carnarvon National Park.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service