Outback Queensland National Parks

Australian National Parks

The outback is the remote and arid interior and north of Australia, although the term colloquially can cover any lands outside of the main urban areas. The term outback is generally used to refer to locations that are comparatively more remote than those areas deemed "the bush".

The marginally fertile parts, mainly within the Lake Eyre Basin, are known as rangelands and have been traditionally used for sheep or cattle farming, on sheep stations and cattle stations which are leased from the Federal Government.

Click here to see a list of parks in Outback region

Whereas these grassy areas have fairly fertile clay soils, the remainder of the outback has exceedingly infertile paleosols which cannot support fodder nutritious enough for the economic raising of stock.

Organised travel to the outback is popular, although some Australian and international tourists travel in their own vehicles. Such a trip, particularly once off the few bitumen roads in the outback, requires considerable advance planning and a suitable vehicle (usually a four wheel drive). On remote routes considerable supplies and equipment may be required, this can include prearranged caches. Some trips cannot be undertaken safely with a single vehicle instead requiring a convoy approach.

Bladensburg National Park - Flat-topped mesas, plateaus and residual sandstone ranges are a scenic backdrop to Bladensburg National Parks vast grassland plains and river flats.

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park - The emerald waters and lush vegetation of Lawn Hill Gorge form a beautiful oasis in the outback, attracting abundant wildlife and offering exceptional views, walks, canoeing and cultural sites.

Camooweal Caves National Park - Wide expanses of Mitchell grass plains and spinifex woodland are protected in this park on the Barkly Tableland, a peaceful stopover for travellers and ideal for seasonal birdwatching.

Culgoa Floodplain National Park - An important floodplain in the Murray-Darling Basin, Aboriginal cultural sites and diverse woodland vegetation are preserved in Culgoa Floodplain National Park.

Currawinya National Park - Large freshwater and saltwater lakes provide important inland habitats for waterbirds. Currawinya also protects mulga lands habitats, threatened wildlife and cultural heritage sites.

Diamantina National Park - Vast open plains stretching towards the horizon are broken only by the coolibah-lined channels of meandering rivers and creeks in Diamantina National Park.

Expedition National Park - Large park with magnificent sandstone scenery and deep gorges along Robinson Creek. Palm-filled valleys.

Forest Den National Park - Mitchell grass plains and black gidgee Acacia argyrodendron woodlands are protected in this remote park in the Torrens Creek catchment in central-western Queensland.

Idalia National Park - In central western Queensland, Idalia National Park protects extensive mulga woodlands, the headwaters of the Bulloo River, and tributaries of the Barcoo River system.

Lake Bindegolly National Park - A string of salt and freshwater wetlands at Lake Bindegolly National Park form an important wildlife refuge in the arid zone.

Lochern National Park - Lochern National Park is located approximately 120km south-west of Longreach and just north of Stonehenge.

Mariala National Park - Deep red earth contrasts with the silver-grey foliage and yellow flowers of mulga trees in this remote park.

Moorrinya National Park - Remote park with flat plains criss-crossed by watercourses. Grasslands and open eucalypt, acacia and melaleuca woodlands.

Simpson Desert National Park - The Simpson Desert occupies about 200 000sq. km of central Australia, mostly in the Northern Territorys south-east.

Thrushton National Park - Vast open plains stretching towards the horizon are broken only by the coolibah-lined channels of meandering rivers and creeks in Diamantina National Park.

Tregole National Park - In semi-arid, south-western Queensland, Tregole National Park straddles the boundary between two of the states natural regions, the brigalow belt and the mulga lands.

Welford National Park - Striking red sand dunes contrast with green spinifex grass and white ghost gums in this large diverse park in arid south-western Queensland.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service