Things to do

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Camping is available in the national park near Emu Swamp or Moonstone Hill. The camping areas may be closed during the wet season (usually from November to March), when wet conditions make the camping areas inaccessible. There are no facilities provided, visitors must be totally self-sufficient.

Camping permits are required and fees apply.

• Find out more about Emu Swamp and Moonstone camping areas
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Other accommodation

There is a range of holiday accommodation including motels and caravan parks in Hughenden. The Oasis Roadhouse on the Lynd Junction provides caravan accommodation. For more information see the tourism information links.

Birdwatch at Emu Swamp dam.

Photo credit: Eleanor Collins © Queensland Government

Walking

Map

• Blackbraes National Park map (PDF, 1.9MB)

Fire trails (Grade: N/A)

Details: There are no formal walking tracks in Blackbraes National Park. Visitors can walk along the unsealed (dirt) roads and fire trails throughout the national park. An early morning or late afternoon stroll around Emu Swamp is particularly rewarding. Walkers must not enter private land adjacent to the national park and resource reserves. Expect to share the roads with cyclists and other vehicles. Remember to follow the Parks and forests walk with care guidelines.

Cycling

Cycle through Blackbraes National Park on the internal unsealed (dirt) roads and fire breaks. Cyclist must not enter private land adjacent to the national park and resource reserves. Expect to share the roads with pedestrians and other vehicles. Remember to follow the Parks and forests cycle with care guidelines.

Viewing wildlife

Birdwatching at Emu Swamp is a popular activity with more than 30 waterbirds recorded from the park and reserves. At night, spotlight for greater gliders, rufous bettongs, bandicoots, insects, frogs and snakes. See the description of the national park's natural environment for more details about wildlife in Blackbraes National Park.

Spotlighting

If planning a spotlighting trip there are a few things that will make the experience memorable:

• Keep bulb wattage to 30 or less. This will increase the chance of finding animals (by not warning them of your arrival) and will extend your viewing time.
• Bring binoculars to get a good view.
• Use your senses to find wildlife. Look for eye shine, listen for leaves rustling and inhale the smells.
• Use a white light to explore, then add a red or orange filter to view wildlife. Cellophane is useful.
• Remember that loud voices and sounds will scare away the wildlife and ruin your experience.
• Lights should never be trained on nesting birds—this can cause them great distress.

Other things to do

Gem fossicking

Fossicking at Moonstone Hill Resources Reserve is popular with gem collectors and lapidary enthusiasts. Fossicking in the reserve requires a fossicking licence.

Camping is not permitted in the resources reserve. Camping is available adjacent to Moonstone Hill Resources Reserve in the national park at Moonstone camping area—book your camp site online.