About Combo Waterhole

Park features

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park gets its name from the most famous of the many waterholes found within this 49ha park. Did the jolly swagman camp by Combo Waterhole? We will probably never know, but the waterholes of this 49ha park offer a refuge for wildlife in dry times, just as they provided shady picnic spots in 1895 for stagecoach passengers and the residents of neighbouring Dagworth Station.

The Koa people were the first to follow the Diamantina River—a web of life that traverses the land in braided channels—pioneering paths of trade and travel. Explorers followed, then settlers brought sheep and cattle and established a stock route. Cobb and Co. teams trotted close behind. Today visitors can explore the historic stone-pitched overshots (crossings) and the most readily accessible Mitchell grass downs in the area.

Read more about the nature, culture and history of Central West Queensland parks.

Looking after the park

Everything in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is protected, including plants, animals, heritage sites and artefacts. Please appreciate, respect and help care for Combo Waterhole’s outstanding natural and cultural values by leaving things as you find them, and encouraging others to do the same by following these guidelines.

• Leave everything as you find it. Avoid disturbing animals and plants, cultural artefacts and historical sites.
• Keep food away from wildlife. Accidental or intentional feeding upsets the balance of nature and can make animals sick and/or aggressive. Never leave food scraps in the day-use area.
• Manage your waste. Take your rubbish with you when you leave as no bins are provided. Secure rubbish in sturdy rubbish bag in a sealable container. Never bury rubbish as animals will dig it up. Dispose your rubbish at off-park waste disposal facilities.
• Use toilets where provided. Where toilets are not available—bury toilet waste (and paper) at least 15cm deep and 100m away camp sites, tracks and watercourses. Bag all personal hygiene products including disposable nappies and wet wipes for disposal off-park. Never pour portable toilet waste into parks’ toilets, our toilets cannot cope with the waste or chemicals. Empty chemical toilets at approved toilet waste disposal facilities in Winton or Kynuna (see Tourism information links).
• Never contaminate water. Wash yourself and utensils well away and at least 50m from waterways. Do not use detergent, soap or shampoo in or near waterholes.
• Stop the spread of weeds, pest insects and soil pathogens. New introductions can spread and displace resident species and alter the local ecology. Soil from your vehicle and footwear can contain weed seeds and foreign plant pathogens. Before you arrive clean all vehicles (especially the tyres and undercarriage) and walking gear.
• Domestic animals are not permitted in the conservation park. Please observe the before you visit guidelines for dog and pets.

Please read looking after Central West Queensland parks.

Park management

Each park in Central West Queensland has unique attributes. Combo Waterhole is managed to conserve the natural condition and protect the cultural resources and values of the park.

Tourism information links

Waltzing Matilda Centre (contact for Dinosaur Trackways)
www.matildacentre.com.au or
www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au
50 Elderslie Street, Winton
ph (07) 4657 1466 or 1300 665 115
email waltzing@matildacentre.com.au

Longreach Regional Council
www.longreach.qld.gov.au
www.experiencelongreach.com.au
96 Eagle Street, Longreach
ph (07) 4658 4111
email assist@longreach.qld.gov.au
email council@longreach.qld.gov.au

For information on road conditions contact:

Queensland Transport
Phone 13 19 40 for 24-hour road reports.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.