Visiting Combo Waterhole safely

Getting there and getting around

• Parks of the Diamantina Catchment - park maps (PDF, 356.8KB)

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is part of the Diamantina catchment area. To help you plan your outback journey, download the Central West Queensland National Parks visitor guide (PDF, 4.8MB) .

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is just south of Kynuna and 132km north-west of Winton. Turn south off the Landsborough Highway 13km south of Kynuna and follow the short 8km drive into the park. You can access the park with a 2WD vehicle. Vehicles are not permitted beyond the car park as this will further damage the stone-pitching. Follow the self-guided walking track to Combo Waterhole on foot, discovering the story of Waltzing Matilda.

Even small amounts of rain can make roads impassable so always be prepared and have at least 2 weeks’ worth of extra supplies in case of stranding. Remember to:

• check with Queensland Transport or local council offices for current road conditions before your trip
• check Park alerts for Combo Waterhole Conservation Park for the latest information on access, closures and conditions
• Check Bureau of Meteorology for current weather and warnings.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.

Staying safe

Before you leave

• Thoroughly check the condition of your vehicle and pack vehicle spares, recovery and repair equipment. Include 2 spare tyres, engine coolant and oil. Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
• Choose your destination wisely! Make sure you are familiar with your equipment, vehicle and someone in your group has experience with remote area travel and inland Australian conditions. For more remote parks, ensure one person has sound mechanical knowledge of your vehicle.
• Expect rough, slow, dusty and/or boggy roads, far from help if something should go wrong. Check local road and weather conditions and extended weather forecasts for the locations you intend to visit.
• Plan to fuel up regularly. Calculate driving times and distances accurately and plan your refuelling points. Driving time on an unsealed road is much longer than on a bitumen road! Frequent low gear and 4WD travel will use more fuel too. Remember, national park bases and local properties are not service stations.
• Leave an itinerary with a friend or relative. Include travel routes and/or check-in points.
• Plan for emergencies. Pack reliable communication equipment, extra supplies and a list of local UHF radio channels and emergency contacts.
• Check current weather warning for Queensland. Flood waters can flow down watercourses from hundreds of miles away, even if the has been no local rain.
• Pack for hot and cold conditions (plus flies and midges!). Outback Queensland can be very hot during the day, and very cold (to below freezing point) overnight. Check with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology for more information on average temperatures.
• Seek local advice. Contact relevant tourist information centres to help plan your trip.

While visiting

• Keep to designated roads and tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly—particularly after rain. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
• Always stay with your vehicle if it breaks down and wait for help to arrive. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
• Always carry drinking water, whether driving or walking. Boil, filter or treat water from streams, rivers or waterholes before drinking.
• Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
• Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). You could also scan UHF channels for local radio traffic.

Mobile phone coverage is poor or not available in most areas of the park. Consider taking a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB) or another form of communication.

We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.

Before you visit

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is close to Kynuna, but you must be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

Essentials to bring

Although not as remote as other Central West Queensland parks, unexpected rain and flooding can cut road access. We strongly suggest you take the following:

• Sufficient water, food and emergency supplies. Carry at least 7 litres of water per person per day and enough emergency food and water for at least 2 weeks in case of stranding.
• Sturdy rubbish bags and sealable animal-proof containers.
• A portable stove. Fires are not permitted in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.
• Complete first-aid kit and medical supplies. Include sun and insect protection in your kit.
• Communication equipment and a list of emergency contacts.  A UHF, satellite phone and/or a personal locator beacon (PLB).
• Extra fuel, vehicle repair equipment and spares. Frequent low gear and four-wheel-drive travel will use fuel more quickly on park drives. You should also bring extra spare tyres, oil and engine coolant and vehicle recovery gear.

Opening hours

Combo Waterhole Conservation Park is open all year round, however wet weather may cause temporary closures. Check park alerts for Combo Waterhole Conservation Park for information on park conditions, access and closures.

Permits and fees

Various activities in national parks require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events (for example weddings or birthday parties), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. Contact us for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Combo Waterhole Conservation Park.

Climate and weather

Visiting is recommended from April to September as summer temperatures reach over 40°C during the day, and summer rains often cause flooding. Rain can fall at any time of year and flooding can occur up to two weeks after rain has fallen elsewhere in the catchment, resulting in unexpected creek rises and road closures.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meterology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest fuel and supplies are at Kynuna (13km) or Winton (132km).