Dalrymple National Park Townsville

Visiting Dalrymple safely

    Getting there and getting around

    The national park is 45km north of Charters Towers. Access to the western side of the national park and Burdekin River camping area is via the Gregory Developmental Road (Lynd Highway). From the south, turn right onto the unsealed Leichhart Road at Fletcher Creek camping reserve and travel a further 3km to the national park entrance.

    All access roads into the national park are unsealed (dirt), a 4WD vehicle is recommended. After minor rainfall the access road to Burdekin River camping area becomes boggy and can be impassable.

    Before your trip remember to:

    Wheelchair accessibility

    Facilities at Fletcher Creek camping reserve (managed by Charters Towers Regional Council) are wheelchair-accessible.

    Staying safe

    • Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
    • Carry and drink plenty of water. Conditions can become very hot and dry.
    • Wear insect repellent, clothing and shoes for protection against stings, scratches and bites.
    • Be observant for snakes all year round—never provoke snakes and detour around them where possible.
    • Be careful around the water. Check the depth before entering and never jump or dive into the water. Be mindful of slippery rocks.
    • Never walk alone. Tell friends and family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them. Follow the walk with care guidelines.
    • Keep to designated vehicle tracks, and drive with caution as unsealed road conditions can change quickly.
    • Watch out for animals, they can appear at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
    • When cycling always wear the right safety gear and cycle with care.
    • Be aware of cyclist and pedestrians who also use the road. Drive and ride with care and to conditions.
    • Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.

    For more information, please read the guidelines in stay safe and visit with care.

    In an emergency

    For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

    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

    Essentials to bring

    • First-aid kit and reliable communications equipment.
    • Drinking water, sufficient for your stay.
    • Fuel or gas stove for cooking.
    • Sealable containers for rubbish—bins are not provided. Please take your recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
    • Sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
    • Camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife.

    Opening hours

    Dalrymple National Park is open 24 hours a day. The national park may be closed at times due to wet conditions, severe weather (generally November to March) or management operations. Check park alerts for Dalrymple National Park for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.

    Permits and fees

    Camping in the national park must be pre-booked. A camping permit is required and fees apply. A camping tag or your booking details must be displayed at your campsite.

    Other permits and fees

    Various activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. See Permits and fees for further information.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Dalrymple National Park.

    Climate and weather

    Days can be very hot from October to March, reaching an average 32-36 degrees Celsius. Hot summer days at times exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Wet periods occur during this time that can make access difficult to impossible. It's best to visit in the cooler months from April to September when daily temperatures average a more pleasant 28 degrees Celsius. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Charters Towers (45km). For more information see the tourism information links.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

    View all park alerts