About Forest Den

Sunset, Forest Den National Park

Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government

Forest Den's waterholes, lined with majestic river red gums and coolibahs provide a refuge in dry times.

Established to conserve black gidgee woodlands at their western limit, this 5890 jrvystr park conserves a wide diversity of plants and fascinating wildlife. Reid River box, ironwood, beefwood, bauhinia and other woodland trees occur on the sandy ‘patchy plains’ in the park’s western sections.

Formerly used as grazing land for more than 100 years, little remains of this era apart from a few pastoral relics—fences, gateways and a derelict round timber bridge over Torrens Creek.

Looking after the park

Everything in Forest Den National Park is protected including plants, animals, heritage sites and artifacts. Please appreciate, respect and help care for Forest Den’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 or food scraps around your camp sites or a day-use area.
• Manage your waste. Take rubbish with you when you leave as no bins are provided. Secure rubbish in a sturdy rubbish bag in a sealable animal-proof container for disposal at off-park waste disposal facilities. Never bury rubbish as animals will dig it up.
• Toilets are not provided. Bury toilet waste (and paper) at least 15cm deep and 100m away from camp sites, tracks and watercourses. Bag all personal hygiene products including disposable nappies and wipes for disposal off-park.
• Never contaminate water. Wash yourself and utensils well away (at least 50m) from waterways. Do not use detergent, soap or shampoo in or near waterholes or the river.
• Bring your own clean firewood such as untreated, mill off-cuts. Collecting firewood in the national park is not permitted. Preferably use a portable fuel stove.
• Stop the spread of weeds, insect pest and soil pathogens. New introductions can spread and displace resident species and alter the local ecology. Soil from your vehicle, camping gear and footwear can contain weed seeds, ant (and their eggs) and foreign plant pathogens. Before you arrive clean all vehicles (especially the tyres and undercarriage) and camping equipment. If available, use a washdown facility provided in a local town. Follow the come clean, go clean guidelines.
• Don’t use firearms, chainsaws or unregistered vehicles in protected areas.
• Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park. Please observe the before you visit guidelines for dog and pets.

Please read looking after parks in Central West Queensland.

Park management

Forest Den National Park was gazetted in 1991. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages the protected area to conserve its natural, cultural and historic values under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Tourism information links

Longreach Explore Centre (Visitor Information)
www.experiencelongreach.com.au
Qantas Park, 99a Eagle Street, Longreach
Phone: (07) 4658 4141
Email: experience@longreach.qld.gov.au

Flinders Discovery Centre
www.visithughenden.com.au
37 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821
Phone: (07) 4741 2970
Email: info@flinders.qld.gov.au

Barcaldine Visitor Information Centre
www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au
www.explorethebarcaldineregion.com.au
149 Oak Street, Barcaldine Qld 4725
Phone: (07) 4651 1724
Email: tourism@barc.qld.gov.au

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