Visiting Homevale safely
Getting there and getting around
Homevale National Park is 70km south-west of Mackay by road, near Nebo.
From Nebo: drive back towards Mackay along the Peak Downs Highway for 6km before turning left onto Nebo-Glenden Road. Follow this road for 11.2km and turn right into Turrawulla Road. From this intersection, drive about 23km, passing the Homevale-Mount Britton turnoff, to the signed right-hand turn into Moonlight Dam camping area. From this turnoff, it is 6km to the camping area. Roads within the national park are gravel vehicle tracks, a 4WD and high clearance vehicle is recommended.
It is also possible to reach Homevale from the north via Eungella National Park.
From Eungella township: follow the road sweeping left through Eungella National Park to Broken River. From Broken River most of the roads to Homevale are gravel, a 4WD and high clearance vehicle is recommended. From Broken River, follow Eungella Dam Road for 24.5km before turning left into Pipeline Road (also known as Lizzie Creek Road). Follow Pipeline Road for 17.3km and turn left into Turrawulla Road. From this intersection, it is 36.1km to the signed left-hand turn into Moonlight Dam camping area. From this turnoff, it is 6km to the camping area.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Homevale National Park.
Staying safe
Consider your fitness, ability and weather conditions carefully before setting out. Be well prepared and responsible for your own safety—even on a short stroll. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.
- Never walk alone—walk with family or friends.
- Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans, inform them. Plan to complete your walk well before dark.
- Keep to tracks to avoid getting lost.
- Carry extra food and drinking water in case your walk takes longer than expected.
- Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
- Wear boots or sturdy shoes for a comfortable walk.
- Dress for comfort, use insect repellent and protect yourself from sun and rain.
- 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 on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
We recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency + app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services. 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
- sufficient food and water
- first-aid kit—and know how to use it
- fuel stove and fuel—fires are not permitted
- sturdy footwear
- protective clothing
- insect repellent
- ground sheet
- strong rubbish bags—bins are not provided.
Opening hours
Homevale National Park is open all year around. The park may be closed at times during severe weather, high fire danger or for management activities.
Before visiting the national park, check park alerts for up-to-date information on access, closures and conditions in parks and forests. Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about local road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Find out more about camping in Homevale National Park.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other permits
Various activities in national parks require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events (weddings and parties), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and the sale of photographs or vision of the national park. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in Homevale National Park.
Climate and weather
The region's dry season occurs during winter (June to August), with average temperatures from 10°C to 20°C. Between October and March, high humidity, strong seasonal rainfall and average temperatures of 20°C to 30°C make walking less comfortable.
Much of the yearly rainfall falls between December and March with the driest months being generally August/September.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Mackay, Proserpine, Nebo and Eungella. For more information see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.