About Lochern

Lochern National Park's peaceful Thomson River.

Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government

Park features

With 20km of Thomson River frontage Lochern National Park protects 24,300ha of important diverse habitat. The parks’ grasslands contain all four species of Mitchell grass and the cracking clay soil supports gidgee and mulga woodlands and coolibah trees. Abundant waterholes along the river provide a refuge for birds and other wildlife.

People of Lochern also adapted to the cycles of wet and dry. First Nations people enjoyed the bounties on offer from the seasonal transformations of the land. Pastoralists built dams (known locally as ‘tanks’) with long wings and stone-pitched ends to catch extra rainwater and set the henhouse and motor room high and dry.

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

Looking after the park

Everything in Lochern National Park is protected including plants, animals, heritage sites and artifacts. Please appreciate, respect and help care for Lochern’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 wet wipes for disposal off-park. Empty chemical toilets at approved toilet waste disposal facilities in Longreach (see Tourism information links).
• 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 prohibited. Use the fire rings provided. Use a portable fuel stove (preferred).
• Stop the spread of weeds, insect pests 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, ants (and their eggs) and foreign plant pathogens. Before you arrive clean all vehicles (especially the tyres and undercarriage), all camping equipment and walking gear. 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.
• Practise responsible fishing. Check your bait and comply with size and bag limits, see Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
• 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

Each park in the Cooper Creek catchment has unique attributes. They are managed to conserve their natural condition and protect their cultural resources and values.

Tourism information links

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

The Longreach Explore Centre (Visitor Information)
www.experiencelongreach.com.au
99A Eagle Street, Longreach
ph (07) 4658 4141 or (07) 4658 4142
email experience@longreach.qld.gov.au

Jundah Visitor Information Centre
www.visitbarcoo.com.au
11 Dickson Street, Jundah
ph (07) 4658 6930
email jundahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

Stonehenge Visitor Information Centre
www.visitbarcoo.com.au
Stratford Street, Stonehenge
ph (07) 4651 8101
email stonehengeinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

Windorah Visitor Information Centre
7 Maryborough Street, Windorah
ph (07 4656 3063
email windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au

For information on road conditions see Queensland Traffic.
Phone 13 19 40 for 24-hour road reports.

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