Visiting White Mountains safely

Getting there and getting around

Maps

• White Mountains National Park map (PDF, 97.7KB)
• National Parks on the North Queensland Overlanders Way map (PDF, 165.1KB)

White Mountains National Park is approximately 80km east of Hughenden and 140km west of Charters Towers on the Flinders Highway.

Burra Range lookout, located on the Flinders Highway, is accessible to 2WD vehicles.

Access to all other sites in the national park including Canns Camp Creek camping area is via unsealed (dirt) roads and suitable for 4WD vehicles only. From the Burra Range lookout travel approximately 5km west on the Flinders Highway to the Flinders Shire Council truck and rest stop. The signed entrance to the national park and access to Poison Valley Road (look for the Telstra tower) is located at the western end of the rest stop. Canns Camp Creek camping area is located 11km along Poison Valley Road.

During the wet season (usually November to April), and occasionally at other times, Poison Valley Road may be boggy and inaccessible.

Before your trip remember to:

• Check Queensland Traffic and the Flinders Shire Council and Charters Tower Regional Council for current road conditions.
• Check Park alerts for White Mountains National 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 tracks or facilities at White Mountains National Park.

Staying safe

Before you leave

• Plan for emergencies. Carry adequate food, drinking water, a first-aid equipment, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment in case of unexpected delays or breakdown.
• Pack 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.
• Leave an itinerary with a friend, relative or other reliable person. Include travel routes and/or check-in points.
• Check current weather warnings for Queensland. After heavy rain, water can flow down the numerous watercourses in the national park affecting access to many locations.
• Pack for hot and cold conditions (plus flies, midges and mozzies!). Outback Queensland can be very hot during the day, and very cold 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.
• Book your camp site. To camp in a national park, you must plan well ahead and obtain a camping permit and pay your camping fee before you arrive. Remember, mobile phone coverage is very limited in Outback Queensland national parks. Visit camping bookings and fees for detailed information.

While visiting

• Keep to designated vehicle tracks, and drive with caution as road conditions can change quickly. Watch out for animals, they can appear on roads at any time of day though are generally more active at dusk and dawn.
• Stay with your vehicle if it breaks down. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person.
• 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.
• Watch your step on escarpments. Edges can be unstable due to natural weathering, stay away from cliff edges and take care where you walk. Heed all safety advice and warnings.
• Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy enclosed footwear, not thongs.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for animals and insects that could scratch, sting or bite. Set up your camp well before dark.
• 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 in the national park.
• Beware of other road users—vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians use the access road in this national park.

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

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

To ensure an enjoyable visit bring:

• A first-aid kit, medical supplies and communication equipment.
• Enough potable drinking water for your stay.
• Reliable camping gear in good working order.
• A fuel stove or gas stove for cooking.
• A sealable container for rubbish—bins are not provided. Take your rubbish when you leave.

Opening hours

White Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day.

The park may be closed at times due to severe weather or management operations. Check park alerts for White Mountain National Park for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.

Permits and fees

Camping within 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 camp site.

• Book your campsite online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Other permits and fees

Various activities in Queensland parks and forests 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. See, Permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in White Mountains National Park.

Climate and weather

Days can be very hot between October and March, reaching an average temperature of 32–36°C. Hot summer days at times exceed 40°C. The best time to visit is in the cooler months, from April to September, when daily temperatures average a more pleasant 28°C. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and basic supplies are available 23km west at Torrens Creek and 27km east at Pentland. Hughenden (80km west) and Charters Towers (140km east) have a wider range of supplies. For more information see the tourism information links.