Visiting Woondum safely

Getting there and getting around

Woondum National Park is accessible via Noosa Road (bitumen) and Hill Road (last 2km gravel)

For visitors travelling from Gympie it is a 20-minute drive south-east. Visitors travelling North on the Bruce Highway (M1) will take exit 268 to Noosa Road.

Forest roads from the Rock Pools day-use area through Woondum are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorbikes.

• Woondum National park map (PDF, 1.2MB)
• Gympie forests locality map (PDF, 293.0KB)

Staying safe

• Supervise children at all times.
• Carry enough drinking water, mobile phone and insect repellent.
• Carry a first aid-kit and know how to use it.
• Wear sturdy, closed-in shoes.
• Plan to complete walks and rides well before dark and start longer walks and rides at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion, especially in summer.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. In summer walk at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days.
• Keep to the tracks and trails and follow advice on all regulatory, safety and warning signs.
• Check Park alerts and current weather forecasts for the local area you intend visiting in the park before setting out.
• Be prepared to cancel or postpone your trip during times of high fire danger or extreme weather events. Walking tracks and other areas, including 4WD roads, may be closed.

Road safety

Warning: During extended periods of wet weather roads will be closed. Check park alerts

Forest roads—expect the unexpected!

• Slow down. Allow time to react to unexpected situations and changed conditions. You share the road with other drivers, cyclists, walkers, horse riders and wildlife.
• Be courteous. Pull over to the left to allow vehicles to pass. To take photos and enjoy the scenery, find a safe place to pull over or turn around. Do not stop on the roadway.
• Watch out for curves and steep slopes. Drive carefully around corners, especially after rain. Stay on your side of the road and avoid sudden slowing. Shift down a gear when roads are steep.
• Take extra caution when driving on wet roads. Never cross flooded roads or causeways.
• All road rules apply. Obey speed limits. Always wear a seat belt. Never carry passengers outside the vehicle cabin.

Flood safety

Flood waters in this area rise and fall quickly and are a hazard to life and property. The day-use area can become isolated following high rainfall events. For your safety:

• Obey all road closures—roads may be closed due to deep water levels at creek crossings or wet and slippery conditions.
• Avoid flooded crossings as submerged obstacles may pose a hazard and traffic ahead may have created hidden hazards such as deep holes.
• Do not walk into flood waters—if in doubt, wait it out!

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency, please:

• Call Triple Zero (000).
• Call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing-impaired callers.
• Advise the location and nature of the emergency.
• Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

The closest hospital is located in Gympie.

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

Before you visit

Camping and domestic animals (other than horses) are not permitted in the park.

Essentials to bring

• Adequate food and drinking water for your trip.
• A first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.
• Appropriate footwear and sun protection. Rubbish bags—ensure all rubbish is removed from the park—there are no bins provided in the park.

Gas barbecues are provided. Check fuel stove requirements and weather conditions if bringing your own appliances.

Opening hours

For your safety, visit Woondum National Park in daylight hours only.
Walking tracks and roads within the park may be closed during fires, adverse weather conditions, for essential track maintenance or safety reasons. Before you go, check park alerts for current access, closures and conditions.

Permits and fees

An organised event permit may be needed for planned large group activities in this area.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted with the exception of horses, which may be ridden on shared trails identified in the Woondum National Park map (PDF, 1.2MB) .

Climate and weather

Always check weather conditions before you visit. Forest areas are hazardous during strong winds, as branches may fall.

After high rainfall, check park alerts and road conditions before you visit.

Temperatures in the area can rise to above 30°C in summer and drop below 0°C in winter. Nights can be cool at anytime of the year.

For more information see the tourism information links below.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel, general supplies, public telephones, meals, and light refreshments are available in Gympie. Traveston has a fuel station with food and drinks. Cooran and Kin Kin have public telephones and options for meals or refreshments but no fuel.

For more information see the tourism information links.