What's special?
In central western Queensland, Idalia National Park protects extensive mulga woodlands, the headwaters of the Bulloo River, and tributaries of the Barcoo River system. The broad, sandy, river red gum-fringed watercourses are usually dry, except following rain.Mulga covers most of the park. Mountain yapunyah, Dawson gum and lancewood occasionally grow in the low bendee woodlands on the escarpments and steep slopes. Open woodlands of poplar box and silver-leaved ironbark grow on sandy flats beside the Bulloo River. Brigalow, boree and gidgee also grow in the park. Fifteen native fuschia species occur in the park.
Yellow-footed rock-wallabies live in Idalia’s high rocky escarpments. This rock-wallaby is threatened with extinction. A colony of bridled nailtail wallabies was re-introduced to the park as part of the recovery program for this endangered wallaby.
Exploring Idalia
There is plenty to do and see in this remote park. Go birdwatching. You might see mulga parrots, eastern yellow robins or common bronzewing pigeons. Look for wallaroos, red kangaroos, grey kangaroos or the occasional koala. See the rock-wallabies at Emmet Pocket lookout or along Bullock Gorge walking track.Go spotlighting at night around the visitor centre and you might see the endangered bridled nailtail wallaby.
Explore Old Idalia, the site of an old musterer’s hut and stockyards. Walk to a nearby wave-shaped cliff overhang for views over the park and stunning sunsets.
Explore the park and learn about the vegetation along a signposted self-guided drive from the information centre to the campground.
Drive 4·3km from Monk’s Tank to Rainbow Gorge, colourful sandstone rock formations in the headwaters of a creek. Visit Murphy’s Rockhole, a 8·9km drive north of Monk’s Tank. This shady gorge is a watering point for wildlife.
Enjoy panoramic views over the northern end of the park from Emmet Pocket lookout, 12km from Monk’s Tank.
Camp at Monk’s Tank, 14km from the park office. (Hot showers and toilets are provided there.) Visitors must be self-sufficient. Take water and a fuel stove and extra supplies of food, fuel and water. (One fireplace is available.) Visit during the cooler months, April to September.