National Parks

a person hiking through the bush — Hiking in Carnarvon Gorge National Park, image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

Spend a few hours or spend a day

Whether you're looking for a day trip from Rockhampton or looking for a place to set up camp for a night, check out these great national parks in and around Rockhampton.

Mount Archer National Park

Visit Mount Archer National Park in Rockhampton to experience a treetop boardwalk, amphitheatre, walks and hiking trails and First Turkey's mountain bike trails.

Mount Etna National Park

Mount Etna National Park near Rockhampton is arguably one of the best kept secret's of the region. Find out more about what you can see and do at this national park.

Just a 25 minute drive south of Rockhampton, enjoy a popular local swimming hole. After good rain, the creeks and waterfalls become a welcoming refuge for wildlife. There are also many unformed walking tracks to wander through - take caution during wet weather.

Blackdown Tablelands

Blackdown Tableland National Park lies in central Queensland 183 km west of Rockhampton. Rising abruptly above the surrounding dry plains, Blackdown Tableland protects spectacular sandstone scenery with gorges and waterfalls.

Carnarvon Gorge

Within the ranges of Queensland's central highlands lies Carnarvon Gorge. Explore towering sandstone cliffs, waterholes, vibrantly coloured side gorges, diverse wildlife and Aboriginal rock art.

Byfield National Park

Just an hour's drive north east from the city, find yourself surrounded by stunning rainforest with clear, cold creeks and waterholes, coastal scenery, sand dunes and remote camping spots. Most picnic spots and walks are easily reached, but some areas are 4WD only.

Goodedulla National Park

Accessed by 4WD only, this remote park is 2.5hrs from Rockhampton and features picturesque meandering semi-permanent creeks within a hilly and mountainous landscape.