Hikes and nature walks in Central Queensland
Central Queensland Walks
The Tropic of Capricorn straddles this part of the state and its attractions are many and varied. There are two main commercial centres - Gladstone and Rockhampton.
Just 7.5 kilometres south of Agnes Water, the pristine Deepwater National Park is bordered by the coastline's beaches and headlands on one side, then stretches inland through palm forests and deepwater lagoons. It offers a rewarding site for bird watching and from January to April turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests. Walking along the beach or road gives you a chance to look closely at Deepwater's plants and animals and to absorb its peaceful atmosphere. For experienced bushwalkers, a walk from the beach west to the creek system is very interesting but the dense heath vegetation can be difficult to cross.
Birdwatching can be enjoyed by anyone, but it is especially good if you walk around to different types of heath and forest to see the range of habitats the park has to offer. Emus strolling across the plains, red-tailed black cockatoos screeching through the trees, honeyeaters feeding in golden banksia flowers, brahminy kites soaring above the beaches and waterbirds among the swamps are common sites at Deepwater.
Approximately 9 kilometres north-east of Rockhampton's city centre is the Mount Archer National Park. Explore Mount Archer's summit on two short walks within Fraser Park, starting from the picnic area.
The region features large parts of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt, including the outstanding Blackdown and Kroombit National Parks. The most renowned National Park in the sandstone belt is Carnarvon.
This park is so popular with visitors from around Australia and overseas and with one visit, it is easy to see why. There are 21 kilometres of walking tracks and an environmental wonder awaits around every bend. The towering white sandstone cliffs soar from the floor of the canyons with some reaching more than 200 metres high. The cool walks under tree palms are a real delight and the Aboriginal rock art sites date back more than 20 000 years.
