Welford National Park, Mid West Travel Guide

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Explore the rugged beauty of Outback Queensland at Welford National Park: scenic drives, diverse wildlife, and tranquil camping under the stars.

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Welford National Park

Discover the rugged beauty of Welford National Park, a remote sanctuary in Outback Queensland where red sand dunes meet the lush Barcoo River. Explore diverse landscapes, spot unique wildlife, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Australian outback.

A brief summary to Welford National Park

Jundah Quilpie Rd, Jundah, Queensland, 4736, AU
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Welford National Park.

Visit during the cooler months (April to September) for pleasant temperatures, as summer can be extremely hot.
A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially for the Desert and Mulga Drives.
Bring plenty of water, food, and insect repellent, as facilities within the park are limited.
Check park alerts for current conditions and closures before your visit.
Camping permits are required and can be booked online.

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Explore Welford National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Welford National Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Welford National Park has both a northern and southern entrance. The northern entrance is accessible via Longreach or Jundah. From Jundah, travel approximately 60km south-east on the Jundah-Quilpie Road. The southern entrance is accessible via Blackall, Quilpie, or Windorah. From Windorah, travel 110km via the Diamantina Development Road, connecting with the Jundah-Quilpie Road. Turn off the Jundah-Quilpie road at the park's entrance, which is 50km south-west of Jundah. Note that access roads are mostly unsealed, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended. There are no fuel or supply facilities within the park, so ensure you are well-prepared. There are no entry fees for Welford National Park. Camping permits are required and fees apply. Book your campsite online before arrival.

Discover more about Welford National Park

Welford National Park, located in Central West Queensland, offers a captivating blend of arid landscapes and verdant waterways. Established in 1994, the park spans 124,000 hectares, protecting the biodiversity of the Mulga Lands, Mitchell Grass Downs, and Channel Country bioregions. Here, you'll witness a stunning contrast between wind-blown sand dunes, ghost gums, and the life-giving Barcoo River.The park's history is intertwined with the pastoral industry. It was once a grazing property, and remnants of this past can be seen along the Desert Drive, including old stock troughs and windmills. The Welford Homestead, a rare pisé (rammed earth) structure built in 1882, stands as a testament to the early settlers. While the homestead is not open to the public, it adds to the park's historical charm.Welford National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for yellow-footed rock-wallabies, mulga parrots, and a variety of other bird species. The park's diverse habitats provide refuge for species at or beyond the limits of their recognized range, including the emerald spotted tree frog and several skinks.Explore the park's beauty through its three scenic drives. The River Drive follows the Barcoo River, offering picturesque views and opportunities for birdwatching. The Desert Drive takes you through red sand dunes and spinifex plains, showcasing the quintessential Outback landscape. The Mulga Drive winds through stony escarpment country, where mulga communities thrive.Camping is available at the Little Boomerang Waterhole campground, located on the banks of the Barcoo River. This campground offers basic facilities, including a non-flushing toilet, so it's essential to be self-sufficient. Enjoy fishing, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water under the shade of the river red gums.