The Western Downs of Queensland, Australia, are renowned for their wide open spaces and their friendly country folk who welcome all tourists with open arms. The peaceful lifestyle here instantly rubs off on visitors, who kick back, relax and breathe in the fresh country air as if they had lived here their whole lives. The expansive country of the Western downs means a hire car is essential if one is to explore them to their full potential. With so much to do and see over their vast breadth, it can be tricky deciding where to go. One idea is to visit one or many of the National Parks in the region, which are host to an exciting combination of wildlife, impressive vegetation and beautiful scenery. They are perfect for anyone longing to escape from the humdrum of their busy lives and enjoy natures peaceful sanctity.
Carnarvon Gorge National Park is situated in the semi arid Queensland heart, and contrasts with its surrounds like a lush oasis in a desert. Located between the towns of Emerald and Roma on the Carnarvon highway, the beauty and accessibility of this park has made it the most popular destination in the region for campers and adventure seekers. Carnarvon Creek winds its ways in and amongst the large and small boulders that litter the floor of the gorge. The steep sandstone cliffs that form the gorge walls are topped with a grassy floor out of which rises tall forest trees. These woodlands are home to over 173 species of birds that swoop and dive into the gorge, feeding off the river that is their life source. Twenty one kilometres of walking tracks throughout the parks will help bring you into closer and more intimate contact with nature. They also provide the opportunity to witness the heritage of the area in the form of the Aborignal rock art to be found in Cathedral Cave, Baloon Cave and the Art Gallery. The ochre stencils and freehand paintings are a timeless testament to the indigenous history of the gorge. While in the park it is essential that you visit Mt. Moffat, the highest plateau in Queensland, and home to the most spectacular views in the park.
Another large park on the Downs that has a gorge as its primary feature is Expedition National Park, which is about 660 kilometres from Brisbane. The awe inspiring Robinson Gorge stretches for fourteen kilometres down its length. The gorge is flanked by 100 metre high sandstone cliffs that are populated with rainforest scrub and topped off with cabbage palms. A dry eucalypt forest covers the rest of the park, punctuated with bottlebrushes and wattles. This vegetation is home to an impressive array of birdlife, such as king parrots, rainbow lorikeets and golden whistlers. In the summer the colours of the birdlife and of the blooming wildflowers creates an enchanting kaleidoscopic effect. If you come to this park be sure to pay a visit to the permanent natural pool known affectionately as 'the cattle dip', whose cool waters are perfect for a refreshing dip. If you are feeling energetic take a walk up to Shepherds Peak, which overlooks the pool and has a nice view of the Carnarvon Ranges in the distance.
An easily accessible park is Crows Nest National Park, which lies just outside of the town of Crows Nest, near to the regional centre of Toowoomba. At the spectacular Crows Nest Falls the creek cascades down into a rocky granite gorge. Lots of wildlife inhabits the gorge, so you are likely to see swamp wallabies, echidnas, bandicoots and even the elusive platypus if you are fortunate. If you are in this park do not miss going to Koonin for an amazing view over the Valley of Diamonds. An abundance of the mineral felspar in the soil reflects the light, which makes the whole floor and walls of the valley sparkle in the sun. There is a large eucalypt forest which is where the camping grounds are located, so set up your camp and enjoy the birdlife flying in the trees around you. The facilities are adequate, with toilets, showers, barbeques and bins provided. Lying just six kilometres off the New England highway, it is not difficult to visit this park and the beautiful scenery will ensure you are well rewarded for your efforts.
If you drive north west on the Warrego highway from Brisbane for 515 kilometres you will reach Isla Gorge National Park. Many things about this park attract visitors year after year. An impressive panorama of sculpted sandstone is the first thing you see upon entry, and there are aboriginal rock engravings and stencils hidden amongst these rocky features. Gorge Creek, which goes on to join the Dawson River, is the lifeblood of the park. It supports many rare and threatened plants, as well as lots of wildlife such as whiptail wallabies, grey kangaroos and rock wallabies. In the spring the wildflowers bloom, bringing glorious colour to the semi arid lands.
A trip to the Western Downs and its national parks needs to be planned well. Long travel distances means a reliable car or campervan is essential, and in holiday seasons advance bookings of camping sites should be made. Make sure you don't forget your sense of adventure, and prepare yourself for a peaceful and rewarding time enjoying the Australian environment.
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Car Hire in Queensland.
