Isla Gorge National Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
- NQIS (07) 3227 8185
- QPWS Taroom (07) 4627 3358
Introduction
Isla Gorge National Park, in Queensland’s Central Highlands, lies at the southern end of the Dawson Range and features rugged sandstone escarpments with cliffs rising 150 metres from the surrounding grassy plains. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to view the park’s spectacular gorges, outcrops and overhangs, as the sandstone catches the colour of the sun, turning brilliant shades of orange. Adorning the overhangs are Aboriginal rock engravings and ochre stencils, evidence of the Jiman tribe’s long occupation of the area. A legacy of European presence is an old hand-paved road at the western end of the park near Flagstaff Hill. Built in 1864, it was used to transport wool from the Roma district to the port of Rockhampton.Eucalypt forests, brigalow and softwood scrubs dominate the landscape but there are also ten endangered plants, including rare species of ironbark and mallee. In spring there are good wildflower displays on the plateau. Although the Herbert’s rock-wallaby lives in the park, you are more likely to spot a whiptail wallaby or grey kangaroo. Wedge-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons and little eagles like to ride the thermals above the gorges, while closer to the ground are numerous species of nectar-feeding honeyeaters. Isla Gorge Lookout walk (1.5 km return, 30 minutes, easy) offers great views, but stay well back from the unstable cliff edges as they may crumble. Experienced, well-equipped walkers can descend into the valley; make sure you carry water and inform someone before setting out. The picnic and camping area, which overlooks the gorge, is just over a kilometre from the highway turn-off.
Fact file
Camping
Isla Gorge; bush camping elsewhere; permit and fees apply
Location and access
56 km north of Taroom; 36 km south of Theodore via Leichhardt Hwy
Park Information
Size
7850 ha
Where to Stay
Taroom (07) 4628 6113
Campsites
Explore Australia’s National Parks
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