Mundubbera - National Parks

Auburn River National Park

Auburn River National Park is a short 40km drive southwest of Mundubbera.

The Auburn River flows through this National Park over huge salmon coloured boulders through a steep-sided gorge.

The park protects a western hardwood forest, now uncommon in the area, and provides habitat for many plants and animals.

Peregrine falcons nest in the cliffs and brush tailed rock wallabies and red necked wallabies inhabit the scrubby gullies near the camping area. The forest and waterholes are also good spots for bird watching so don’t forget your binoculars.

In the spring the wildflowers are in full bloom and the river is teeming with interesting aquatic wildlife.

The Riverbed and Rockpools are an exciting part of the National Park to explore. Take care when walking on wet rock surfaces, as they can be slippery. Supervise children closely. For those adventurous, explore the Riverbed and Rockpools and see if you can find the 'dinosaur eggs'. Locals have nicknamed the large granite boulders 'dinosaur eggs' due to their smooth and rounded appearance after being carved by water over a long period of time. 

Getting here

Travel 13km south along the Mundubbera/Durong Road. Turn onto Hawkwood Road after crossing the Boyne River. Travel for about 20km until you reach the Auburn River National Park turn-off. From the turn-off, drive a further 7km to the park along a rough unsealed road. Four-wheel-drive is recommended in wet weather. Stay on the road, as soils are treacherous when wet.

Walking: There are no graded walking tracks in Auburn River National Park, only rough footpads. Walks begin from the picnic and camping area. If you intend to bushwalk away from the trails, obtain a topographic map from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office in Mundubbera and ask for advice before setting off.

Facilities

A basic camping area, picnic tables, electric barbecue and toilet facilities are provided on the northern bank of the Auburn River in a picturesque bush setting. 

Camping

Camping permits are required and fees apply. 

To make a booking see: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_bookings.html

Please note that phone and internet coverage is unreliable in the park, please make bookings prior to arrival at the park.

Walking Tracks

There are several walking tracks starting from the picnic/camping area ranging from 600m to over 3km with different degrees of difficulty. 

Gorge Lookout Walk
Distance: 600m return. Allow 15mins.
The short track leaves from the end of the car park and continues to impressive views across the Auburn River gorge. Views of the river and its distinctive boulders are ready to be captured on camera. The 'Giant's Chair' can be seen from the lookout; so too is a peregrine falcon's nest—easily detected because of the telltale signs of 'white-wash' marks on the cliff face below a collection of sticks and debris which make up the nest. Unfenced lookout: Stay well back from the edge and supervise children at all times.

Riverbed and Rock Pools Walk Distance 
1.5km return. Allow 1hr.

This is a strenuous walk and should only be attempted by fit walkers. This rough track winds down the side of the gorge to the river, travelling through dry rainforest, eucalypt forest and creek vegetation. The swollen trunks of bottle trees are a forest feature.

Before exploring the river: take time to observe the immediate area to ensure you will be able to find the trail on your return.

Gorge Top Walk Distance 
3.2km return. Allow 1hr 30mins.
The track follows the river on a gentle walk through open eucalypt forest along the top of the gorge. At the lookout there are spectacular views down the river, which flows over a series of cascades to the Auburn River Falls—best viewed after heavy rain.

 

For walking track information, maps and park alerts please check: Auburn River National Park

 

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