Byfield National Park is often overlooked by 4wders and travellers when passing through Central Queensland.
This hidden portion of coastline offers a combination of panoramic views, exceptional fishing, spectacular beach/bush camping and great coastal 4wding fun. Byfield National Park is a great little playground for families and 4wd adventurers alike
Some destinations are known for having either superb camping, while others are known to excel in 4wding action. With this National Park you get to experience the best of both worlds plus the added bonus of the beaches all to yourself mid-week. There is even a hidden beach which can only be accessed by foot.
The best part for us may just be waking up, popping our head out of the swag on a Nine Mile Beach campsite and enjoying the completely uninterrupted water front views
HIGHLIGHTS
Sand 4wding challenges to match the best along the East Coast
Stockyard Point Lookout (watch for whales June – September)
Exceptional Fishing from Five Rocks and surrounding beaches
Massive array of wildlife to be seen
A mix of superb bush & beach camping
After Water Park Creek the road immediately turns to dirt and the real fun begins. You know you are in the depths of Byfield National Park when the tracks become thick with sand. To get as far as Five Rocks Camping area, Nine Mile Beach and Stockyard Point Township you must first overcome Big Sandy (also known as heartbreak hill to the locals). This is essentially a large sand dune. If there’s been dry weather for some time, this dune will certainly challenge your skill, however of course some recent rainfall will help you out.
Lower your tyre pressures when directed by the signs and listen out for others who may be descending the sand dune. Have fun with this one!
ACTIVITIES
Adventure to Orange Bowl & Queen Mary sand blows
Duck behind the fore-dunes and into areas where you will receive panoramic views of the National Park and Hinterland. Always be Dingo safe!
Fishing, Horse-Riding, Hiking, 4wding
CAMPING
Upper Stony Creek (Byfield State Forest)
Large open-plan camp sites sit beneath pine trees and natural bush land. Sites run adjacent to Stony Creek which leads to a perfect opportunity for swimming in the milky-blue cold water. Access for conventional vehicles down the rugged dirt road allows you to also bring along your camper trailer or caravan. Take the family for a walk along the creek and choose your own private swimming hole.
>> 11km along the rough gravel road turn-off signed on Byfield Road.
Red Rock (Byfield State Forest)
Large open grassy sites in amidst pine forest plantations. You can enjoy a nice walk down to the fresh water creek or simply relax and listen to the bird life. There are no shower facilities at this campground however you will be in comfort with flushing toilets. All campsites are equipped with fire-rings and tables
>> 1km down the turn off opposite to the Byfield Forestry Office
Water Park Creek Camping area (Byfield State Forest)
Situated at the entrance to Byfield National Park this campground allows plenty of space for families to camp and explore. There are defined campsites with fire rings. BBQ areas & toilets also available. If you wish to day trip out to the coast and want to leave your camper trailer or caravans behind this is the perfect spot!
Five Rocks Camping area
Nestled amongst coastal woodland, are a selection of defined sites. Amenities include cold showers, composting toilets, picnic tables and water (must be treated before drinking)
In selected sites there are fire rings, with fires only allowed in these (except when fire bans apply). It has been suggested to bring your own clean, milled timber (this is available at the Byfield General Store).
Access to the beach from the campgrounds is behind the northern Amenities. This walk leads you into Wetlands or down to your own private beach. You may be surprised to find a natural freshwater shower on your walk down
>> 28km east of Water Park Creek, just north of Stockyard Point township
Nine Mile Beach Camping
There are four camping spaces allocated along Nine Mile Beach - Myrtella, Melaleuca, Pandanus and Casuarina
Each with their own unique scenery. All are set back from the beach behind foredunes, surrounded by paperbark trees.
>> 2km east of Water Park Creek and approximately 6km south of Nine Mile Access Track.
No fire rings are provided at these sites however enclosed fires are allowed (except when fire bans apply)
ESSENTIAL GEAR
As always be prepared – we always travel with at least a weeks’ worth of food and water
Insect repellent to guard against mosquitos, midges, sand flies and ticks.
Tyre gauge and compressor (if available) otherwise you can inflate at the Byfield General Store as you’re heading home
Fishing tackle and bait (worms can be purchased from a local living in Stockyard Point Township)
BYO Milled firewood (can be purchased from Byfield General Store)
Recovery gear & shovel
A well-stocked first-aid kit suitable for remote and marine situations including a snake bite kit
Sufficient drinking water as there is no options for treated drinking water once entering the National Park
A set of Maxtrax could also come in handy
ESSENTIAL SAND DRIVING TIPS!
Maintain a constant momentum
Choose the right tyre pressures
Avoid jerked steering
Pick the right gear
Stay within existing wheel tracks
If you do become bogged, shovel excess sand from behind or in-front of wheels then use a rocking back and forth motion to get momentum
GENERAL INFORMATION
Phone coverage is unreliable no matter the network – best reception is found on Nine Mile Beach or Stockyard Point Lookout if you are in luck
We have camped through all of the seasons at Byfield National Park and found the most pleasant was late Autumn and Winter. Being a unique subtropical climate, this area can be humid and hot at times.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the Capricorn Coast/Yeppoon turn off in North Rockhampton, drive for 26kms and turn left onto Neil’s Road. Follow the signs to Byfield from the intersection at the end of this road.
>> Approx 42.5kms from Neil’s road turn off to Water Park Creek Camping & Day use area (start of Byfield National Park)
From the Yeppoon Main Beach turn onto Farnborough Road and follow for 38.3 kms (making sure to take the Water Park creek turn off)
RESTRICTIONS + PERMITS
All camping permits must be purchased prior to your stay. These can be purchased via https://www.National Parksr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_bookings.html
Camping permits must be displayed at camp
Please take notice of restricted access signs to certain beaches and pine forests
Please be aware - heavy rain can bring about closures at the Water Park Creek Weir and logging in the area may also cause closures – check with the local National Parks office.
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