Safety for Queensland park and forest visitors during the Wet

Issued: 7 Feb 2019

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are urging people to stay out of flooded streams in national parks and State forests and be aware of changed conditions.

QPWS Acting Principal Ranger Sarah Jess said a number of parks and forests in the state’s north and west were closed or partially closed due to monsoonal rainfall and flooding.

"As of Wednesday afternoon, this includes Conway National Park near Airlie Beach, Alligator Creek in Bowling Green Bay National Park and Cape Pallarenda and Townsville Town Common conservation parks near Townsville, Josephine Falls creek in Wooroonooran National Park south of Cairns, Murray Falls section of Girramay National Park north-west of Cardwell, and all trails in the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park on the Atherton Tableland," Ms Jess said.

"Before heading to a park, I urge everyone to check park alerts, road conditions by calling 13 19 40, and weather conditions at the Bureau of Meterology.

"Remember these are wild places, so exercise caution especially during severe weather events. Obey directions from rangers, and observe signage.

"Aside from the swimming and driving hazards posed by floodwaters, keep in mind that crocodiles and venomous snakes move around in floodwaters.

"Also, remember that once waters recede, your favourite swimming spot will have hidden hazards, and boulders may have moved since the last time you swam there.

"Rangers will assess the damage to visitor sites once areas are safe to enter. QPWS is already aware of some damage to national park infrastructure around Townsville, Mossman and Daintree areas," she said.