Byfield National Park

Notable Campgrounds

• Best for beach lovers: Five Rocks Camping Area has sand pitches for tents and camper trailers with direct access to Five Rocks Beach. Cold showers, composting toilets, and fire rings are provided.

• Best for riverside camping: Upper Stony camping area has well-shaded, open-plan campsites for tents and small motorhomes. It’s a short stroll to Stony Creek, where you can swim or kayak.

• Best for off-road adventurers: Pandanus camping area is located along Nine Mile Beach and only accessible by 4WD or boat. Pitch your tent right on the beach and bring everything you need, as there are no facilities.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

1. Camping permits are required for all the park’s campsites, and campsites must be reserved in advance. A tag with your booking number must be displayed on your tent, caravan, or motorhome at all times. 
2. Space is limited at some campsites, so book at least six weeks in advance, especially if visiting during Queensland holidays. 
3. Check access to campsites before booking—many campsites are reachable only by high-clearance 4WD.

When to Go

The best time to explore Byfield National Park is during the dry season (April through October), when the weather is cooler, and the dunes bloom with wildflowers. Heavy rainfall from November through March can limit access to some parts of the park, and the hot, humid weather means outdoor activities are best enjoyed in the morning. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to brave the heat, though—September through March is the best time to see migratory shorebirds.

Know Before You Go

• Byfield National Park is set an hour’s drive from Rockhampton. The park also encompasses the Byfield Conservation Park and the adjoining Byfield State Forest. Access to the Upper Stony, Red Rock, and Water Park Creek visitor areas in the Byfield State Forest section is possible by 2WD. For access to the Byfield National Park main section and Byfield Conservation Park, you’ll need a 4WD.

• Byfield National Park is remote with limited facilities and self-sufficient camping, so you must bring everything you need with you, including drinking water. The closest fuel stations and grocery stores are in Byfield, at the entrance to the park. 
• There is limited cell phone reception throughout the park—the most reliable spot is at Stockyard Point.
• Fire bans are common in Queensland during dry periods, so check local regulations before lighting your campfires. Open fires and generators are prohibited at some campsites, and where they are allowed, strict rules apply.
• The Water Park Creek, Upper Stony, Red Rock, and Five Rocks camping areas are accessible for wheelchairs, but assistance is required.