With all the talk about self-isolation and social distancing, I thought I might put together a few creative options for Central QLD locals that we can all keep in mind for when this drama is over.
Carnarvon Gorge
The closest petrol station is over an hour away and mobile coverage is pretty much non-existent. For some, it may as well be the end of the earth. Fortunately, that is the whole idea. If you’re feeling energetic, you have over 27 kilometres of graded tracks and side gorges to explore. If you like to relax, you can sit back in the shade of your camp to admire the view and observe an abundant variety of wildlife such as possums, platypus, kangaroos, echidnas & over 173 species of birds as they go about their everyday business.
That hammock has my name on it!
The tranquil oasis that is Ward’s Canyon
Pumpkin Island
If an oasis in the outback is not your kind of isolation, why not try a small tropical island that you can have all to yourself? Pumpkin Island, located approximately 14kms off the Capricorn Coast is one such place. You can book out the entire island, choose one of their 5 beautiful cabins or perhaps a secluded beach bungalow is more your style. Either way, on Pumpkin Island it is extremely easy to keep to yourself for a truly private and relaxing getaway on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
I think I could handle being this isolated :)
Sunset drinks on the deck
Blackdown Tableland National Park
A massive sandstone plateau that rises abruptly out of the flat plains surrounding it….sounds like the ideal location to setup a fortress of solitude! Blackdown Tableland boasts rugged cliffs, deep gorges and plunging waterfalls complete with pristine swimming holes at the base of the falls. The National Park has a multitude of hiking trails and 4WD tracks to keep you busy and a central campground to head back to at the end of an adventure filled day. Camping fees apply so be sure to book your site with Queensland Parks and Wildlife before heading out there.
Time to cool off…
Epic sandstone cliffs
Lara Wetlands
Lara Wetlands is 28kms south of Barcaldine just off the Landsborough Highway. It is a fantastic location to relax where you can fill up your days with kayaking, bird watching, long naps and taking a dip in the thermal controlled artesian mineral hot pool. The wetlands are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, so a long lens for photography is a must. There are camping sites for rigs of all sizes with toilets and hot showers available. There is also access to drinkable artesian water, however the camp sites do not have power. Bring your caravan/camper/motorhome with a good book and I guarantee the outside world will become a distant memory.
Plenty of sites around the lagoon to choose from
Don’t forget your binoculars or a long camera lens
