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General News

3 April, 2020

Local national parks closed for camping

The Queensland Government banned camping at all Queensland national parks to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

By Phil Brandel

Local national parks closed for camping - feature photo

With Queensland's schools out for the term, parents will now have to think of other ways of entertaining their children after the Queensland Government banned camping at all national parks to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In a statement issued by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) All camping areas in Queensland national parks, state forests and recreation areas are now closed. "Campers who are currently on site will be notified today to prepare to leave within the next 24 to 48 hours. In particular, rangers will be working with campers to ensure the camping grounds are vacated safely."

Four-wheel drive trails, mountain bike trails, walking tracks and trails (excluding overnight hiking tracks), and bush walks remain open.

People who have booked a camping permit up to, and including, 31 May 2020 will be contacted about refunds for their booking.

You can also cancel your booking or request a refund via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service (https://qpws.usedirect.com/qpws/). Those who have purchased a weekly 4WD permit linked to a camping permit will also be eligible for a full refund.

DES also posted online: "Bookings that commence after 31 May 2020 will remain valid at this time pending future advice. No new camping bookings are being accepted at this time. People who are visiting these areas and taking part in recreation activities in national parks and other areas should continue to follow the Queensland Health advice about not travelling outside of their local area and restrictions on the size of public gatherings. Social distancing should be practiced at all times."

Other closures include:

The visitor centre at the Lake Eacham nursery in Crater Lakes National Park

Barron Gorge boardwalk, Barron Gorge National Park

The Chillagoe Hub visitor centre and Ranger-guided cave tours at Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park have been closed until further notice.

Mossman Gorge section of Daintree National Park and The Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre.

Kearneys Falls walking track, Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park

DES has also closed a number of high use national parks, state forests and recreation areas completely to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus.

Most of these latter locations are in or around the south-east corner of the state.

To learn more about the closures, visit https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/

 

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