Visit Camooweal Caves National Park Qld
Sinkhole openings that dot the landscape of Camooweal Caves National Park are the only clues to the natural beauty of the elaborate cave systems that lie beneath the surface.
The 13,800 hectares of dry Barkly Tableland that makes up Camooweal Caves National Park reveal little of its true nature. Here, water percolates through 500 million year old layers of soluble dolomite creating extensive caverns linked by vertical shafts up to 75 metres deep. This cave system is unlike any other in Queensland and is still gradually enlarging as water continues to flow in from the surface and erode away the cave walls during the wet season. Following the summer rains the water table recedes deep into shafts leaving the caves dry and dusty for the remainder of the year. These caves contain very few of the usual limestone features commonly found in other cave systems. The dolomite soils found here are subject to extremes of temperature and sudden flooding making it difficult for stalagmites and stalactites to form.
Only people experienced in caving and who are appropriately equipped should consider exploring the caves. Please notify the police of your arrival and departure times at the caves for your own safety. Exploring the caves should only be considered in the dry season as they may fill with water in the wet.
Visit in the cooler, drier months in the middle of the year. Be prepared for cool nights. Summers are very hot and the caves may flood during the wet season.
Accessibility
The track to the caves is wheelchair-accessible.
Getting there
Camooweal Caves is 24km south of Camooweal. Take the Urandangi Road 8km south of Camooweal and turn left on the park boundary road. The camping area is 14km from the park entrance. Conventional access is possible with care in dry weather. Four-wheel-drive is recommended, especially in wet weather. The road becomes boggy for several days after rain. Check road conditions before travelling.
For more information regarding this park, and other Queensland National Parks and reserves go to Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.
If travelling to Queensland have a look at Queensland Holidays.
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