There’s not many places in our vast country that can claim a National Park, State Forest and a Conservation area with the same locality name – but Byfield in Central Queensland can.
Located on the Capricorn Coast, Byfield is about an hour’s drive north of Rockhampton. It is claimed to be the start of the largest undeveloped area on the central Queensland coast, and with its massive amount of plantation pine forests, rugged mountains and large acres of low growing healthlands covering countless sand dunes, it's not hard to see why.
Getting to Byfield is as easy as heading north along the Byfield tar road from Yeppoon.
A recommended option before you head into the State Forest or National Park is to drop in to Byfield store for last minute supplies, a wonderful coffee or some local knowledge for any current warnings, as they generally have their finger on the pulse.
Byfield State Forest covers an estimated 25,000 hectares with a diverse range of pine plantation which is logged commercially, has large areas of Wallum swamplands alongside pockets of stunning rainforest areas. The great thing about this area are the activities available for the tourists and locals.
Camping is permitted at several places that include Upper Stony on the banks of Stony Creek, where a dip in the famous swimming hole is a welcome relief when the days are hot. Across at Red Rock Campground, the camping areas are huge with large grassy sites, where plenty of tall trees offer shade and dogs are allowed if kept on their lead. Water Park Creek is another great camping spot where you can swim, explore surrounding areas on the walking trails and even have a quiet fish.
With the abundant water beside the camp, kingfishers, doves and other birds often call this haven home.
All these spots are camper trailer friendly, fires are allowed in the designated areas, and toilets are available. The Byfield State Forest is used for other recreational activities like bushwalking, off-roading, fishing and mountain bike riding. A little fact for this area is that the ultra rare, local Byfield fern can be found here - so keep an eye out!
Byfield National Park is next level exploring where you need to be self-sufficient and 4wd-aware and savvy. Listen to local warnings and be aware this really isn’t camper trailer or caravan-friendly.
As you head along the dirt tracks eastward towards the coast there are pockets of ancient Cycads, the colourful Byfield Grevillea, tall gums and the pesky lantana making its presence felt. The road in is often compared to tracks like at Cape York; narrow and rough with several deep creek crossings before you hit the sand.
Designated areas recommend you lower tyre pressures because the sand is extremely soft and with around 60km of trails within the Byfield northern end, this reduces damage to the trails, gives you better traction and also allows for better control of your vehicle.
It’s an amazing journey as you hit the sand tracks. The sand is stark white to the point you need to wear sunnies, often there are dingo prints in the sand along the road, and the views as you crest the hills are simply stunning.
As you get closer to the coast, Big Sandy appears before you. This massive sand dune has to be attempted with respect. It’s a long 1km uphill run in your 4wd and if you have the wrong tyre pressure you’ll need to reverse back down and start again. This is the last major obstacle before hitting Nine Mile Beach and your designated campsite, which must be pre-booked online before you arrive.
Nine Mile Beach is just that. Nine miles of unbelievable beach driving. Just a caution though: there are four metre tides up here so you need to know what the water is doing at any time. One way in and way way out.
There are four campsites along the beach that you can reach via 4WD;
- Myrtella Camping Area
- Casuarina Camping Ground
- Melaleuca - Multi-use Campsite
- Pandanus Multi-Use Campsite
Some have views down to the open water, some have dune walks and at others you can watch the sun set behind you over the mountains. There are no toilets and no fresh water available, so you need to be totally self-sufficient and adhere to the rules of the park. Bookings are required.
For the adventurous, a great test of your driving skills is to head the very northern end to Five Rocks Beach. Getting here is as easy as heading back off the beach, down Big Sandy and then following the signs to Five Rocks.
A little surprise here are the fishing shacks that a few lucky locals have for their own little getaways. Don’t expect to find shops or fuel in here – often you won’t even see a local but they may see you. The track down onto Five Rocks Beach is aptly named the Death Valley Track. It’s extremely narrow, the trees touch the roof and the sides of your 4wd and it can be very soft. But once you get down to the beach it is simply stunning, with views to Five Rocks (yes there really are five rocks ) and north up the coast.
Queensland’s NPWS go to great lengths in this area with weed control, 4wd timber ramps on significant fragile areas and intersection numbers on tracks that criss-cross each other. Working with the local Darumbal people they maintain the park to high standards. There are a host of walking trails for those who like a sense of adventure - just open up CamperMate and find a walking trail/hike near you.
But this park doesn't come without its handful of dangers. Being in the Central Queensland region, be wary of signs that highlight dangers. These may include, dingoes, bullrouts, weather conditions, tides and current sand drifts. Any current warnings can be found online at www.npsr.qld.gov.au, Byfield store or by speaking to a ranger in the area.
This is one destination that you’ll want to go back for more, as one trip is never enough.
