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Byfield National Park
When you are in the mood for a little adventure, this Byfield National Park is one of the best places to visit.
It has everything from waterfalls and caves to views that will take your breath away.
It is also jam-packed with rainforests, rugged mountains, rolling sand dunes—you name it!
There will be plenty of opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you take a day trip to Byfield National Park or stay for a few days, you will lose yourself among Queensland’s luscious native foliage.
So grab some friends or family members and go explore Byfield National Park!
In this article we explore 5 Things to do in Byfield National Park.
Where is Byfield National Park Located
Map courtesy of the Qld Gov Parks and Forests website
Byfield National Park is located 70km North-East from Rockhampton and a 30min drive North of Yeppoon
To the North of the national park there is the Shoalwater Bay Training Area which is prohibited to enter. This area is used for live training by the Australian defence forces and other national military forces.
In the western section of the national park there is Byfield State Forest.
The National Park is 15,000 hectares in size and boasts several 4WD tracks and camping areas.
Places to Camp in Byfield National Park
Upper Stoney Creek
Located in the Byfield State Forest, the beautiful Upper Stony Recreational Area and camping facility surrounds a fresh water swimming hole.
It is located 11km from the sign off the Byfield Road. The road is gravel but can be accessed by normal vehicle.
Upper Stoney Creek caters for the day trippers with a picnic area that has a toilet and table and chairs, across from this there is the camping area that has 18 camp sites where there is also a toilet and some of the sites have fire pits.
Map: Upper Stony map (PDF, 159KB)
Water Park Creek
Water Park Creek camping area is an easy to access site that does not require a 4WD. The camp sites are set amongst pine trees and natural bushland.
They can accommodate trailers, caravan and small motorhomes.
Water Park Creek is located 4km from the turn-off sign on Byfield Road.
The camp sites have a grass and dirt base and the camping area has good amenities with flushing toilets, picnic tables, BBQ area and automated drinking water that needs to be treated prior to drinking.
Map: Water Park Creek camping area map (PDF, 199KB)
Red Rock
Red Rock camping area is an open camp site surrounded by Pine forest.
Red Rock camping area is located 1km from the turn off sign on Byfield Road.
The camp site is a 10 vehicle camp site and four walk-in tent camp site.
The sites are not numbered.
The camp sites are grass and dirt base and cater for vehicle-based camping, small caravans, camper trailers or small motorhomes (to the left of the access road) and walk-in tent camping (to the right of the access road).
Map: Red Rock map (PDF, 157KB)
Nine Mile Beach
Nine Mile Beach has 4 locations for camping, Myrtella, Melaleuca, Pandanus and Casuarina.
All sites are nestle in the foredunes with easy access to the beach. The beach offers swimming, fishing and walking.
They are located 32km past Water Park Creek to the east and 6km south of the beach access.
If your not an experienced 4WD'er, you will need to take your time and adjust your tire pressure to navigate Big Sandy. Off-road camper trailers can also access this area however, track and weather conditions need to be observed prior to going.
Nine Mile beach can also be accessed by boat.
The camp sites are grass and sand based. There are 4 defined areas however, the sites are not defined so there is a limit number of sites, but people per defined area.
Myrtella has a maximum of 24 people, Melaleuca has a maximum of 18 people, Pandanus has a maximum of 12 people and Casuarina has a maximum of 18 people.
Map: Nine Mile Beach—Myrtella map (PDF, 151KB)
Map: Nine Mile Beach—Melaleuca map (PDF, 231KB)
Map: Nine Mile Beach—Pandanus map (PDF, 135KB)
Map: Nine Mile Beach—Casuarina map (PDF, 131KB)
Five Rocks Camping Area
The Five Rocks camping area is a great spot for those looking to experience the Australian outback. It has access to beaches where you can explore rugged headlands or fish, swim and surf.
Five Rocks is located 28km east of Water Park Creek. The camping area can only be reached by 4WDs with high clearance. You'll need a vehicle that's been designed for rough terrain and off-road conditions, but it is accessible for off-road camper trailers —track or weather permitting.
The camp sites are sand, dirt and timber pallets. There are 12 sites with a maximum of 6 people per site.
There are cold showers, picnic tables, chemical toilet and water that needs to be treated prior to drinking.
Map: Five Rocks visitor map (PDF, 121KB)
Water Park Point Headland - Scouts camp
Water Park Point Headland is the at the southern tip Waterpark Point which is on the northern side of Corio Bay.
The camp site is only accessed by boat, walking, canoe and/or kayak.
There is only one site that caters for up to 15 people and it is tent camping only.
There are no amenities and the camp sites are sand based.
Open fires are prohibited and gas or fuel stoves are recommended.
Permits are required to stay at most of the camp sites and these can be purchased through the Parks and Forests Website and all information can be obtained there - https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/
Upper Stoney Creek
Things to do in Byfield National Park
Visit Nob Creek Pottery
Nob Creek Pottery is located just outside rural Byfield and offers a variety of handmade pottery pieces including hand basins, wood fired pots, pit fired pots, water carved pots, Anagana fired pots, dinner and cookware all located inside the gallery.
The gallery is surrounded by the tropical grounds of Nob Creek Pottery where you can see the kilns where the ceramic crafts are fired.
The owners master potter Steve and Sue still practise and use the ancient kiln known as the Anegana Kiln.
The Anagama kiln is a type of ancient pottery furnace from China, which was brought to Japan in the 5th century. It is similar to other climbing dragon-style fire pits found throughout South East Asia and Korea that have been copied by introducing breaking up chambers into them for better control over firing processes
This type of firing gives the the end products its unique finish which is often unexpected.
You will see a fern (Byfield Fern) that will feature in a few of their products. The Byfield Fern is unique to Byfield and is said not found in it's natural environment anywhere else in the world.
Walking around the gardens at the Pottery, you will be able to see them in their natural environment. It's always a treat when you find one.
Again making the pottery unique and must have when visiting the area.
Surf at Five Rocks
Five Rocks is located in the Byfield National park and you will need a 4WD to get there.
There is a challenging part of the drive called Big Sandy, but once your past that you will not look back.
Once your there you have Five Rocks Beach to the North and Nine Mile Beach to the South where you will be able to get a wave.
The water is clear and the surf can as good as any you find further south in the state, just not as regular.
Four Wheel Driving
Like I mentioned above, Byfield has some great 4WD'ing.
With Byfield National Park being over 15,000ha in size, there are many 4x4 driving tracks that snakes through the rugged mountains, both natural and pine plantation forestry and sandy beaches.
It is true 4x4 driving heaven with tracks to suite all levels.
Have lunch at the Byfield General Store
Byfield general store is the main store servicing the locals and tourists of Byfield.
Set back off the main road leading through Byfield, it offers a laid back dining experience amongst a tropical setting with friendly service.
With the tasty food, it offers a licenced bar serving cold drinks.
There are cold juices, ice creams, great coffee and boutique teas, house made cakes, and local art and clothing gallery.
Unleaded and diesel fuel is also available with basic groceries including meat and fruit and veg range.
They are located at 2234 Byfield Rd, Byfield