Cania Gorge National Park

Cania Gorge National Park conserves a spectacular landscape of prominent sandstone cliffs, caves, eucalypt forest and dry rainforest on sheltered slopes. While side gullies and creeks provide moist, cool conditions for ferns and mosses, above 70m cliffs is a dry, rugged expanse of open woodland typical of central Queensland's extensive sandstone belt. The park's 3000 hectares also provide an important habitat for wildlife. Access: Cania Gorge National Park can be reached via a bitumen road that branches off the Burnett Highway 12km north of Monto (or 77km south of Biloela) and passes through the small settlement of Moonford. Facilities: Petrol and general supplies are available in Monto. Picnic facilities including sheltered tables, tank water and toilets are provided in the park's southern section. Sun Water manages a picturesque recreation and picnic area on the shore of Lake Cania, 11km north of the national park picnic area. Accommodation: Camping is not permitted in the national park. A private caravan and camping park is located in the Gorge 7km past the national park picnic area. Tel: (07) 4167 8188. Hotel, motel and caravan accommodation is available in Monto. Walking Tracks: Dripping Rock 2.2km return Starting at the southern end of the picnic area, the track crosses Three moon Creek then passes through open eucalypt forest. After the turnoff to Dragon and Bloodwood Caves, the surrounding vegetation is vine forest where the quiet observer may glimpse a brush-turkey on the forest floor. A boardwalk is provided for easy access and to protect fragile vegetation at the base of Dripping Rock. Cool water seeping from this sandstone rock creates a haven for ferns and mosses. Piccabeen palms and tree ferns thrive in the moist environment in the valley below. The track continues a further 500m to The Overhang, passing weathered caves of vivid yellow and earthy red ochres. The Overhang is part of the sandstone cliff with a large protruding section eroded at its base by trickling water. Bloodwood Cave 2.6km return Follow the Dripping Rock track for the first 400m before branching right. An abrupt transition form open forest to dense vine forest occurs across Russell Gully before a moderately graded track leads to the cliff face. The silver elkhorn Platycerium veitchii grows profusely on this cliff. The southern branch along the base of the cliff leads to Bloodwood Cave. At the rear left-handed side of the cave are the roots of a bloodwood tree. Two Storey Cave circuit 1.3km This easy scenic walk starts opposite the picnic area. Starting the left, the circuit meanders upwards around isolated sandstone monoliths before switching back through a natural sandstone arch. A 20m sidetrack takes you into King Orchid Crevice, a spectacular parting of the cliff creating an ideal haven for the king orchid Dendrobium speciosum and the sliver elkhorn. In the top section of Two Storey Cave you may encounter the common bent-wing bat Miniopterus schreibersii. Please do not disturb the bats. Fern Tree Pool 5km return This walk begins from a carpark 900m south of Cania picnic area. It follows an easy grade along Doctors Gully through open eucalypt forest then vine forest, crossing the gully several times before reaching Fern Tree Pool. Please carry water on this walk as pool water is unsuitable for drinking. Big Foot walk 1km return This short trail begins at the same carpark. It features a large brown image of a four-toed foot on the white sandstone cliff.