Byfield National Park

Byfield National Park and Conservation Park Byfield National Park is approximately one hour from North Rockhampton and 30 minutes from Yeppoon. The park has three access points. A four-wheel-drive is needed throughout the main section and to access Byfield Conservation Park. Access via Byfield State Forest: Byfield State Forest is a 30 minute drive north of Yeppoon via the sealed Yeppoon-Byfield Road. When in the State forest, follow the sign posts along the unsealed road to Waterpark Creek visitor area. Drive with caution as trucks carrying timber share State forest roads. The entrance to Byfield National Park is in Byfield State Forest, 9.8km east of the Waterpark Creek visitor area. A four-wheel-drive is needed from this point. The 15km soft sand track from the park entrance to the coast may take more than one hour. Sand driving experience is essential to drive safely in the soft sand and with minimal impact. You may access all sand tracks within the park, except those marked No vehicle access or Authorised vehicles only. To assist with navigation, all intersections have numbered markers as shown on the Byfield National Park map. Access via Sandy Point Section: Sandy Point carpark is accessible in conventional vehicles. Travel 5km north of Yeppoon and turn right (eastward) at the roundabout. Continue for 10km on a sealed road past Rydges Resort to the T-junction. Turn right and follow the gravel road for 10km to Sandy Point. You can reach the beach via a track from the carpark. Four-wheel-drive and a beach permit are required to access the beach by vehicle. Access via Waterpark Point: Waterpark Point is part of Byfield National Park on the northern side of Corio Bay. This headland is only accessible by boat. Small boats can launch from the beach in the Sandy Point Section, as there is no formal boat ramp. A council beach permit is required for vehicle access. A council boat ramp is also available at Corbetts Landing on Waterpark Creek. Byfield Conservation Park: Five Rocks visitor area includes a campground and picnic area. It is accessed through Byfield National Park and requires a four-wheel-drive. Wheelchair Accessibility: Toilets large enough for wheelchairs are provided in Five Rocks visitor area in Byfield Conservation Park. Assistance is required as it is sandy, there is a step and the toilets currently do not have railings. Park Features: Byfield National Park stretches over 15,000ha. Massive parabolic sand dunes, the oldest reaching 5 to 6km inland, occupy most of the southern part of the park. In the north, the rugged granite pinnacles of The Peaks and Mt Atherton dominate the landscape. The park boasts outstanding coastal scenery. The park conserves large areas of coastal heath growing on low-nutrient dune sands. In sheltered areas, taller eucalypt woodlands flourish and where there is abundant water, rainforest thrives. The area also supports many migratory and resident birds. Camping: Three areas are available for camping in the national and conservation park. Camping permits are required and fees apply. Before setting up camp you will need to obtain a camping permit, then attach it to your tent in a visible place. Please camp with minimum impact and take all the rubbish with you when you leave Five Rocks visitor area: This is the park's only campground with facilities and offers self-registration camping only. There are picnic tables, toilets, cold showers and water, which must be treated before drinking. You cannot book campsites at Five Rocks in advance. Obtain your permit at the self-registration station before setting up camp. Beach Camping: Beach camping is permitted at Nine Mile Beach in the 4.5km camping zone south of Freshwater Creek. Camp sites are designated by blue markers. The nearest facilities are at Five Rocks visitor area. Camping is not permitted at Sandy Point Section, along Three Rivers Beach or at Corio Bay. Waterpark Point Campground: Bush camping at the Scout's Camp Waterpark Point campground is only accessible by boat. The little cove is protcted from most of the prevailing winds. It has only one campsite and caters for up to 20 people. You must book in advance. There are no facilities.