Celebrating 50 Years of Queensland’s National Parks
Posted on June 2nd, 2025
This 6 June marks a remarkable milestone — the 50th anniversary of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the agency entrusted with the protection and management of Queensland’s national parks and conservation estates.
For five decades, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has worked tirelessly to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our state, from ancient rainforests to island reefs, mountain ranges, and coastal headlands. Their efforts have helped safeguard these places not only for the environment, but also for the communities and visitors who cherish them.
Here on the Capricorn Coast region, we are privileged to be surrounded by an incredible array of national parks — each offering something unique, yet all connected by the shared goal of conservation and connection to nature.
In Rockhampton, Mount Archer National Park stands proudly over the city, offering spectacular panoramic views, bushwalking trails, and cultural connections to the Darumbal people. With its elevated boardwalks and family-friendly day-use areas, it has become a beloved place for locals and a powerful symbol of accessible nature close to home.
To the north, Mount Etna Caves National Park is a sanctuary for rare species and dramatic geology, including the endangered ghost bat and striking limestone cave systems that tell stories millions of years in the making. It’s a park where science, nature and history intertwine.
Hugging the coastline, Capricorn Coast National Park showcases the raw beauty of volcanic headlands and sea-carved cliffs, with walking tracks and lookouts at places like Bluff Point and Double Head offering breathtaking views across the Keppel Bay.
Further afield, Byfield National Park reveals a wilder side of the region with its coastal rainforests, sand dunes, and freshwater creeks. It’s a favourite for adventurers, campers, and anyone looking to escape the everyday in nature’s embrace.
And just offshore, Keppel Bay Islands National Park delivers the magic of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. From snorkelling coral reefs to hiking island trails, the park offers pristine, low-impact escapes that remain a cornerstone of our region’s appeal.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll congratulates QPWS on this golden milestone, encouraging our local community to reflect on the thousands of people — rangers, traditional custodians, researchers, volunteers, and visitors — who have helped care for these landscapes.
“Our environment is overflowing with wide open spaces and natural beauty, and even better, you don’t have to drive far to experience it,” Mary said.
“Our national parks offer unforgettable encounters with nature that are easily accessible and deeply rewarding.”
“Securing ECO Destination certification for the Capricorn Coast in 2024 reflects the growing importance of sustainability across the entire tourism industry and sends a strong message about our commitment to protecting the environmental, cultural, and social values that make our region truly unique.”
“This milestone is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a celebration of the legacy we all share,” Mary said.
“So, whether you’re setting off on a bushwalk, planning a picnic, or simply soaking up the view, take a moment to appreciate the national parks that enrich our lives — and the five decades of care and commitment that have kept them thriving.”
Discover more – https://www.visitcapricorn.com.au/top-insider-experiences-for-capricorn-coast-national-parks
