Moorrinya National Park, Torrens Creek QLD

📜 Park Background & History

Moorrinya National Park is located approximately 90 km south of Torrens Creek in Queensland’s Desert Uplands. Formerly Shirley Station, it operated as a sheep and cattle property before being designated a national park in 1993. The historic shearing shed and homestead have been preserved and remain accessible.

The park spans roughly 326 km² and protects 18 distinct vegetation types within the Lake Eyre Basin catchment. It supports diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, and threatened species such as the square-tailed kite, painted honeyeater, squatter pigeon, and the endangered Julia Creek dunnart.

🏕️ Campgrounds & Caravan Sites

Shirley Shearing Shed Camping Area

• Type: Remote, undeveloped campground near historic shearing shed

• Layout: Open grassy area with approximately seven informal sites; minimal shade

• Facilities: Composting toilet only; no drinking water or showers provided

• Booking & Permits: Camping permit required; fees apply; booking must be made online

• Access: 4WD strongly recommended via a 6.5 km rough track from the main road; impassable during wet conditions

• Restrictions: Fires only in designated rings; no firewood collection; carry out all rubbish; stay on formed roads

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Bullock Creek Walk – Short trail from the campground to a small creek; ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing

• Opportunities for observing native fauna including emus, kangaroos, and dingoes in a remote desert landscape

🏘 Supply Towns Nearby

• Torrens Creek (~90 km north)

  • Services: Basic fuel, pub with meals and caravan park, limited groceries, general amenities

• Hughenden (~180 km north-east)

  • Services: Full grocery, hospital, fuel stations, hardware, and camping supplies

🚑 Emergency & Safety Info

• Nearest medical centre: Torrens Creek

• Nearest hospital: Hughenden Hospital

• Emergency contacts:

  • Fire / Police / Ambulance: 000

  • SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500

• Park contact: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (13 74 68)

• Safety notes:

  • Access roads may become impassable in the wet season (Nov–Apr)

  • No mobile reception; bring communication equipment and adequate supplies

  • High sun exposure; ensure water, shade, and sun protection

  • Wildlife may include snakes and dingoes—store food securely and exercise caution

✅ Summary

• Camping is available at the Shirley Shearing Shed site, which is basic and remote

• A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, and access is weather-dependent

• No other campsites within the park or nearby; nearest caravan park is in Torrens Creek

• Closest supply towns are Torrens Creek (~90 km) and Hughenden (~180 km)

• Recommendation: Ensure full self-sufficiency, check road and weather conditions in advance, and secure all necessary bookings before travel