White Mountains National Park

White Mountains National Park, Torrens Creek QLD

📜 Park Background & History

White Mountains National Park spans approximately 1,122 km² in inland North Queensland, located around 80 km northeast of Hughenden and 140 km southwest of Charters Towers. Established in 1990, it protects dramatic white sandstone escarpments, gorges, heathlands, and desert woodlands. The park is one of the most botanically diverse areas within the Desert Uplands, home to over 430 plant species and 51 known reptile species.

Seasonal wildflower displays occur from May to September. The park sits on the traditional lands of the Yirandhali people, with culturally significant landscapes and a rugged geology that includes Burra Range and Sawpit Gorge.

🏕️ Campgrounds & Caravan Sites

Canns Camp Creek Camping Area

• Type: Designated bush campground in open woodland

• Layout: Eight individual sites, dirt surface with partial shade; not suitable for caravans or buses

• Facilities: Composting toilet and fire rings

• Booking & Permits: Camping permit required; booking must be completed in advance; campsite tag to be displayed

• Access: Approx. 10 km off Flinders Highway via Poison Valley Road; accessible by 4WD or cautious 2WD in dry conditions only

• Restrictions:

  • Open fires only in provided rings; bring clean firewood

  • Generators are not allowed

  • No rubbish bins—pack out all waste

  • Fuel stoves recommended; no potable water on-site

  • No mobile phone coverage

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Burra Range Lookout – Elevated views over the Great Dividing Range and sandstone country

• Sawpit Gorge Lookout – Short drive from campground with scenic gorge outlook

• Poison Valley Drive – 28 km track through lancewood scrub, sandstone ridges, and dry creeks

• Wildflower Viewing – Seasonal displays of grevillea, wattles, and other native blooms from late autumn to early spring

🏘 Supply Towns Nearby

• Torrens Creek (~19 km east of campground)

  • Services: Pub with caravan park, limited groceries, basic fuel, small medical clinic

• Hughenden (~80 km southwest)

  • Services: Supermarkets, fuel, hospital, hardware, camping gear and general supplies

🚑 Emergency & Safety Info

• Nearest medical centre: Torrens Creek (limited services)

• Nearest hospital: Hughenden Hospital

• Emergency contacts:

  • Triple Zero (000) for fire, ambulance, and police

  • SES: 132 500

• Park management: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service – 13 74 68

• Safety notes:

  • Poison Valley Road can become impassable during the wet season

  • Bring satellite communication or UHF radio—no mobile coverage

  • Ensure you bring sufficient drinking water, food, fuel stove, sun protection, and insect repellent

  • Let someone know your itinerary if walking or travelling deep into the park

✅ Summary

• Canns Camp Creek is the sole official camping site within White Mountains National Park

• Permits and full preparation are required—the campground is remote and lightly serviced

• Nearest supply and emergency support is in Torrens Creek (~19 km) and Hughenden (~80 km)

• Recommendation: Ensure weather is suitable, book in advance, and carry all necessary supplies for remote, low-support camping in arid conditions