Blackdown Tableland National Park

Blackdown Tableland National Park rises nearly 900 m above the surrounding Central Queensland plains, forming an island of cooler, wetter habitat in an otherwise semi-arid region:contentReference[oaicite:96]{index=96}:contentReference[oaicite:97]{index=97}. The park’s namesake is a sandstone plateau (the convergence of the Expedition, Shotover, and Dawson Ranges) known for its deep gorges, spectacular waterfalls, and pockets of lush ferny rainforest:contentReference[oaicite:98]{index=98}. Declared in 1991, the park covers 320 km² and protects the traditional land of the Ghungalu Aboriginal people, who have left rock art on the tableland’s sandstone walls:contentReference[oaicite:99]{index=99}.

A steep access road climbs up Blackdown Tableland from the Capricorn Highway near the small town of Dingo. Once on top, visitors find a plateau of open forests dominated by bloodwood and stringybark trees, interspersed with grass trees and cycads. The change in elevation brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall – enough to sustain rainforest pockets and permanent cascades. The most famous of these is Rainbow Falls (Gudda Gumoo), where water tumbles ~40 m into a clear pool. A walking track (with many steps) leads 2 km down into the gorge to Rainbow Falls, where visitors can swim and see rainbows in the mist (especially late morning):contentReference[oaicite:100]{index=100}. Another short track leads to Mook Mook (Owl) lookout, which offers sweeping views across the rugged sandstone escarpments and distant plains.

Blackdown Tableland NP features a well-maintained campground at Munall on the plateau:contentReference[oaicite:101]{index=101}. The campground has pit toilets, picnic shelters, fire rings, and tank water (treat before drinking). Walking tracks from the campground area lead to a couple of lookouts and small creeks. Day visitors can also use the Yaddamen Dhina picnic area, which has gas BBQs and tables situated near a dramatic cliff edge (often enveloped in clouds that roll over the mountain):contentReference[oaicite:102]{index=102}. In fact, the name Yaddamen Dhina means “stopping place of the platypus” in Ghungalu language, reflecting the cultural and natural significance of the site. There are several other longer hikes (e.g. the 4 km Goon Goon Dina circuit) that explore the plateau’s forests and pass by Ghungalu rock art sites (please do not touch the art). As part of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt, Blackdown Tableland’s ecosystems are unique – over 40 plant species here are found nowhere else. The park is a haven for wildlife like the glossy black-cockatoo, Peregrine falcon, and short-beaked echidna. Whether camping overnight or taking a day trip from Emerald or Rockhampton, visitors to Blackdown Tableland NP often highlight the combination of panoramic clifftop vistas, refreshing waterfall swims, and the serene atmosphere of the high forest as the park’s most memorable features:contentReference[oaicite:103]{index=103}:contentReference[oaicite:104]{index=104}.