Description

Southwood National Park is a protected area located in the state of Queensland, Australia. The park covers a total area of 21,191 hectares and is located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Brisbane. The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history.

History and Geography

The Southwood National Park is located in the Southern Brigalow Belt bioregion, characterized by its undulating hills, valleys, and rocky outcrops. The park is situated on the traditional lands of the Wakka Wakka and Bigambul Aboriginal peoples, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

The park was established in 2006 to protect the region's unique natural and cultural values. The park is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep gorges, and pristine creeks and rivers, which provide important habitat for a range of wildlife species.

Wildlife

Southwood National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including a number of rare and endangered species. The park is an important breeding ground for a range of bird species, including the vulnerable black-breasted buttonquail and the endangered black-chinned honeyeater.

The park's rivers and creeks provide important habitat for a range of fish species, including the endangered Mary River cod and the vulnerable Australian bass. The park is also home to a range of mammal species, including the eastern grey kangaroo, red-necked wallaby, and koala.

Other notable species found in the park include the lace monitor, the eastern water dragon, and a range of reptile and amphibian species.

Activities

Southwood National Park offers visitors a range of activities, including hiking, camping, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The park has a number of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to more challenging hikes that take visitors to the park's highest points, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The park also has a number of camping areas, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the park's natural beauty up close. The campsites are basic, with no facilities provided, so visitors are advised to bring their own supplies.

For bird watching enthusiasts, the park offers the opportunity to see a range of species, including rare and endangered birds. Visitors are advised to check with the park rangers for information on bird watching sites and the best times to view different species.

Conservation

Southwood National Park is an important conservation area, protecting a unique and fragile ecosystem. The park is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, which is responsible for ensuring that the park's natural and cultural values are protected for future generations.

To protect the park's fragile ecosystem, a number of conservation measures are in place. These include restrictions on camping and other activities in sensitive areas, such as near bird breeding sites and in areas of high conservation value. The park also has a number of monitoring programs in place to track changes in the park's ecosystem and to identify any threats to the park's natural values.