Cooloola's river campsites and walks closed due to flooding
24 January 2012
The upper Noosa River in Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park is flooded, and campers have been directed to leave.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Operations Manager Great Sandy, Peter Wright, said QPWS had closed Harrys Hut Road, put up signs at canoe launch areas downstream, and informed commercial operators the upper river was closed until further notice.
"We've also closed The Cooloola Great Walk, Cooloola Wilderness Trail, walking tracks adjacent to the upper Noosa River and Kin Kin Creek catchments including Mill Point, Boronia Trail and Cooloola Sandpatch tracks, and the Kinaba Information Centre and Fig Tree Point," Mr Wright said.
"Camping bookings for the upper Noosa River are closed, and a small number of campers in the area have now left.
"Campers who were booked in from today until 31 January are being informed and their camping fees will be refunded.
"Only 21 permits had been booked for Harrys Hut and the remote campsites, as people usually wait to see what the weather holds before booking for their canoeing and camping trip.
"The upper Noosa River is very prone to flooding. More rain is forecast and the area will stay flooded.
"For your safety, observe all signage, directions from rangers and do not enter closed areas.
"On Cooloola's beaches, high tides, heavy rain and strong winds are making for unpleasant conditions.
"We expect some erosion and changed beach conditions, so drivers need to be very careful.
"Beach camping at Teewah and further north is traditionally very popular over the Australia Day period.
"If you have booked for beach camping and change your mind before the start of the Australia Day weekend period, a camping booking modification may be available to you. Contact the DERM camping support office with your enquiry at camping.support@derm.qld.gov.au," Mr Wright said.
He said campers booked in for any Queensland national parks and State forests over the next week should check road conditions before setting out, as well as checking if the campgrounds are open at www.derm.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 QGOV (13 7468).
Last updated 24 January 2012