Recreation on SEQFA Lands

The use of protected areas is usually determined on the basis of what is appropriate and sustainable for each area, within the guidelines established by the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA).

Tenure, management plans, regulations and permits all play a part in regulating and defining access and use. The only instance where access is predominantly determined by tenure is in the case of national park (scientific).

Bunyaville recreation area

After the transfer of the SEQFA lands to protected area tenure most recreational activities will continue to be permitted, including four-wheel driving, trail biking, mountain biking, hang-gliding, bush walking and camping. However, the NCA takes a precautionary approach to the management of national parks and does not support the introduction of non-native animals. Therefore, recreational activities such as horse riding and dog walking are not permitted in national parks.

The uses matrix displays a range of uses as they will be managed on the SEQFA areas once transferred to protected area. It should be remembered that management and access are influenced by a wide range of factors including sustainability and setting appropriateness, and are not only influenced by tenure type. All areas may be subject to seasonal, safety and/or maintenance closures.

Vehicle use

Driving or riding vehicles in protected areas is only allowed on roads. However, where there is a sign that prohibits use, or where there is a management plan that states otherwise, some roads may not be entered.

Motor vehicles must be registered. Drivers and riders must hold a valid licence and obey the 'road rules'.

Walking tracks are not roads and cannot be used by vehicles - this includes motorbikes and mountain bikes.

Walking and camping

Walking in protected areas is allowed on tracks. Restrictions may apply in off track areas.

Camping is permitted on protected areas, State forests and forest reserves in Queensland. QPWS provides camping opportunities in an estimated 120 reserves around the State. These camping areas are expected to stay open with little or no effect on their administration.

You can book your camping permits online by clicking on the following link. Camping permits.

Horse riding

The Queensland Government is providing horse riders with continued access to formed management roads through 5 areas in south-east Queensland that have been used for horse riding in recent times.
These include:

Gold Coast region
Western Brisbane ( Brisbane Forest Park)
Caboolture and Bellthorpe region
Kenilworth and Mapleton region
Noosa region

For more information on these trails refer to the SEQ horse riding trail network website.

Horse riding will also be temporarily provided for along some management roads in three former State forests (Bania, Goomboorian and Lockyer) that will be declared as national park (recovery). These areas will be converted to national park by November 2013, and horse riding will no longer be permitted.

Recreational horse riding will not be permitted in other national parks except on the Bicentennial National Trail, which requires a written Authority from the Chief Executive of the department.

Horses may be generally ridden on roads within State forests, and in nominated conservation parks and resources reserves under a regulatory notice. A permit to ride in these areas is not generally required, except where associated with a commercial activity, organised group activities or competitive events. Contact your local QPWS office for more information.

Horse riders will continue to have access to gazetted roads through protected areas

Last updated: 03 December 2008