Description:
Byfield National Park covers over 15,000 ha. Massive parabolic sand dunes—the oldest reaching 5–6km inland—occupy most of the southern part of the park. In the north, the rugged pinnacles of The Peaks and Mount Atherton dominate the landscape. Byfield’s parks and forests form part of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the Central Queensland coast. Upper Stony Creek is surrounded by Byfield Rainforest, a creek valley through pockets of Byfield grevillea, which flower in spring. The Day Use area has a grassy spot with picnic tables right next to the main swimming hole. A large open camp ground is also available to the north of the creek. The swimming area is surrounded by rock pools. A short (1km) walk along Stony Creek will take you so another nice swimming hole at Freeman’s Crossing. February to March: an ancient cycad—the Byfield fern—fruits at Water Park Creek. April and August to September (depending on season): heathland wildflowers cloak the dunes in the hinterland of Byfield National Park beaches. August to September: whales come close to the coast on their migration south. September to March (peaking December to February): migratory shorebirds roost, feed and nest along the coast and in Corio Bay. In the State Forest the vulnerable and endemic Byfield grevillea sets small but beautiful flowers at Upper Stony. October to April: rainbow bee-eaters bring colour and movement to heathlands and headlands along the coast. Forest pigeons feed at Water Park Creek. Located 752km (467 miles/8 hr 49 min) from Village Roadshow Studios. The nearest airport is Rockhampton (ROK). The closest POH, Rockhampton, is 77 km (47 miles/1 hr 9 min) away.