Currawinya’s lakes, rivers and wetlands contrast strikingly with the sandy plains and rocky ranges of semi-arid south-western Queensland.
These wetlands are among the most important inland waterbird habitats in Australia. Two large lakes, separated by only a few kilometres of sand dunes, are the centrepiece of a fascinating mosaic of habitats across the park. Lake Numalla is freshwater. The slightly larger Lake Wyara is saline.
Evidence of thousands of years of Aboriginal occupation and more recent relics of pastoral activities dating from the 1860s are scattered across the park.
Community donations have paid for a 25 square kilometre predator-proof fence. Captive-bred bilbies have been reintroduced to this fenced area of the park as part of a national strategy to protect this endangered species. The greater bilby has disappeared from much of its home range in inland Australia, but was once found at Currawinya.
Walking and driving:
Drive to lakes Wyara and Numalla to see some of inland Australia’s most important wetlands and the variety of mulga lands habitats along the way. The 85km round trip from the park office is suitable only for 4WD vehicles.
Visit The Granites, 10km north of Ten Mile Bore on the old Thargomindah Road. Walk to a small outcrop of granite from which you can look over the park. Take water with you and walk carefully as the uneven track and granite rocks may be slippery.
Heritage enthusiasts should visit the old Caiwarro homestead site at the northern end of the park, 37km from the park office.
You may also like to visit Hungerford on the Queensland/New South Wales border (20km south of the park office), where the historic Royal Mail Hotel still operates.
Viewing wildlife
Extensive lakes and wetlands make Currawinya ideal for birdwatching. Walk rather than drive near the lakes and you will see more birds and preserve fragile ecosystems. Early mornings are best for seeing and photographing arid zone wildlife. See the description of the park’s natural environment for more details about Currawinya’s diverse wildlife.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in some areas of Currawinya National Park along the Paroo River, but not at the lakes. See the ranger or on-site signs for details. Only live bait caught adjacent to the national park can be brought into the park.
Boating
You may canoe, kayak or swim on Lake Numalla, but motorised boats and jet-skis are not permitted on any lake. Signs at lakes Wyara and Numalla show the activities permitted in particular areas.
For more information on Currawinya NP