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Welford National Park adventures

Welford National Park Adventures

Welford National Park features vast Mulga Lands and striking waterholes, offering exceptional opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, and exploring rugged outback landscapes.

164,000
Acres Protected
20
Miles of Trails
2,500
Annual Visitors
1993
Year Established

About Welford National Park

 

Welford National Park is located in Queensland's Channel Country region, approximately 100 kilometers west of Longreach. The park protects an expansive area of Mulga woodland ecosystem, arid riverine valleys, and ephemeral waterholes that provide refuge for native wildlife in this semi-arid environment. The landscape is dominated by sweeping plains interspersed with stands of coolabah trees and rocky outcrops. Created in 1993 to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region, Welford was once a large sheep station and holds remnants of pastoral history. Visitors can experience the stark beauty of the outback environment by hiking along trails that follow creek beds, camping under star-filled skies, and spotting wildlife such as red kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles. Welford Creek, the park's central waterway, supports a diversity of bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatching. The park’s remote setting and limited facilities provide a genuine outback experience. Key attractions include the visitor center with interpretive displays, the Mulga Lands walking track, and swimming in the clear waterholes during warmer months. Welford National Park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural scenery far from urban centers.

Highlights

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Welford Creek and its crystal-clear waterholes offering swimming and wildlife viewing

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Extensive Mulga woodlands supporting diverse birdlife and native mammals

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Historic Welford Homestead ruins reflecting the park’s pastoral heritage

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Stargazing opportunities given the park’s remote outback location and minimal light pollution

Notable Natural Features

Welford Creek

The main watercourse in the park, featuring permanent and seasonal waterholes that sustain local wildlife and provide visitors with excellent swimming spots.

Mulga Lands Ecosystem

Dominated by dense Mulga trees, this unique semi-arid ecosystem supports a variety of native plants and animals adapted to dry conditions.

Welford Homestead Historic Ruins

Remnants of the original sheep station provide cultural insights into the area's pastoral history and early European settlement.