Blackdown Tableland National Park

Blackdown Tableland National Park is a protected area in Australia.

Blackdown Tableland National Park at a Glance

Location
Central & Southern Queensland, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-23.821411, 149.101170
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season in the north). Year-round in southern parks.

Getting to Blackdown Tableland National Park

Nearest airport: Baralaba Airstrip (YBAB), 86 km away.

Weather & Climate in Blackdown Tableland National Park

The warmest temperatures in Blackdown Tableland National Park occur in January, averaging 23.5°C (up to 29.0°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 13.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 26.9mm. Average humidity: 62.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 23.5°C (rainfall: 137.8mm)
  • February: 23.3°C (rainfall: 103.1mm)
  • March: 22.3°C (rainfall: 106.6mm)
  • April: 19.7°C (rainfall: 36.5mm)
  • May: 15.9°C (rainfall: 74.7mm)
  • June: 14.3°C (rainfall: 28.8mm)
  • July: 13.0°C (rainfall: 54.9mm)
  • August: 15.3°C (rainfall: 40.2mm)
  • September: 17.4°C (rainfall: 26.9mm)
  • October: 20.6°C (rainfall: 66.9mm)
  • November: 21.4°C (rainfall: 135.3mm)
  • December: 22.9°C (rainfall: 113.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Blackdown Tableland National Park

The best months to visit Blackdown Tableland National Park are April, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.51°C, rainfall 137.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • February: Good, temperature 23.33°C, rainfall 103.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 72.9%
  • March: Good, temperature 22.28°C, rainfall 106.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 73.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 19.7°C, rainfall 36.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 67.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 15.95°C, rainfall 74.7mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.25°C, rainfall 28.8mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 66.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.04°C, rainfall 54.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 67%
  • August: Great, temperature 15.34°C, rainfall 40.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 62.9%
  • September: Great, temperature 17.42°C, rainfall 26.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 62.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 20.6°C, rainfall 66.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 63.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.44°C, rainfall 135.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 68.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 22.93°C, rainfall 113.6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 70.3%

Wildlife in Blackdown Tableland National Park

Home to 14 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 2 iconic birds, 2 big herbivores, 2 small mammals, 2 tropical birds, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Blackdown Tableland National Park

Based on average temperature of 19.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Blackdown Tableland National Park

4 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central & Southern Queensland

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Australia

Travel advisory for Australia

Blackdown Tableland National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Blackdown Tableland National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing?

The cooler, drier months from April to September are ideal for exploring Blackdown Tableland, offering comfortable hiking conditions and better chances to spot unique wildlife. During this period, you can expect stunning views from the escarpment and refreshing waterfalls, making for a pleasant visit.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see at Blackdown Tableland National Park, and are there specific viewing spots?

Blackdown Tableland is home to various Australian wildlife, including rock-wallabies, gliders, and diverse birdlife, particularly around permanent waterholes and creeks. The Mook Mook walk and Rainbow Falls area are excellent spots for wildlife observation and appreciating the park's unique endemic plant species.

Given its location, what specific safety precautions should I take regarding malaria and other risks at Blackdown Tableland National Park?

While Australia is generally low-risk, the park's specific context indicates a moderate malaria risk, so consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use strong insect repellent. Always protect yourself from mosquito bites with long clothing, especially at dawn and dusk, and be aware of local wildlife like snakes by staying on marked trails.

Are there any entry fees or specific costs associated with visiting Blackdown Tableland National Park, and how accessible is it?

There are generally no entry fees for day visitors to Blackdown Tableland National Park, but camping permits are required and incur a fee, which should be booked in advance. The park is primarily accessible by 4WD vehicles due to unsealed roads, especially after rain, so plan your transport accordingly.

What kind of activities are available at Blackdown Tableland National Park, and how busy does it get?

Blackdown Tableland offers excellent opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and photography, with trails leading to spectacular lookouts and waterfalls like Rainbow Falls. With a crowding level of 1/5, you can expect a very peaceful and uncrowded experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and immersive natural exploration.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.