RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Nothing ventured, nothing gained as the saying goes, and never was this truer than in the case of Kroombit Tops National Park, 85km southwest of Gladstone in central Queensland.

Rising like a great sandstone bastion, 800m above sea level, it takes some effort to reach the plateau by way of the ever-steepening roller-coaster of Tableland Road. Other access routes are doable but difficult, if not impossible, with a trailer in tow.

But Kroombit rewards the intrepid traveller with spectacular views, magnificent forests and many kilometres of rugged 4WD tracks that will excite those not afraid to tackle the rough stuff. The camping areas have no facilities, but this is more than compensated by the natural bush setting, the serenade of birdsong and liberation from internet and phone coverage.

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The Kroombit plateau was created by volcanic activity