Byfield State Forest
Getting there and getting around
Byfield State Forest is 34km north of Yeppoon via the Yeppoon-Byfield Road.
Access to Byfield State Forest is suitable for conventional vehicles; however, a four-wheel-drive is needed if you wish to travel into the adjoining Byfield National Park and to access Byfield Conservation Park.
The unsealed roads to the State forest recreational areas are well marked from the sealed Yeppoon-Byfield Road. Drive with caution as trucks carrying timber share State forest roads.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are wheelchair-accessible toilets at Waterpark Creek.
Toilets at Upper Stony have handrails and a concrete path. There is a small step and assistance may be required.
Toilets at Red Rock are large enough for a wheelchair; however, assistance will be needed as there are no handrails and you must cross uneven ground to reach them.
Park features
The Coast Range rises from the southern and western part of Byfield State Forest while the northern and eastern parts feature large areas of wallum swamp that are inaccessible during the wet season. Pockets of rainforest thrive in the range and along Waterpark Creek, a major stream supplying water to the Capricorn Coast. The area has about 7,000ha of exotic pine plantation and 17,000ha of native forest.
Byfield State Forest is used for a variety of recreational and commercial activities including camping, picnicking, walking, four-wheel-driving, boating and fishing. It provides a reliable and sustainable timber resource for the community. Other commercial activities include stock grazing, beekeeping and harvesting the Byfield fern, Bowenia serrulata, for sale to florists.
- Read more about the area's wetlands.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is permitted at three sites in Byfield State Forest. A camping permit is required and fees apply. Your permit must be attached to your tent or caravan in a visible place.
Generators are also permitted provided they do not disturb other users.
Bins are not provided. Please take all rubbish with you when you leave. Please camp with minimal impact.Upper Stony Creek
This area is extremely popular, with a large picnic area on one side of the creek with gas barbecues, and an open-plan camping area on the other. Some sites are suitable for campervans. Picnic tables, toilets and barbecues are provided. Campfires are permitted but bring your own wood as none is provided. Do not collect wood from the forest.
Some walking tracks start from this site. See things to do for more information.
Dogs are not permitted at Upper Stony Creek.
If you wish to camp here, it is necessary to book in advance.
Red Rock
This campground is set in an open grassy site in a pine plantation with flat sites suitable for caravans. Picnic tables, toilets and barbecues are provided. Fires are permitted but you must bring your own wood. Do not collect wood from the forest.
You can camp here without booking your permit in advance. Obtain your permit from the self-registration station on-site before setting up camp. Campsites cannot be pre-booked.
This is the only campground where dogs are permitted. They must remain on a leash at all times.
Waterpark Creek
Picnic and camping areas at this site are set in a pocket of natural rainforest. Campsites are tucked away in small forest clearings, and some sites are suitable for campervans. Picnic tables, toilets and electric barbecues are provided. Walking tracks are easily accessible from this area.
If you wish to camp here, it is necessary to book in advance. Fires and dogs are not permitted at Waterpark Creek.
- Find out more about camping in Byfield State Forest.
- Book your camping permits for Upper Stony and Waterpark Creek online
- If you cannot book online, book by phone on 13 13 04 (24 hours).
- Permits can also be obtained in person at EPA Rockhampton.
Other accommodation
Byfield township includes cabin-style accommodation and there is a wide range of accommodation available in Rockhampton and Yeppoon. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Walking
There are numerous walks in Byfield State Forest. Improve your fitness while you enjoy the sights but ensure you match the walk to your fitness and mobility.
Upper Stony Creek
Three walks depart from the northern side of the picnic area.
Venusta Circuit Walk — 900m return (Allow 30 mins) Grade: Easy.
Stroll along the creek valley through pockets of the Byfield grevillea Grevillea venusta.
Stony Creek Circuit — 4.3km return (Allow 2 hours) Grade: Moderate.
Passes over Freeman's Crossing and winds alongside Stony Creek through mature exotic pines with heath understory and the Byfield fern Bowenia serrulata.
Caribbean Circuit — 5.5km return (Allow 2.5 hours) Grade: Moderate.
Turn right at the T-intersection at Freeman's Crossing. The wide track passes pockets of riparian rainforest, plantation pine and native forest.
Waterpark Creek
Bowenia Rainforest Circuit — 1.2km return (Allow 45 mins) Grade: Moderate.
Departs from the picnic area's northern end and provides shaded outlooks over Waterpark Creek as it winds through tall closed turpentine forest featuring the ancient cycad Bowenia serrulata.
Picnic and day use areas
All three campgrounds have adjoining picnic areas with picnic tables and toilets. Upper Stony Creek and Waterpark Creek have electric barbecues, while Red Rock has wood barbecues — you must bring your own wood.
Boating and fishing
Livingstone Shire Council manages Corbetts Landing boat ramp on Waterpark Creek. The ramp is suitable for small craft only. It is at the end of Corbetts Landing Road and accessed via the State forest. You can access the waters surrounding the Byfield area from here.
Please be aware all waters around Byfield and Corio Bay are protected as marine parks. A yellow conservation park zone, which permits certain activities and limits line fishing, extends along much of Farnborough and Nine Mile Beach.
Corio Bay and the waters east of the conservation park zone have various general use zones with line and hook conditions under the Fisheries Act.
For more detailed zoning maps and information for State waters see Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and for Commonwealth waters see Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Information is also available from EPA Rosslyn Bay or EPA Rockhampton.
Viewing wildlife
Rare, endangered and endemic (found nowhere else) plants, such as the Byfield fern, Bowenia serrulata, and the Byfield grevillea, Grevillea venusta, thrive in Byfield. The Byfield area supports many migratory and resident birds. Waterpark Creek campground is very popular with birdwatchers. Keep your eye out for the many rainforest birds that inhabit the surrounding forest.
Swimming
The only site where swimming facilities are provided is at Upper Stony. Caution is required as there can be hidden dangers such as logs and rocks. Bullrout (freshwater stonefish) also live in Stony Creek. Please heed Safety advice when swimming in creeks.
Please be aware, estuarine crocodiles have been seen in Waterpark Creek. Swimming at the Waterpark Creek and Red Rock recreation areas is not permitted. You are strongly advised to stay well back from these creeks.
See Be croc-wise for further safety advice.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
You need to be self-sufficient. The nearest shop and fuel are in Byfield township, 2km north of the turnoff to Waterpark Creek.
Make sure you have:
- a first aid kit.
- sufficient fuel.
- drinking water — untreated creek water is not suitable for drinking.
- fuel stove and fuel.
- sealable rubbish containers — bins are not provided.
- insect repellent.
- sun protection — some areas of the park are quite exposed.
Opening hours
This park is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Permits and fees
Camping permits
All camping areas within Byfield State Forest require a camping permit and fees apply. You need to purchase your permit before setting up camp. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
- Buy your camping permits for Upper Stony and Waterpark Creek online.
- If you cannot book online, book by phone on 13 13 04 (24 hours).
- Permits can also be obtained in person at EPA Rockhampton.
Camping permits for Red Rock campground are only available on site at the self-registration station.
Other permits
Commercial photography permits are required if you intend to sell any photographs taken in Byfield State Forest. Group activity permits are required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use.
Contact EPA Rockhampton for more information.
Pets
Dogs are permitted at Red Rock provided they remain on a leash at all times. They are not permitted at Upper Stony Creek or Waterpark Creek.
Horses are permitted in the State forest, however, there are restrictions on where they can go. Contact EPA Rockhampton for more information.
Climate and weather
The Byfield area has a unique subtropical climate and receives more rain than surrounding areas. It can be hot, humid and wet at times. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Fuel and supplies
You must be self-sufficient during your stay. The nearest fuel and supplies are at Byfield township, which is 2km from the turnoff to Waterpark Creek. Fuel and supplies are also available at Yeppoon. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Please be aware
Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area lies to the forest's north. Access to this area is prohibited by the Department of Defence.
Staying safe
Estuarine crocodiles inhabit Waterpark Creek. For your safety, stay well back from the creek banks. Swimming is not permitted at Waterpark Creek and Red Rock. See Be Croc-wise for more information.
To enjoy a safe visit to this area please:
- Take note of the swimming safety advice.
- Prepare carefully before going bushwalking.
Swimming
- Swim only at Upper Stony Creek.
- Carefully enter waterholes and creeks to avoid submerged logs and rocks.
- Bullrouts (freshwater stonefish) live in Stony Creek. To avoid being stung, swim rather than wade or wear sturdy shoes when wading. Never put your hands and feet under rocks and logs. If stung, immerse the affected area in water as hot as you can tolerate without scalding for 20 minutes and seek immediate medical advice.
- The creeks may be slow-moving or stagnant following dry seasons, and unsafe for swimming.
Bushwalking
Search and rescue operations are very costly and risk other lives. Be careful and try to prevent getting lost or injured. Carry a personal positioning beacon if you go off-track. It may save your life. Never rely solely on mobile phones. They are usually out of range.
- Always take a backpack when bushwalking. You may decide to walk further than planned, or become lost or injured, so be prepared.
- Complete a bushwalker safety form to provide details of any planned hikes. Leave a copy with a responsible friend or family member and advise them of your safe return. The information is used in the event of a fire or if a rescue operation is necessary.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In case of emergency
- Emergency: 000.
- If you have difficulty connecting to 000 from your mobile try: 112.
- Ambulance, non-urgent medical transport: 13 12 33.
Looking after the forest
Leave no trace
Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Please help keep these places special by following the rules when visiting:
- Protect the wildlife. Remember, plants and animals (dead or alive) are protected. Try not to trample plants when walking or erecting your tent.
- Camp at designated campsites only.
- Use a fuel stove. Preferably use a fuel stove for cooking. Do not collect firewood from the park.
- Leave no rubbish. Rubbish bins are not provided. Do not bury rubbish — take it with you when you leave. You can dispose of it at transfer stations at Byfield or Yeppoon. Separate waste and recyclables.
- Protect creeks and lakes. Use no soap, toothpaste or detergent in freshwater creeks — they pollute the water. Wear suitable sun-protective clothing while swimming. Wash yourself and your cooking utensils at least 50m away from freshwater to avoid polluting with soaps.
- Remove fallen trees or limbs rather than driving off the road to get around them and damaging living plants in the process.
- Respect Indigenous culture. Indigenous sites on parks and forests represent thousands of years of living culture of special significance to Indigenous people. These sites are easily damaged and irreplaceable. Look at, enjoy, but do not touch or damage them.
- Be considerate. People visit parks and forests to enjoy nature, not noisy radios or generators.
- Camp, walk and drive softly. Leave your campsite better than you found it. Stay on track.
See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park and forest management
Byfield State Forest, along with Byfield National Park and Conservation Park, forms part of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the Central Queensland Coast. It is managed primarily to conserve the cultural and natural values of the area, to preserve the Waterpark Creek catchment and to provide a sustainable timber resource.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for Byfield State Forest's native forests and recreation areas.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries jointly manage the State forest's plantation forests.
A management plan for the Byfield area will be prepared in the future.
Tourism information links
- Capricorn Coast Information Centre
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- www.capricorncoast.com.au
- Ross Creek Roundabout, Scenic Highway, Yeppoon Qld 4703
- ph (07) 4939 4888 or 1800 675 785
- fax (07) 4939 1696
- email capcoast@cqnet.com.au
- Capricorn Tourism Information Centre
-
- www.capricorntourism.com.au
- Tropic of Capricorn Spire, Gladstone Road, Rockhampton Qld 4700
- ph (07) 4927 2055 or 1800 676 701
- fax (07) 4922 2605
- email infocentre@capricorntourism.com.au
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
- EPA Rockhampton
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- 61 Yeppoon Rd, Parkhurst
- PO Box 3130, North Rockhampton QLD 4701
- ph (07) 4936 0511
- fax (07) 4936 2212
- EPA Rosslyn Bay (Marine parks)
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- John Howes Drive
- Rosslyn Bay
- PO Box 770, Yeppoon QLD 4703
- ph (07) 4933 6595
- fax (07) 4933 6619
- EPA Customer Service Centre
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- 160 Ann Street, Brisbane
- PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
- ph (07) 3227 8185
- fax (07) 3227 8749
- email csc@epa.qld.gov.au
- Smart Service (for camping bookings)
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- www.qld.gov.au/camping
- ph 13 13 04
- fax 1300 300 768
- email enquiries@smartservice.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 04 March 2008
