Mount Scoria Conservation Park
Getting there and getting around
Mount Scoria Conservation Park is only a short distance along a sealed road that is signposted from the Burnett Highway at Thangool. As you enter Thangool travelling south from Biloela, take the first turn to the right at Winston Street and follow it past the school, aerodrome and racecourse to a T-junction. Turn left and follow a bitumen road for 5km to Mount Scoria. Access to the park is suitable for conventional vehicles.
Wheelchair accessibility
One picnic table at Mount Scoria Conservation Park is wheelchair accessible. The toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
Park features
Rising 150m above the cultivated plains, Mount Scoria is a striking local landmark protected in Mount Scoria Conservation Park. Formed by volcanic activity 20–26 million years ago, this volcanic plug features many-sided basalt columns.
This small park in Queensland’s brigalow belt contains open woodlands with poplar box, Moreton Bay ash, forest red gums, silver-leaved ironbarks and small patches of brigalow. An open semi-evergreen vine thicket growing on rocky slopes towards the summit and around the base of the mountain is a relict of much wetter times. This vegetation is now uncommon in central eastern Queensland.
- Read more about Mount Scoria’s nature, culture and history.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is not permitted at Mount Scoria Conservation Park.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Biloela and Gladstone. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Picnic and day-use areas
Have a bush picnic, go birdwatching or simply enjoy the park’s wildlife. The park’s facilities include sheltered picnic tables, toilets and tank water. Remember to treat water before drinking. A gas barbecue is provided at the day-use area and open fires are not permitted.
Walking
A walking track with information signs at the mountain’s base offers great views of the mountain and gives insight into Mount Scoria’s significance to the Gangulu people. There are no walking tracks to the peak and climbing the mountain is discouraged.
- Read more about Mount Scoria’s nature, culture and history.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
Open fires are not permitted in Mount Scoria Conservation Park, so you may wish to bring a fuel stove with you. Bringing sun protection, drinking water and insect repellent with you is also a good idea.
Opening hours
Mount Scoria Conservation Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Permits and fees
There are no permits or fees required if you wish to visit Mount Scoria Conservation Park.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Mount Scoria Conservation Park.
Climate and weather
Mount Scoria Conservation Park has a mild subtropical climate, however summer days can be extremely hot. It is best to visit during the cooler months of the year, from April to September. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available nearby at Biloela or Thangool. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Staying safe
While Mount Scoria Conservation Park provides the opportunity to encounter the region's diverse wildlife and striking geology, it can also present some hidden dangers. Follow the tips below for a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Stay on the track. You may get lost if you leave the walking track. Follow markers and signs carefully and let someone responsible know your plans in case you get lost.
- Avoid bites, stings and scratches. Wear protective clothing and insect repellent to protect yourself from stings, scratches and insect bites, especially bites from ticks. Detour around snakes; never provoke them.
- Be sun-smart. Wear a hat, shirt and sunscreen, even on overcast days, to avoid sunburn. Drink frequently to avoid dehydration.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
Mount Scoria Conservation Park and its unusual basalt columns are culturally significant to the Gangulu people. Please help protect the mountain by observing the following guidelines.
- Respect Gangulu culture. Indigenous sites represent thousands of years of living culture of special significance to the Gangulu people. These sites are easily damaged yet irreplaceable. Look at, enjoy, but do not touch them.
- Stay on the track. Climbing Mount Scoria’s unstable scree slopes is dangerous and can damage the mountain’s unique rock formations. Do not strike the basalt columns as this can cause substantial damage.
- Protect the wildlife. Remember, plants and animals (dead or alive) are protected.
- Use a fuel stove. Open fires are not permitted and collecting firewood from the forest is illegal.
See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for managing Mount Scoria Conservation Park. The major management aims are to conserve the mountain’s quality and integrity, and maintain the park’s native vegetation. A management plan has been prepared for Mount Scoria Conservation Park.
Tourism information links
- Biloela Visitor Information Centre
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- Callide St, Biloela QLD 4715
- ph (07) 4992 2405
- fax (07) 4992 2405
- email biloinfo@dodo.com.au
- Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre
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- 11 Exhibition St, Biloela QLD 4715
- ph (07) 4992 5400
- fax (07) 4992 3465
- email thesilo@bigpond.com
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
- QPWS Gladstone
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- 136 Goondoon St, Gladstone
- PO Box 5065, Gladstone QLD 4680
- ph (07) 4971 6500
- fax (07) 4971 1993
- EPA Customer Service Centre
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- 160 Ann Street, Brisbane
- PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
- ph (07) 3227 8186
- fax (07) 3227 8749
- email csc@epa.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 19 January 2007
