5 OF THE BEST

QUEENSLAND IS BLESSED WITH MANY SPECTACULAR NATIONAL PARKS, BUT THESE FIVE REMOTE, DESOLATE, HISTORIC AND BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLES MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED

- GLENN MARSHALL

IT'S a challenge to beat Queensland in the National Parks stakes with its desert country, rugged mountains, natural springs and stunning flora and fauna, as well as its indigenous culture, pastoral history and threatened species. Queensland national parks are diverse in what they offer, and it would certainly be a challenge to visit them all, so here are five that we highly recommend you add to your bucket list.

1 MARIALA NATIONAL PARK

THE turn-off to Mariala National Park is 124km west of Charleville via Adavale Road. The majority of this stretch is bitumen and along the way there's an interesting cemetery up a sidetrack to the right, just before crossing the Langlo River. A small sign points you in the right direction, and plaques reveal the interesting stories of how the people buried in the vicinity passed away. Once across the bridge, there is also a good free camp on the banks of the river.

Upon reaching the entrance to Mariala National Park, dropping some air out of your tyres will make the going smoother. The track follows the fence line for the first few kilometres and there are plenty of speed humps and termite nests to keep your speed down.

Once the track turns west, the first stop is at Bore No.3, which is also one of the three designated camping areas within Mariala. Here you'll find a rusting water tank, a dilapidated windmill and an old steam pump; there are no facilities at any of the campsites so take out what you bring in and leave the campsites better than you found them.

The track continues past Bore No.3 after which it changes from a solid orange sand base to stony and rocky as it runs up and down the escapements.

Before dropping down the first steep section, there is a lookout and picnic spot on the right. The views across the park from here are stunning and if you're quiet you may spot a yellow footed rock-wallaby that inhabits this remote park.