Lochern National Park

This is Queensland’s channel country, where flooding rains and devastating droughts are part of western Queensland life. Lochern has 20 kilometres of Thomson River frontage, fringed with huge old coolibahs. All four species of Mitchell grass grow here. A newly described subspecies of turtle, Emmott’s short-necked turtle, lives in the park’s waterholes. Remnants of European history reflect the innovative nature of early farming life.

Take binoculars to see Major Mitchell cockatoos, red-tailed black-cockatoos and Bourke parrots. Observe wildlife around waterholes and along the 40 kilometre Habitat Drive. Go fishing (size and bag limits apply). Camp at Broadwater Waterhole, camping fees apply, and relax in the shade of the coolibah trees. See the shepherds’ yards.