Is Wondul Range National Park the Best Kept Secret?

For a taste of wild Queensland, escape to Wondul Range National Park. This relatively undiscovered park offers a unique natural experience, perfect for those of us seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. Within its boundaries, you’ll find a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for plant lovers, bug enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and hikers. We went seeking wildflowers, hoping to spot native birds, and to simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the bush. Wondul Range offered all this and more, here’s some of our experience…

Why Wondul Range National Park Should be on Your To-do List

Tucked away about a 3-hour drive west of Brisbane in Queensland, Wondul Range National Park is a total paradise for anyone who loves being in nature. This dry open woodland has fantastic mix of different plants and animals, so there’s always something interesting to see. And the best part? It’s still a bit of a secret, which means you’ll probably feel like (or actually have) the whole place to yourself! We didn’t see a single other person on our visit. Bliss.

A Plant Lover’s Paradise

Wondul Range National Park is a haven for plant enthusiasts, featuring a remarkable diversity of flora. The landscape is dominated by towering gum trees with their distinctive peeling bark, which ranges in colour from creamy white to deep red and brown, creating a striking contrast against the green foliage and blue sky. Sturdy ironbark trees, known for their exceptionally hard wood and dark, furrowed bark, are also prevalent.

During spring, which is when we last visited, the park comes alive with a vibrant display of wildflowers. Among them, we found delicate fringe lilies with finely fringed purple petals, bright yellow sorrel flowers adding splashes of colour to the undergrowth, and the unique pomax, a small shrub with distinctive clustered flowers. Other wildflowers, such as golden everlasting daisies and yellow buttons, contribute to the park’s vibrant palette. Here are just some of the wildflowers we saw during our visit:

Brigalow trees form dense patches, creating unique microclimates within the park. These distinctive trees add another layer of visual interest to the landscape.

The ground is just as varied, with native grasses like kangaroo grass and spear grass forming a soft, natural carpet beneath your feet. In the wetter spots, you’ll notice tall, flowing stands of twistrush and rice sedge, their long stems swaying with the breeze. And if you keep an eye out, you’ll spot the bright pops of colour from the emu apple and pink fringe myrtle.

Wondul Range National Park provides a rich botanical experience, from its towering trees to its intricate wildflowers and diverse groundcover.

Bugs, Butterflies, and Beyond

Got a thing for creepy crawlies or fluttering beauties? Wondul Range National Park is a haven for insects and spiders, offering plenty to see for anyone interested in these creatures. You’ll find native bees busily collecting pollen, and jewel beetles whose metallic bodies gleam in the sun. Butterflies, like the striking Common Crow with its bold black and white wings, flutter among the plants. But there’s more than just butterflies and bees. The park is also home to other interesting invertebrates, including HUGE centipedes, black rock scorpions, and a variety of spiders. We saw all those and more…

One of the most fascinating things about Wondul Range is that it’s home to two special types of peacock spider: the Sparklemuffin ( Maratus jactatus) and the Skeletorus (Maratus sceletus). These tiny, brightly coloured spiders, only discovered in 2015, are famous for their amazing courtship dances. The males put on a dazzling display, raising their colourful flaps to attract the females. All peacock spiders are jumping spiders, but not all jumping spiders are peacock spiders. I managed to get the above photo of a jumping spider on our trip to the park, but the peacock spiders alluded me.

Peacock spiders are unique because of their vibrant colours and elaborate courtship displays.  What’s really special is that these particular peacock spiders have only been found in Wondul Range National Park. This makes the park a very important place for these unique little spiders. If you’re planning a visit and want to get a good look at them, a macro lens for your camera is a great idea.

Queensland Animal Encounters

Wondul Range National Park is a wildlife haven, offering countless opportunities for unforgettable animal sightings. Reptiles such as bearded dragons and goannas can be caught basking in the sun or climbing up trees, while birdlife abounds in every corner of the park. From the vulnerable glossy black-cockatoo, which we were lucky enough to see fly overhead, to the vibrant rainbow bee-eaters, there’s was always something to catch our eye.

Listen for the melodic calls of pied currawongs and kookaburras echoing through the bushland, as well as the loud squawks of sulphur-crested cockatoos! We stumbled across king parrots and superb fairywrens added splashes of blue as they flitted between trees. It’s no wonder that birdwatching is one of the primary reasons people visit the park!

The absolute highlight, though, was spotting an emu. Having never seen one in the wild in Queensland before, it was a total surprise. It moved almost silently as it dashed through the scrub – far too fast for a photo – but the experience was incredible and completely made our trip.

As night falls, the park transforms. You might spot sugar gliders gliding between the trees, while microbats emerge to hunt in the twilight. The sounds of crickets and frogs create a peaceful and enchanting nighttime ambiance.

Hiking to Suit Every Explorer

Wondul Range National Park is intentionally maintained as a natural and undeveloped area, prioritizing the preservation of its unique ecosystems. As such, the park itself has very limited facilities. There are no designated camping grounds, picnic areas, toilets, or formal walking tracks within the park boundaries. This lack of development contributes to the park’s sense of remoteness and provides you with a truly immersive wilderness experience. When you venture into Wondul Range you should be entirely self-sufficient, carrying your own water, food, navigation tools, and first-aid supplies. This also means practicing Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all rubbish is taken out of the park and that the natural environment is left undisturbed.

While not characterized by dramatic peaks or sweeping vistas, the park rewards you with opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife. Wondul Range National Park is suitable for various fitness levels, allowing you to explore the park at your own pace. The road meanders through open woodlands, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the park’s serene atmosphere.

The flies and mosquitos can get annoying, so I would recommend a netted hat so they can’t find your face!

The park’s terrain is almost solely flat, which makes it an ideal location for leisurely strolls. Regardless of if you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely walk in nature, Wondul Range offers a true Australian bush escape.

When to Go and What to Pack

The ideal times to visit Wondul Range National Park are during spring (September to November) which is when we were recently there, and autumn (March to May). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it perfect for hiking and exploring the park’s natural beauty. Spring brings a burst of Queensland wildflowers (as pictured previosuly), adding vibrant colours to the landscape and attracting a variety of insects and birds. While the park is accessible year-round, summer (December to February) can be quite hot, with temperatures often well over 30°C (86°F), making hiking less comfortable. Winter (June to August) can bring cooler temperatures, especially at night, so if you visit during this time, pack warm layers. However, cooler months can also offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, as animals may be more active during the day.

What to Pack

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit to Wondul Range National Park, here’s a comprehensive packing list:

• Plenty of Water: Especially if you plan on hiking. It can get hot and dry, particularly during the warmer months, so bring more water than you think you’ll need.
• Sun Protection: The Australian sun is strong, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating, a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck, and sunglasses to shield your eyes.
• Insect Repellent & Netted Hat: Mosquitoes, flies, and other insects can be prevalent, especially during the warmer months. Insect repellent will help keep them at bay and make your time in the park more comfortable.
• Comfortable Hiking Boots: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support for navigating the park’s trails.
• Binoculars: Binoculars are highly recommended for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. They will allow you to get a closer look at the diverse birdlife and other animals that inhabit the park.
• Camera or Smartphone: You’ll definitely want to capture the stunning scenery, wildlife, and plant life you encounter in Wondul Range. Don’t forget to charge your batteries and bring extra memory cards or ensure you have enough storage space on your phone.
• First-Aid Kit: A basic first-aid kit containing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, snake bite bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medications is essential for dealing with injuries.
• Map and Compass/GPS: There are basically no signs in the park, so having a map and compass or a reliable GPS device is recommended.
• Appropriate Clothing: Light, breathable clothing is recommended for warmer months, while warmer layers, such as a fleece or jacket, are suitable for winter.
• Small Backpack: A small backpack is useful for carrying your water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other essentials while hiking.

Getting to Wondul Range National Park

Wondul Range National Park is conveniently located a short drive from the town of Millmerran, part of the Toowoomba region in Queensland. Millmerran is a great place to stop and prepare for your travel into the park. Stock up on snacks and drinks at the IGA or Foodworks, and refuel at Captains Mountain BP before heading out.

The drive from Millmerran to the park is relatively short, but it’s important to be aware of the road conditions. The roads leading into Wondul Range National Park are unsealed, with plenty of sandy loam which can lead to getting bogged, plus corrugated gravel with potential for washouts after rain. Therefore, a high-clearance four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle is strongly recommended. While some sections might be accessible with a 2WD in dry conditions, a 4WD provides safer traction and ground clearance.

It’s always a good idea to check local road conditions before you set out, particularly after periods of heavy rain. You can usually find updates on road closures or warnings on the Queensland National Parks website. Having a reliable map or GPS navigation system is recommended, as signage within the park is limited.

Tips for a Responsible Visit to Wondul Range National Park

We’re big on leaving no trace. Here’s how you can help keep Wondul Range pristine:

• Stick to marked trails.
• Take all your rubbish with you.
• Observe wildlife from a distance.
• Avoid picking or disturbing plants.

Make Wondul Range National Park Your Next Adventure

For our family, Wondul Range National Park was the perfect escape into nature. The rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and tranquil vibes made it a trip to remember. If you’re ready to unplug and reconnect with the wild, this hidden gem is waiting for you!

The Millmerran Motel is half an hour away for those who don’t want to drive home after their day exploring the National Park- or Toowoomba accommodation is just an hour and a half away.

Ready to hit the trails? Pack your gear, charge your phone, and let’s go see it all!

TL;DR

Wondul Range National Park is a secluded, nature-filled paradise in Queensland, offering diverse wildlife, unique plants, and peaceful walks. It’s perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds and explore the wild.