I’m not sure how I managed to travel so much through Queensland and not know about Byfield National Park until now. But wow – what a discovery! This place is a bit of an underrated gem, and honestly, I’d go back in a heartbeat to spend a week camping here.
Byfield National Park is located about an hour’s drive from North Rockhampton or just 30 minutes north of Yeppoon. If you’re planning to explore the National Park section, you’ll absolutely need a 4WD. The sandy tracks here are proper off-road fun. If you’re just heading into the State Forest, you’ll be fine in a regular vehicle, although some roads are unsealed.
What makes Byfield National Park so good?
Let’s break it down. This spot has beach driving, epic sand dunes for sliding, creek swims, 4WD tracks with bounce-factor, and beautiful walking trails – all surrounded by wild, natural beauty. And unless you’re camping, your only costs are fuel and food, making it an ideal day trip or budget-friendly weekend.
4WD action
Driving the Stockyard Point Track through to the beach is a bit of a rollercoaster – in a good way. I got a touch of motion sickness by the end (standard for me), but Jason was grinning ear to ear, and the kids were yelling “boing!” in excitement at every bump.
You’ll need high clearance and at least some 4WD experience for Byfield National Park. The tracks are narrow, sandy, and winding, with limited pull-over spots, so take it slow and enjoy the journey.
Beach driving
The beach stretch here reminded me a little of Rainbow Beach or Inskip Point – maybe not quite as jaw-dropping, but still magic. We visited Byfield National Park during the winter school holidays, and surprisingly, only saw one other car. Shorts and t-shirts were fine during the day, but bring layers just in case.
Just a reminder – always check the tides before hitting the sand!
The sandblows
This is where the fun really ramps up. The Orange Bowl and Queen Mary sandblows are the main attractions. We only had time for The Orange Bowl, and it didn’t disappoint. The entrance is easy to miss – look out for a small sign on the beach.
Bring something to slide down on, a decent water bottle, and strong legs (or strong shoulders if you’ve got a little one). The view from the top is worth the puff, and sliding back down is pure fun.
Upper Stony Creek
This is the spot for a quiet dip and turtle spotting. Upper Stony Creek sits within the Byfield State Forest (not the national park) and has a grassy area for day visitors, with short walking tracks ranging from 900m to 4km. There’s even camping right near the creek. It’s one of those serene spots where you could easily lose a few hours just relaxing on a rock.
Camping in Byfield National Park
Camping options here are excellent, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient. There are 10 camping areas across Byfield National Park and State Forest, each with a different vibe. Book early if you’re planning to visit in the school holidays as spots can fill up fast. Check the Queensland Parks website for details.
Walking & hiking tracks
Some of the shorter walks – like around Upper Stony Creek and into the Orange Bowl – are doable with toddlers if you’re prepared to carry them occasionally. Older kids with reasonable fitness will be fine. Most of the trails are beginner-friendly but still offer that satisfying “we did a hike” feeling.
Don’t skip the Byfield General Store
Yes, it’s just a little store, but don’t underestimate it. This place punches above its weight with giant, delicious burgers and a country-style café feel. Sit on the verandah or at one of the picnic tables out front while the kids run off some steam.
Visiting Byfield National Park with kids
If your family loves the outdoors, Byfield National Park delivers in spades. For beach lovers, there’s sand, surf, and dunes to play on. For bush lovers, the creek, forest trails, and nature spotting will keep everyone entertained.
When we visited, our two- and four-year-olds had a blast. Their highlights? Sliding down the dunes and throwing rocks in the creek (of course). It’s one of those places where kids can really let loose in nature, and parents can relax knowing they’re safe, happy, and completely worn out by the end of the day.
Where to next?
Let me know what you think!