26 May 2021
Springsure is a friendly little town approximately 67km south of Emerald along the Gregory Highway in Central Queensland. While this is a well known location on the annual grey nomad northern pilgrimage trail, how many are aware that there is an amazing natural wonder hiding right on Springsure's doorstep?
It is hard to miss the spectacular Virgin Rock and Mount Zamia which dominate the horizon as you head into the valley surrounding Springsure. The Virgin Rock has a naturally formed likeness to the Virgin Mary and Child however in recent years the image is harder to see. The cliffs are floodlit at night and really make for a spectacular scene. The best area to view the cliffs are from Lions Park approximately 4km north from Springsure.
We highly recommend viewing Virgin Rock from the common vantage point along the highway, however the area that we are keen to tell you about is situated just on the other side of these monoliths.
Minerva Hills National Park is relatively small, but the perfect location for a weekend adventure. Whilst it is accessible to most vehicles, the road (which is unsealed) is rough in some areas and you may require a car with extra clearance. After rain there can be mud in places that may pose an issue if you are not in a 4WD. That however is all part of the fun!
This national park may not be very well known to travellers because you can often find you have the place all to yourself! So if you are seeking solitude and peace, it's time to put this beautiful destination on your bucket list.
Signage to the park is minimal and even the entrance is a blink and you'll miss it situation. Access is via the Dawson Developmental Road which heads west out of Springsure. The turn off is approximately 4km from town.
Once you enter the national park you slowly make your way up and around through an interesting landscape of hills and valleys with rocky ground and sparse bushland. There is one main road through the park with a number of smaller trails/walking tracks/points of interest along the way. Be sure to check out are Fred's Gorge Lookout/ Picnic Area, Skyline Lookout and Eclipse Gap.
Fred's Gorge is a great area to stop for lunch with picnic tables, barbecues and toilets available. Eclipse Lookout is by far the most easily accessible as you can drive right up to the edge of the valley and for one view to rule them all, you simply cannot go past Skyline Lookout. At the base of the walk there is a small car park followed by a moderate grade 800m track to some amazing views over the valley and Springsure. These are the perfect vantage points to catch a sunset or the morning sun peaking into the valley.
Wildlife to watch out for range from eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies to nocturnal critters such as the sugar-glider and the larger greater-glider.
If you are travelling through this part of the world on your way to Carnarvon Gorge or heading north, it is well worth the extra night in Springsure to check it out.
All you need to take with you is a picnic lunch, your hiking boots and a sense of adventure.
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