Paddling in Rungulla National Park

Rungulla National Park sits in Queensland's Gulf Savannah, a remote stretch of sandstone country where the Gilbert and Percy Rivers wind through rugged terrain.

Getting there requires a 4WD and a willingness to navigate sandy river crossings — the kind of access that filters out casual visitors and keeps the water quiet.

The Gilbert River is the park's main watercourse, wide and unhurried through the sandstone landscape. The Percy River also threads through the park, smaller and more intimate. Both rivers are the reason to come here with a paddle.

This is flatwater and moving-water touring country, not a whitewater destination. The dry season, roughly May through September, is when the park is accessible and the rivers are at their most manageable.

Outside that window, Gulf Savannah wet seasons can make the river crossings impassable and the camping areas unreachable.

As of this writing, the park's camping area is closed due to severe weather and track damage — check Queensland National Parks alerts before planning any trip.

Camping permits are required to stay in the park, and various activities may require additional permits. Queensland National Parks issues these; check with them directly for current requirements and fees before you go.

There are no outfitters, no canoe hire, and no infrastructure here. You bring everything in, including your boat, and you carry everything out.

The reward is sandstone country largely to yourself — wide river bends, silence, and the kind of paddling that asks you to pay attention to the water rather than the crowd.