Ever heard of Auburn River National Park? It’s worth a weekend
Five bush campsites, a gorge full of massive granite boulders and a rough dirt road in. Here’s why Auburn River National Park is worth a weekend.
Published on: 9 November 2026
Auburn River National Park is one of those places I reckon more people would talk about if they knew it was there. It’s tucked away about 40km south-west of Mundubbera in Queensland, with five campsites in the gums and a steep-sided gorge full of enormous granite boulders.
I stayed there recently, and if you’re after somewhere different to point the 4WD for a weekend, this one’s worth a pin on the map.
The best bit is down in the gorge
The Riverbed and Rock Pools Walk is only 1.5km return, but the rough descent and the climb back out earn it a Grade 4. Down at river level, you get a much better sense of the size of those boulders. Some are salmon pink, and the river threads between them in a series of rock pools.
Take a moment when you reach the bottom to clock where the track comes out. It’ll make the way back easier to pick.
One of the stranger things I spotted was what looked like dinosaur footprints painted on some of the rocks. It turns out if you follow them, you’ll eventually find some white ‘dinosaur eggs’ down there too. Queensland Parks says they’re rounded lumps of granite, about a tonne apiece, shaped by the river over the years.
Reaching them is not for the faint hearted though, with some risky rock hopping and scrambling required. Although I managed this with a teen, I wouldn’t tackle this one with younger kids.
Swimming at Auburn River National park
The pools might look inviting, but I’d make the walk the reason to go and leave any thoughts of a dip until you’ve seen the river as if it hasn’t rained in a while, the water can be a bit manky. You’ll also need to be careful as wet granite is slippery and rocks lurk just below the surface. Stay out of the gorge during and after heavy rain.
If you’d rather take in the gorge from above, the 3.2km return Gorge Top Walk gives you a good view of the boulders. There is also a much easier 600m return Gorge Lookout Walk, but if I’m being honest, the views from here are pretty dissapointing.
Five campsites and seven kays of dirt
The campground sits above the river in open eucalypt forest. Each site has its own fire ring, and there’s a non-flush toilet. Bring your own drinking water and check the site dimensions when you book if you’re towing.
With five numbered sites, you’ll need to book before you arrive. I nabbed campsite number three and though it was pretty great with plenty of room for our small camper and space beside to park the car.
The last 7km off Hawkwood Road are rough and unsealed. Queensland Parks recommends a 4WD in wet weather, so check the access road if there’s been rain. Once you’ve set up, you can leave the keys at camp. The walks start right there, which is exactly what I want out of a weekend away.
TIP – if you’re using Google Maps to navigate there, make sure you type in “Auburn River Camping Area” and not simply “Auburn River National park”, otherwise you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of the gorge.
Read next:
