Where to go
A trip 96kms north of Quilpie will find yourself in Adavale, the gateway to Hell Hole Gorge National Park, a further 69kms North West of the town. It is an intriguing place with its steep rocky banks and cascades that run after heavy rain. Hell Hole Waterhole is the park’s main attraction. The park is scenically attractive and provides opportunities for camping, birdwatching and photography.
Places to see
Hell Hole Gorge is part of the Powell plateau which forms part of the Grey Range. The deeply incised Powell Creek with steep, dissected escarpments and vertical cliffs up to 45m high, drains through the centre of the area along with the smaller Spencer and Gorge Creek. Be careful of the edges as you wander around the waterholes and into the rugged gullies, or head to the lookout above Spencer’s Waterhole.
Keep an eye out for the yellow-footed rock wallabies bounding up the ridges or the spinifex pigeons wandering through the groundcover. If you are close to the water keep an eye out for the Krefft’s river turtles and marvel at their beauty as they dip into the water when disturbed.
Access roads within the National Park follow old seismic lines and boundary fences. A 4WD is a must for this adventure as the roads are unsealed as you leave Adavale and can become impassable in the wet.
Camping is permitted at the National Park, however, it is recommended you organise a camping permit from the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre. Or jump online before you leave Quilpie as there is limited to no mobile reception at the park.