Arcadia Valley

Lake Nuga Nuga (pictured) is inside Nuga Nuga National Park and is the largest natural body of water in the Central Queensland Highlands. The Karingbal people’s belief is that the lake was created by a pair of Mundagurri (Rainbow Serpents) that now reside under the two dominating peaks at the northern shoreline of the lake.

You can camp on the banks of the lake but there are no visitor facilities so come prepared! QLD Parks and Wildlife Service has some great advice here.

Explore the serenity of the lake by canoe, taking in the spectacular display of waterlillies which flower at times during the year – generally between November and April.

The lake provides a valuable habitat for water birds, making it a twitcher’s delight.

We highly recommend you travel only in a 4WD, and a 4WD becomes essential after rain.

The Lonesome section of the Expedition National Park can be accessed from Arcadia Valley. Stop at the lookout and take in the spectacular views. Camping is available (permit required from QLD Parks and Wildlife Service)

The 245km return Arcadia Explorer is one of the self-drive trails detailed in the pull-out Touring Map, which can be found in the free Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Guide.

Explore More…

Arcadia Valley

Nestled between the Expedition and Carnarvon Ranges, Arcadia Valley lives up to the Greek origins of its name, Ideal Paradise….

EXPLORE MORE

Bauhinia

Located on the Dawson Highway and close to the south-east border of Central Queensland Highlands, the small town of Bauhinia…

EXPLORE MORE

Blackdown Tableland

EXPLORE BLACKDOWN Rising abruptly above the surrounding plains, Blackdown Tableland National Park is a cool oasis. Covering approximately 47,950 hectares,…

EXPLORE MORE

Blackwater

Blackwater, known as the coal capital of Queensland, is a town filled with a rich history and a heart-warming community….

EXPLORE MORE

Bluff

Originally known as Duckworth, the town name was changed in 1877 to Bluff to match the name of the railway…

EXPLORE MORE

Bogantungan

While today Bogantungan is just a few houses on the highway, it has its place in history. On 26 February…

EXPLORE MORE

Capella

EXPLORE CAPELLA Located within the famous Peak Downs District, this town is renowned for fertile soils, historical relics and spectacular…

EXPLORE MORE

Carnarvon Gorge

EXPLORE CARNARVON Immerse yourself in wilderness and embrace Mother Nature as you wind through the deep and dramatic gorge system,…

EXPLORE MORE

Comet

Comet was named after the Comet River that runs close to the township. The river itself was named by German…

EXPLORE MORE

Dingo

Nestled in grazing country, Dingo is named after the wild Australian dog that roamed the area. The town sits at…

EXPLORE MORE

Duaringa

The welcoming gateway to the Central Queensland Highlands, Duaringa dates back to the 1870s. Duaringa’s Historial Museum and Tourism Information…

EXPLORE MORE

Emerald

EXPLORE EMERALD Named not after the gem, but for the lush green pastures that surrounded the town, Emerald was established…

EXPLORE MORE

Lake Maraboon

EXPLORE LAKE MARABOON Located 25kms south-west of Emerald, Lake Maraboon is Queensland’s second largest lake and a favourite with locals…

EXPLORE MORE

Rolleston

Rolleston lies in the centre of a rich, resourceful and beautiful valley. The sandstone cliffs that follow the Carnarvon, Expedition…

EXPLORE MORE

Sapphire Gemfields

EXPLORE THE GEMFIELDS Come on a real-life treasure hunt in the Sapphire Gemfields, one of the largest sapphire bearing areas…

EXPLORE MORE

Springsure

Springsure’s name was derived from the permanent springs in the creeks and gullies at the time of settlement in the…

EXPLORE MORE