Kroombit-Tops-Nationalpark
The Kroombit - Tops National Park (English: Kroombit Tops National Park ) is a national park in the eastern part of the Australian state of Queensland. It is located 399 km north-west of Brisbane and 80 kilometers south-west of Gladstone in the valley of the River Boyne.
The park consists of two separate sections, which are connected by the Kroombit Tops State Forest. Around 25 kilometers south is the Cania Gorge National Park.
History
For the Aborigines, the area had an important significance for thousands of years. Since the end of the 19th century, when they found gold there, operated European settlers mining, ranching and timber industry.
In February 1945, an American B24 Liberator bomber - called Beautiful Betsy crashed in the area of today's national parks. The wreck was discovered on August 2, 1994.
Provincial nature
The National Park is located on a sandstone plateau on the Northern Slope of the Dawes Range. Rock steps, valleys, gorges and waterfalls characterize this area. The southeast of the park has a wetter climate than the dry northwest.
Flora and Fauna
The hills and valleys are covered with eucalyptus and subtropical rainforest. There you will find over 850 different species of plants, many of which are considered rare or endangered.
The park is a sanctuary for the endemic Kroombit - Tinker Frog ( Taudactylus pleione ). This species is so rare that it is thought that there are only a few hundred copies.
A small population of Brumbies runs through the park. From time to time, these horses must be captured in order to reduce their number.
Recreation and Facilities
As leisure activities recommended for this park bird watching, hiking and off-road tours. The tents in the park is prohibited. There are three hiking trails to the Rainforest Walk ( 300 meters), the Beautiful Betsy Bomber Crash Site Walk ( 700 meters) and the Escarpment Track ( 13 km ). For off-road driver a 35 km long course was created.
Driveway
The National Park can be reached (4 kilometers west of Calliope exit) from the Dawson Highway. Here, turn on the connecting road Gladstone - Monto and 500 yards on the Tableland Road. Follow this road 68 km far to the entrance of the park.
Many roads to and within the park are suitable only in dry weather for road vehicles.