Salvator Rosa, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Pitch your tent on the broad sandy bank at Nogoa River camping area. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Sunset over Salvator Rosa section Carnarvon National Park. Photo credit: Brendon Moodie © Queensland Government

Nogoa River (Salvator Rosa section) camping area

Camp on the broad sandy bank of the Nogoa River, set in a rugged landscape of sandstone outcrops and open woodland.

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Wood-fired barbecue (BYO wood)
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Campervan camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Cultural and historic sites

Always check

Relax in peaceful surrounds on the banks of the Nogoa River amongst river red gums, poplar box and rough-barked apple trees. Once you've set up camp, grab a cuppa and go for a stroll along the river. Look for the blue flash of a sacred kingfisher as it searches for food, and listen for the mournful call of a nearby pheasant coucal.

Feel a sense of history at this camping area. The park’s first known European explorer, Sir Thomas Mitchell, camped here in 1864, naming the site Pyramid’s Camp. His party and their bullocks rested here after exploring the wild and rugged country to the north.

Getting there and getting around

Nogoa River camping area is in the Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, between Tambo and Springsure and is accessible for 4WD only.

  • Nogoa River camping area is 2.4km from the park entrance.

  • To reach Salvator Rosa from Springsure, drive 168km west along the Dawson Developmental Road to the Salvator Rosa turn-off and drive south 50km via Cungelella to the park entrance.

  • From Tambo, there are two routes into the park:

    • Head north on the Dawson Developmental Road for 42km. Turn right to head east and stay on the Dawson Developmental Road for a further 89km. Turn right onto Cungelella Road for 24km then veer left to continue on Cungelella Road for a further 14km. Turn right at Salvator Rosa Road and travel approximately 16km to the park entrance.
    • The second route is for high-clearance 4WDs only. Head south on the Landsborough Highway for 8km, then turn left onto Mt Playfair Road (Wilderness Way) and drive 33km.Turn left to stay on Mt Playfair Road for another 63km. Turn right onto Cungelella Road and drive 14km, then turn right at Salvator Rosa Road and travel 16km to the Nogoa River camping area. Please note, the majority of the road names are not signposted at the intersections.

Warning: travel can be unexpectedly slow on these unsealed roads. Be aware of bull dust, sand and changing conditions—roads can become impassable after rain. Please respect the rights of property owners and leave all gates as you find them.

  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Nogoa River camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Image of Nogoa River camping area.

Nogoa River camping area.

Photo credit: Lynn Schluter © Queensland Government

Camping area features: situated on a broad sandy bank beside the Nogoa River.

Location: 2.4km from the park entrance.

Map: Salvator Rosa section map (PDF, 334.6KB)

Access: the camping area can be reached by 4WD vehicle only. It is accessible for off-road camper trailers; off-road campervans.

Number of sites: open area without separately defined sites.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car; off-road campervans; off-road camper trailers; large groups.

Camp site surface: sand.

Facilities: pit toilet.

Open fires: permitted in fire rings only, except when fire bans or prohibitions apply. Bring your own clean-milled firewood. Do not bring in or collect bush wood. Fuel stoves are recommended.

Generators: prohibited.

Essentials to bring: drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, a well-equipped first-aid kit, gas cooking equipment and sufficient food and fuel for the return trip. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings and fees: Camping permits are required and fees apply.  Book online.

If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Mobile phone coverage: not available.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Salvator Rosa safely and camp with care.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts