While southerners lay claim to the oldest national park in Queensland at Mount Tamborine near Brisbane, Far North Queenslanders can argue for the title.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, has advised that a search of archives shows Barron Falls National Park might be able to claim the unofficial honour. The information was uncovered during research undertaken while planning celebrations for this year's centenary of National Parks in Queensland. On 19 September 1900, more than seven years before Mount Tamborine was declared the first ‘official' Queensland national park in March 1908, a temporary reserve for national park was proclaimed at Barron Falls.

Witches Falls at Tamborine Mountain near Brisbane celebrated its centenary in March this year, but the 7,000 hectare parcel of land at Barron Falls was recognised as National Park in 1940, and has since been re-named Barron Gorge National Park.

The Baron Gorge National Park is a wonderful example of the natural beauty that can be found in the Far North. The park has a diverse landscape which supports a rich variety of animals, including possums, tree-kangaroos, flying-foxes and spotted-tailed quolls. There is an abundance of brightly coloured birds and butterflies that contrast with the lush green rainforest, including the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly. Endangered cassowaries also inhabit this beautiful park.

Unfortunately, despite lobbying for a change by Steve Wettenhall, Minister McNamara said that Mount Tamborine will retain its title as Queensland's first National Park. "While Barron Falls was identified as a potential national park site, it was never officially proclaimed as such," Mr McNamara said. "Mount Tamborine was the first national park in Queensland to be proclaimed under The State Forests and National Parks Act (1906)". Whatever its place in the national park timeline, Barron Gorge National Park has a rich history, and is of significant interest. It was the first national park in Queensland to have a native title determination. The park is a journey through Queensland's past, containing evidence of traditional use by the Djirri Nyundu Nyrrumba people, miners' bottle dumps and the remains of shanties and rail workers' camps.

Steve Wettenhall and Minister McNamara at Barron Falls lookout