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We planned a long weekend away from Brisbane to camp in the Northern Tablelands, with a big focus on hiking Bald Rock National Park and other national parks nearby. We were looking for a way to take a break from hiking while still connecting with nature – and that’s how we found Quoll Headquarters, nestled between Girraween, Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp national parks.
Our visit to Quoll Headquarters was positive, educational and inspiring. It’s a fantastic experience for anyone interested in native wildlife, conservation, or learning more about the unique ecosystems of the Northern Tablelands. If you’re travelling through the Tenterfield area or exploring nearby national parks on the Granite Belt, I highly recommend adding Quoll Headquarters to your itinerary – it’s a great way to support a genuine conservation initiative while learning something new.
Why we chose Quoll Headquarters
We’d previously visited Aussie Ark, another large fenced reserve near Barrington Tops National Park, and loved the experience. So when we read about Quoll Headquarters, we were curious to see how it compared. As it’s privately owned, we first made sure it was genuinely focused on conservation and aligned with the kind of experiences we enjoy. We prefer visiting places where animal welfare and conservation come first – not zoos where animals can’t roam freely or encounters designed mainly for entertainment.
Quoll Headquarters ticked all the boxes. It’s a registered charity, meaning your visit directly supports conservation projects, and the land Steve purchased has been officially recognised and protected by the NSW Government in perpetuity. Even more impressive – 100% of donations go straight to wildlife conservation outcomes, with no wages or admin costs.
A genuine conservation experience
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t a tourist attraction but a place built on passion and purpose. Steve and Bianca are truly dedicated and generous with their knowledge, yet remain incredibly humble. We learnt not only about native animals and the threats they face, but also about the science and practical work behind conservation – something we rarely get to hear about.
At the start of the tour, we saw rescued wallabies, wallaroos and possums up close. Later, we explored the broader reserve – a mix of ecosystems with natural bushlands, rocky areas, and fascinating wetlands shaped by Steve. It was interesting to see how these different habitats support a variety of species.
While we didn’t spot a quoll (they’re mostly nocturnal and very shy), we got to visit one’s den and check the footage of the motion-triggered camera nearby. It showed that the quoll had been out just a few minutes before our arrival – such a thrill to know it was there!
What’s special about quolls?
Quolls are small carnivorous marsupials native to Australia, roughly the size of a cat (they’re even called chat marsupial in French, meaning “marsupial cat”). They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators, helping to keep populations of smaller animals in balance.
Before European settlement, at least one quoll species could be found in most parts of Australia. Sadly, they’ve become increasingly rare due to habitat loss and introduced species like wild dogs, cane toads, foxes and cats. Spotting one in the wild today is extremely difficult, which made learning about them and seeing a wild quoll’s den at Quoll Headquarters even more special.
Learning beyond wildlife
We also learnt a lot about the region itself – its climate, flora and fauna, and the conservation challenges of the Northern Tablelands. As we were spending several days exploring the surrounding national parks, it was great to gain a deeper understanding of the landscape. Steve also gave us some great tips for nearby parks and scenic spots, pointing out many of them from the 360-degree viewpoint on his property.
Morning tea and lunch were included, and the food was handmade and prepared to accommodate our dietary needs. Sharing the meal while chatting with Steve really felt like part of the experience – not just a break in the schedule.
Vision and impact
Beyond the lovely story behind its creation – where he finally saw a quoll after ten years of searching – what stood out most was Steve’s genuine passion and inspiring vision for the future of the reserve. Quoll Headquarters is still in its early stages, yet already making a meaningful impact. Seeing it at this point in its journey was fascinating – quite different from our visit to Aussie Ark, which is further along in its development.
Tips for your visit
- Allow plenty of time to get there. The unsealed road to Quoll Headquarters was in great condition, but we still drove very slowly as there was wildlife everywhere!
- Bring warm clothes – it can get cold at altitude.
- Wear hiking or trail shoes (and I always prefer long pants in this environment).
- Download offline maps or a GPS route, as phone coverage is very limited in the Northern Tablelands.
- Stay nearby in Tenterfield, Robinson’s cabin or camping, so you don’t have to rush and can take time to explore this stunning region after visiting Quoll Headquarters – you’ll appreciate it even more once you’ve learnt about it.
Responsible travel tip: Always drive slowly in Australia, especially around dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active. Kangaroos, wallabies, possums and other animals often cross the road unexpectedly, and slowing down not only keeps them safe but also prevents serious accidents.
Where is Quoll Headquarters?
Quoll Headquarters is nestled between several Granite Belt national parks – Girraween, Bald Rock, Boonoo Boonoo and Basket Swamp – in the Northern Tablelands, about 20km north of Tenterfield. It took us around four hours to drive there from Brisbane on a very scenic road. While the location is remote, it was easy to find using our GPS, and the signs are clearly visible from Mt Lindesay Road.
