Qld national parks receive boost

Picture pristine wilderness, flowing creeks and rugged mountains that would fill nearly 10,000 Suncorp Stadiums.

That's the amount of rainforest and bush added to Queensland's national parks by the state government on Thursday.

More than 11,000 hectares of forest in central and north Queensland have been upgraded to national park status, including areas near Cairns, Bundaberg, Townsville and Mackay.

"Queensland has some of the most incredible natural environments in the world," National Parks Minister Steven Miles said.

"We want to preserve them for future generations to explore and enjoy."

Dr Miles said about eight per cent of the state was now protected.

The picturesque Kuranda National Park near Cairns was one of the areas expanded.

There are more than 300 national parks in the sunshine state, now covering 8.7 million hectares.