Parks and reserves
Visitor guide
Featuring Annan River (Yuku Baja-Muliku) National Park and Resources Reserve Black Mountain National Park Cape Melville National Park Endeavour River National Park Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) Heathlands Resources Reserve Jardine River National Park Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park Mount Cook National Park Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL)
Great state. Great opportunity. Cape York Peninsula parks and reserves Thursday Possession Island National Park Island Pajinka Bamaga Jardine River Resources Reserve
Denham Group National Park Jardine River Eliot Creek Jardine River National Park Eliot Falls
Heathlands Resources Reserve Captain Billy Landing Raine Island National Park (Scientific) Saunders Islands Legend National Park National park Sir Charles Hardy Group National Park Mapoon Resources reserve Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) Wen Olive River loc Conservation park k River Wuthara Island National Park (CYPAL) Kutini-Payamu Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) Water Moreton (Iron Range) Telegraph Station National Park Chilli Beach Waterway Mission River Weipa (CYPAL) Ma’alpiku Island National Park (CYPAL) Napranum Sealed road Lockhart Lockhart River Unsealed road
Scale 0 50 100 km Aurukun Archer River Oyala Thumotang Sandbanks National Park Roadhouse National Park (CYPAL) A r ch KULLA (McIlwraith Range) National Park (CYPAL) er River C o e KULLA (McIlwraith Range) Resources Reserve n
River Claremont Isles National Park Coen Marpa National Park (CYPAL) Flinders Group Port Stewart Lama Lama National Park Cape Melville National Park National Park Cliff (CYPAL) Islands Howick Group National Park Turtle Group National Park Lizard Island National Park Musgrave Roadhouse Rinyirru Starcke National Park Pormpuraaw (Lakefield) Jack River National Park National Park Three Islands Group (CYPAL) National Park Alwal National Rinyirru Park (CYPAL) Hann River (Lakefield) Endeavour River Errk Oykangand Roadhouse Resources Reserve National Park National Cooktown Kowanyama Park (CYPAL) Mount Cook National Park M Laura Normanby River i tc h Annan River National Park e er l iv l e R and Resources Reserve R Alic iv e r Palmer Goldfields Keatings Lagoon Lakeland Resources Reserve Conservation park Palmer River Black Mountain Roadhouse National Park Daintree Staate n River Port Douglas Mossman Staaten River National Park Cairns Mareeba
Chillagoe Chillagoe Mungana Atherton Caves National Park Karumba Bulleringa Normanton National Park
Legend for brochure symbols These symbols are used throughout the brochure to organise information.
Be crocwise Culture Wildlife viewing Places to visit Camping Boat access
Safety Nature Walks Fishing Car access
2 Travelling the wild north Cape York Peninsula features landscapes of unsurpassed beauty and immense diversity, rich with Aboriginal traditions and customs, and European history. Travelling in this vast and remote area requires detailed preparation and planning.
is higher in rough conditions and the time Parks and reserves Driving taken to travel distances is also longer. Parks and reserves throughout the peninsula Roads There are many unmarked tracks and side roads protect diverse landscapes and provide The main access route through Cape York on Cape York Peninsula. Some are on private opportunities for visitors to enjoy these special Peninsula is the Peninsula Developmental property; others are management roads and not places. Recently, a new class of national Road, which is sealed to Lakeland Downs for public use. Keep to the main roads and carry park was created—national park (Cape York and most of the way to Laura. North of Laura, the latest edition of a Cape York Peninsula road Peninsula Aboriginal Land)—in recognition of a well-formed gravel road extends north map for detailed information. Indigenous connection to the land. All national to the Moreton Telegraph Station. Further parks on the peninsula, and some offshore north, the Telegraph Road, which follows Gear and supplies islands, are being changed to national park the now-dismantled telegraph line through Fuel, most standard supplies, and some repair (CYPAL). Some parks have already changed. the peninsula, is not maintained. Bypass services are available at towns and roadhouses These new parks will be managed jointly by roads provide alternative access to ‘the tip’ but spare parts are not always available. Visitors the Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the of the peninsula, avoiding numerous creek need to be self-sufficient with adequate food, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). crossings and rough sections. water, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment. QPWS ranger bases do not supply any of The inland route to Cooktown (from Lakeland When to visit these items, or drinking water. Downs) is sealed while the coastal route (via The dry season (May to October) is the best Cape Tribulation) is unsealed. Communication time to visit Cape York Peninsula. May, June and Mobile phone coverage is generally not July are usually cool dry months with maximum For travelling on unsealed roads, a four- available in Cape York Peninsula, although day time temperatures averaging 28–30 °C. wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. some networks may have service in major From August to October, temperatures increase, Road conditions vary throughout the area and towns. It is essential to travel with other lagoons dry up and many rivers stop flowing. the seasons. Dust, pot-holes, creek crossings, communication equipment, such as a satellite During the wet season (November to April) roads corrugations, livestock and wildlife are phone or UHF radio. It is also advisable to carry become impassable and parks are closed. potential driving hazards. Fuel consumption a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Visitor facilities and opportunities #
Park/Reserve Page Camping Toilets Drinking water Day-use area / Lookout platform – Walks short – Walks long Boating Fishing** Generators permitted Alwal NP (CYPAL) - Annan (Yuku Baja-Muliku) River NP 7 Black Mountain NP 6 Cape Melville NP 10 Endeavour River NP 7 Errk Oykangand NP (CYPAL) - Flinders Group NP - Jardine River NP and Heathlands RR 14,15 * Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) NP (CYPAL) 12,13 * Keatings Lagoon CP 7 KULLA (McIllwraith Range) NP (CYPAL) - Lama Lama NP (CYPAL) - Lizard Island NP - Oyala Thumotang NP (CYPAL) 11 Marpa NP (CYPAL) Mount Cook NP 7 Palmer Goldfields Resources Reserve - Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL) 8,9 * * specified camping areas only ** subject to marine park zoning and # Treat before drinking fisheries regulations, see page 5 3 Camping Camping at parks and reserves on Cape York Peninsula is a great way to experience ‘the cape’. Adam Creed, EHP Creed, Adam
Where can I camp? 65 dB(A) at a distance of 7 m from the When should I book? generator, between 8 am and 7 pm. Many camp sites in popular parks and reserves Camp at: Generators cannot be used at any other parks. are in great demand during peak periods, such as long weekends and school holidays. It is • Cape Melville National Park Fires advisable to plan your trip and book your camp • Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park Fuel stoves are recommended. Open fires sites well in advance for these times. For non-peak (CYPAL) are allowed in all camping areas (except periods, it is still advisable to book camp sites before you leave home or before arriving on the • Jardine River National Park/Heathlands when fire bans apply). Fire rings or existing fireplaces must be used where provided and peninsula as communications on the peninsula Resources Reserve can be unreliable. • Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) firewood must be collected from outside the park or reserve. Can I book along the way? • Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL). In some instances, you may need to make Detailed information about camping areas is Camping permits camping bookings along the way or you may want available online at
* Altering or cancelling a camping booking is subject to the refund policy, a condition of the e-permit. Adam Creed, EHP Creed, Adam
4 Fishing Freshwater and estuarine fishing is possible on several parks and reserves on Cape York Peninsula. Janie White, Janie White, NPRSR
Where can I fish? Fishing is allowed at:
Park/Reserve Restrictions Annan River (Yuku Baja-Muliku) NP Only in marine waters adjacent to the park, subject to marine park zoning Cape Melville NP Subject to marine park zoning Endeavour River NP Subject to marine park zoning Errk Oykangand NP (CYPAL) Jardine River NP and Heathlands RR Except Eliot Creek or the section of the Jardine River (and its tributaries) from the river mouth to a point 5 km upstream of the old Peninsula Developmental Road crossing. Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) NP (CYPAL) Only in marine waters adjacent to the park, subject to marine park zoning Oyala Thumotang NP (CYPAL) Except Peach Creek Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL) Except in restricted access areas; adjacent marine waters are subject to marine park zoning.
Fishing regulations Fishing regulations apply to all fishing and collecting in national and marine parks. Be crocwise Watch children closely Obtain information on bag and size limits, Cape York Peninsula is crocodile country. Children may find it difficult to understand restricted species and seasonal closures Crocodiles are native to Australia and play and reliably follow crocodile safety advice. from Fisheries Queensland at
Tourism Queensland Tourism Most crocodile attacks occur when people around boat ramps and camp sites can are swimming, wading or lingering near attract crocodiles and endanger lives. the water’s edge. Crocodiles can approach Marine park zoning unseen even in shallow water. They lunge Never approach, feed All waters adjacent to coastal national parks from the water and seize prey with lightning or harass crocodiles are protected within the Great Barrier Reef speed—victims seldom see them coming. People have been attacked feeding Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Coast Crocodiles can be attracted by fishing crocodiles or getting close for a better look or Marine Park. Marine parks are zoned to activities. Never stand in or near the a photo. Stay well away from all crocodiles. balance recreational and commercial use water when fishing or cleaning fish. If you It is illegal and very dangerous to feed or with conservation objectives. Obtain zoning must go to the water’s edge or enter the disturb crocodiles—even small ones. maps for information on fishing and other water (for example, to launch a boat) work Your safety is our concern permitted activities from the Great Barrier quickly while keeping a good lookout. but your responsibility. Reef Marine Park Authority
5 Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Reserve Mountain range Water Water Mountain Waterway Waterway Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Minor unsealed road 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 4WD track 4WD track Mountain range Camping area Camping area Toilet Ranger base Ranger base
Viewpoint Scale 0 10 20 30 km Viewing platform Estuarine boat access Airstrip
Scale 0 5 10 15 km
Legend Legend National park (CYPAL) Legend Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) Water National park National park (CYPAL) Waterway Resources reserve Resources reserve Sealed road Water
Waterway Minor unsealed road Waterway Major unsealed road 4WD track Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Walking track Minor unsealed road 4WD track Mountain 4WD track Private road Camping areaParks aroundCamping Cooktown area Mountain range Toilet Toilet Mountain Walking track Drinking waterSeveral parks with day visitor facilities offering a Ranger base Ranger base Ranger baserange of experiences can be accessed from Cooktown. Day-use area Lookout Fuel Camping area Day-use area
Scale 0 3 6 9 12 km Scale Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km
Legend Queensland Tourism Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Black Mountain Conservation park National park/ Endeavour River National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) National Park National Park Water iver Aboriginal freehold land ur R Aboriginal freehold land vo Waterway An imposing mountain of massive ea C End Cooktown Environmental reserve o Environmental reserve granite boulders, stacked o k Sealed road to w Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation precariously on one another, is the n Mount M r Road Unsealed road Reserve Reserve highlight of this park. cIvor Rive Cook Mountain range Keatings Lagoon Water Water The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Mount Cook Conservation Park Mountain this area are the Kuku Bididji and Kuku National Park Waterway Waterway Nyungkul clans of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Mount Barnett Major unsealed road River Minor unsealed road an people. Black Mountain, known as Kalkajaka n n M Scale Minor unsealed road k A 4WD track Oaky Cree u 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km (place of spear), has great cultural significance lliga n
and is the source of many dreaming stories. H 4WD track Mountain range i g
h w Walker a Camping area
y Camping area The boulder-strewn slopes appear Annan River Bay (Yuku Baja-Muliku) barren but large fig trees draw Toilet Ranger base water from deep within the mountain National Park Ranger base and rainforest plants surround its base. Mount Annan River Ellen (Yuku Baja-Muliku) Some animals—the Black Mountain skink, Viewpoint Scale Black Mountain gecko and Black Mountain Resources Reserve 0 10 20 30 km Arche Viewing platform T r Poin boulderfrog—live here and nowhere else. r t Road ev eth Archer Point an Estuarine boat access From near the car park, a viewing area C re M e o k u Airstrip overlooks the eastern side of the crest n t A of the boulder fields but there is no access m o s R to the mountain. Look for Godman’s rock- oad A n Scale wallabies and the glistening black skin of the n a Walsh Bay 0 5 10 15 km n Black Mountain skink among the boulders. R iv e Black Mountain r National Park n Highw liga ay Safety ul Black Mountain M Legend Visitors are responsible for their To Lakeland/Cairns Legend Amos Bay own safety (see page 16). National park (CYPAL) Legend To Bloomfield/Cairns Oyala Thumotang • Do not risk injury by venturing onto Trevethan RangeNational Park (CYPAL) Water National park the boulder field—people have been National park (CYPAL) Waterway Resources reserve injured and have died attempting to Resources reserve Sealed road Water climb Black Mountain. Black Mountain, Queensland. Waterway Minor unsealed road Waterway On the Mulligan Highway, 25 km south Major unsealed road 4WD track Major unsealed road of Cooktown or 4 km north of Helenvale Minor unsealed road Walking track Minor unsealed road (via the coastal route to Cooktown). 4WD track Mountain 4WD track Private road Camping area Camping area Why is it black? Mountain range Toilet Toilet Granite is actually pinkish-grey— Mountain Walking track Drinking water these boulders appear black because of microscopic algae and lichens Ranger base Ranger base Ranger base growing on the exposed surfaces. Day-use area Lookout Fuel
Camping area Queensland Tourism Day-use area
Scale 6 0 3 6 9 12 km Scale Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km Keatings Lagoon Mount Cook Conservation Park National Park This park protects scenic wetlands Rugged rainforest-clad Mount Cook surrounding Meldrum Creek, an provides a scenic backdrop to the important habitat for waterbirds. township of Cooktown. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of The Waymbuurr clan of the Guugu this park are the Waymbuurr clan of Yimmithirr Aboriginal people retain the Guugu Yimidhirr people who have used connection with this area. The mountain was this area as a source of food and medicine named Mount Cook in honour of Lieutenant for thousands of years. James Cook. The lagoon is a refuge for thousands Grasslands on the southern slopes of waterbirds, especially in the give way to rainforest and tropical dry season (May to October) when they woodland with a heath understorey on the flock here to feast on the rich aquatic mountain’s upper slopes and in sheltered life. Waterlilies, sedges and algae in and gullies. The park is home to the large View from Mount Cook. Janie White, NPRSR around the lagoon also provide food, amethystine python and northern quoll. shelter and nest sites. Mount Cook summit walking track Wawu Balgal Bubu walk 6 km return (4 hrs), Grade: difficult Endeavour River 1.4 km return (1 hr), Grade: easy This track climbs steeply through woodland National Park Walk through woodland along the edge of and rainforest to a lookout with views over Extensive mangrove forests along the lagoon to the wheelchair-accessible the Great Barrier Reef to the east and the the river provide a nursery for many bird hide where signs identify commonly- Endeavour valley to the west. The walk species of fish and crustaceans. Away from seen water birds. returns along the same track. the river, tropical woodlands, seasonal Look for magpie geese, radjah Look for pied imperial-pigeons and melaleuca swamps and heathlands extend shelducks, black-necked storks, buff-breasted paradise-kingfishers into the Endeavour valley. comb-crested jacanas and royal spoonbills. in the summer months; and also brush- The lower reaches of the Endeavour turkeys, ground-dwelling rainbow skinks River are within the Great Barrier Reef and tree snakes. Coast Marine Park; zoning restrictions and Be crocwise in croc country fishing regulations apply (see page 5). (see page 5) Safety This park can only be explored by boat. Visitors are responsible for their Access is from boat ramps on Webber Safety own safety (see page 16). Esplanade in Cooktown and at ‘Stonewall’ in Visitors are responsible for their • Avoid bites, stings and scratches— Marton, just outside Cooktown. own safety (see page 16). wear protective clothing. • Mosquito repellent is recommended. Be crocwise in croc country (see page 5) From the Cooktown Hospital, follow the national park signs to Hannan Turn off the Mulligan Highway, Drive car park where the track begins. 5 km south of Cooktown.
Annan River (Yuku Baja- Keatings Lagoon. Muliku) National Park Right: Black-necked stork (jabiru). and Resources Reserve Tidal flats, coastal dunes and hills of granite and metamorphic rocks support a high diversity of plant communities, providing habitats for endangered red goshawks, masked and rufous owls, burrowing snakes and near threatened Bennett’s tree-kangaroos. Travel through the park and reserve to reach Archer Point, which offers scenic views near the Archer Point lighthouse. Take the Archer Point Road turn-off from the Mulligan Highway, 15 km south of Cooktown. This road is suitable for all vehicles although the track up to the lighthouse is suitable only for four-wheel- drive vehicles. NPRSR
7 Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL)
Coastal mangroves and mudflats in the north give way to extensive grasslands dotted with termite mounds, woodlands, vast river systems and wetlands. In the south, sandstone hills and escarpments dominate the landscape. Adam Creed, EHP Creed, Adam
Nine different Aboriginal clans Kalpowar discovery walk Rarda-Ndolphin (Low Lake) and made up of at least 75 key family 4 km (1.5 hrs) Grade: easy Sweetwater Lake groups occupied this area prior to In the north-west of the park, these picturesque From the Kalpowar Crossing camping area, European settlement. The landscape has lakes feature colourful lilies and a range of the walk meanders through vine forest along major Aboriginal cultural significance, wetland birds. Visitor access at Rarda-Ndolphin the Normanby River and loops back through containing sites associated with occupation, is limited to the car park and viewing area—the open woodland, passing picturesque ceremonies and stories of ancestral spirits. remainder of the area is a restricted access area. waterholes along the way. Camping is not permitted at Rarda-Ndolphin. In the wet season, the large river White Lily and Red Lily lagoons systems of the Normanby, Morehead Old Laura Homestead About 8 km north of the Lakefield and North Kennedy rivers overflow to flood In the southern part of the park, ranger base, visit White Lily Lagoon to see vast areas, before draining into Princess a short distance off Battle Camp Road, a carpet of white lilies then visit the nearby Charlotte Bay. During the dry season, rivers is the historic site of the Old Laura Homestead. viewing platform at Red Lily Lagoon for a and creeks shrink, leaving large permanent Explore the buildings that were once the spectacular display of red lotus lilies. waterholes and lagoons, which attract a original homestead for Laura Station. variety of waterbirds. The floodplains are Nifold Plain Around the waterholes, in the early clad in eucalypt and paperbark woodlands, The road north of Hann Crossing morning or late afternoon, look and grasslands with patches of the unique passes through the vast grasslands for waterbirds including magpie geese, corypha palm covering the marine plain. of the Nifold Plain. This treeless, flat comb-crested jacanas, black-necked storks, Barramundi live in the rivers, along with landscape, dotted with termite mounds, brolgas, sarus cranes and ducks. Look for crocodiles and the critically endangered is home to a variety of animals, including crocodiles along river banks and wallabies freshwater speartooth shark. finches and bustards. in open woodland and grasslands. Camping opportunities range from secluded sites near scenic waterholes to large camping areas at major river Old Laura Homestead. crossings. Camping areas in the northern section of the park (north of Hann Crossing) include camp sites on the Annie, Normanby and Bizant rivers and Saltwater Creek. The central section camping areas include the popular Hann Crossing, along the river banks near the North Kennedy River causeway, and Kalpowar Crossing, an 8 km stretch of permanent fresh waterholes on the Normanby River. Camping areas in the southern section (around New Laura) include sites on the Normanby, Kennedy and Laura rivers. Kalpowar Crossing has toilets, cold showers and taps and Hann Crossing has toilets. There are no facilities at other camping areas. Camping permits are required and must be purchased before arriving at your camp site (see page 4). These camping areas are very popular during peak periods. Book your camp site and obtain your permit well in advance. Generators are permitted at all camping areas
except Kalpowar Crossing (see page 4). EHP Creed, Adam
8 Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Reserve
Mountain range Water Water
Mountain Waterway Waterway Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Minor unsealed road 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Legend 4WD track Legend Legend National4WD park track Mountain range Lama Lama Rinyirru (Lakefield) Princess Charlotte Bay Camping area Cape Melville National Park Resources reserve NationalCamping Park area (CYPAL) National Park N Cape Melville (CYPAL) o r m Toilet National Park Ranger base a Conservation park National park/ National park/ B n i b Annie River A n n ie R ive r z National park (CYPAL) y National park (CYPAL) a Ranger base R Water n i t v Jeanette e Aboriginal freehold land Five Mile Creek R r Viewpoint Aboriginal freehold land i Hill Scale Saltwater v Waterway e 0 10 20 30 km Crossing r d Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Brown Creek Viewing platform oa d N ka R k ort Sealed road akoo ee a h K W r o ennedy C R Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation R le i Mi La v Estuarine boat access s ive k e Unsealed road Reserve
n F e r Bizant Reserve i f reek Bottom Whiphandle Waterhole ie C a l ld Nifold n River P Airstrip
w Mountain range
o Water
a Walkers r Water Plain
in r B Top Whiphandle Waterhole a Basin J Hill To Musgrave R am M k T Mountain e Rarda-Ndolphin o i Waterway Roadhouse e Hole n Waterway r a C C (Low Lake) d re Scale Orange Plain Waterhole r ek te 0 5 10 15 km Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road a w lt Scale Melaleuca Waterhole a Minor unsealed road 4WD track S 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Sweetwater Lake Hann Red Lily Lagoon 4WD track Mountain range r e Crossing iv Camping area R Legend Hanush’s Waterhole Camping area d Legend a e h r e National park (CYPAL) Toilet r e Old Breeza Legend Ranger base o v Midway Waterhole Oyala ThumotangM i ek R Homestead National Cre Park (CYPAL) Water RangerNational base park tine n en n White Lily rp a Kalpowar Crossing u H Lagoon T National park (CYPAL) Waterway ViewpointResources reserve Scale 0 10 20 30 km Resources reserve Sealed road ViewingWater platform N Lakefield orman by Mick Fienn Waterhole Waterway Minor unsealed road Estuarine boat access ranger base Waterway R
i k v ree e Jack River Major C unsealed road 4WD track r AirstripMajor unsealed road se National Park or H Rinyirru (Lakefield) d Minor unsealed road Walking track a Minor unsealed road e National Park (CYPAL) Dingo Waterhole k
D e e 4WD trackr Mountain Scale 4WD track C 0 5 10 15 km R y l Catfish o Privatea road Camping area c Old Faithful Waterhole e r Camping area k Waterhole H e y iv
Mountain range C R Toilet
r y Toilet e d Kennedy Bend
e L e N
k r a Mountain n Walkingve track o n i k r Drinking water e R e m y Legend K f a Legendd i n e e by Ranger base h n Ranger base R Twelve Mile Lagoon Ranger base t ld ive National park (CYPAL) r n r Legend o e KOyala Thumotang Day-use area P N Lookout Fuel eninsula De NationalNew Laura Park (CYPAL) Water National park ranger base Camping area National park (CYPAL) R Welcome Day-use area o WaterwayLake Resources reserve a v L d Waterhole
Scale i Emma elopmental Road t
Resources reserve t
l Sealed road Water
0 3 6 9 e 12 km
Scale k S Six Mile
e c Scale Waterwayre 0 10 20 30 40 km r Minor unsealed road Waterway C u Waterhole 0 10 20 30 km
y b d e b To Cooktown Majorn unsealed roady 4WD track Major unsealed road
n C ad e o r R K e p m Minor unsealed roade Ca Walking track e Battle Minor unsealed road l k t t i L Horseshoe 4WD track Old Laura Mountain 4WD track Homestead Lagoon D Private road e Camping area Camping area i g
h
t Mountain range o Toilet Toilet r n
e R v i Mountain i Walking track v Drinking water R
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a r r
Ranger base u Ranger base Ranger base
a Sarah Jess, NPRSR Jess, Sarah
L Day-use area To Cairns Lookout Fuel Laura Camping area Day-use area
Fishing is permitted in rivers and From the Scalesouth, turn off the Peninsula Be crocwise in croc country 0 3 6 9 12 km waterholes at all camping areas in the Scale Developmental Road, 2 km north Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km park. Canoes are not recommended due to (see page 5) of Laura. Drive 45 mins to the New Laura 0 10 20 30 km the presence of crocodiles. Limit boat speed ranger base and another 45 mins to the to prevent bank erosion and water turbidity. Lakefield ranger base. From Cooktown, take Fishing regulations apply (see page 5). Safety the Battle Camp Road (3 hrs to the New Visitors are responsible for their Laura ranger base). From the north, turn off The marine waters of Princess Charlotte own safety (see page 16). the Peninsula Developmental Road at the Bay, adjacent to the national park (CYPAL), Musgrave Roadhouse (3 hrs to the Lakefield are within the Great Barrier Reef and Great • Be alert for snakes when exploring ranger base). Barrier Reef Coast marine parks; zoning the area. Wear protective clothing restrictions and fishing regulations apply such as long trousers and closed- (see page 5). in shoes. Use lights when walking around at night and keep tents closed at all times.
9 Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Reserve
Mountain range Water Water
Mountain Waterway Waterway Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Minor unsealed road 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 4WD track 4WD track Mountain range Camping areaCape MelvilleCamping National area Park Toilet Ranger base Ranger base Rugged headlands, massive, tumbled granite boulders,
Viewpoint Scale sandstone escarpments0 10 and20 inland30 km dunelands make this Viewing platform a spectacularly diverse landscape. Janie White, NPRSR Estuarine boat access Airstrip Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Scale Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) 0 5 10 15 km National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Legend Waterway Legend Environmental reserve Environmental reserve National park (CYPAL) Sealed road Legend Oyala Thumotang The Aboriginal Traditional Owners Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road National Park (CYPAL) Water of this park are the Daarba, Junjuu, National park Reserve Reserve Flinders National park (CYPAL) Muli, Bagaarrmugu,Mountain Wurri, range Manyamarr, Resources reserve Water Bathurst Bay camping Waterway Group National Park Water Gambiilmugu and Yiirrku peoples. areas (Crocodile, Wongai, Resources reserve Sealed road Mountain Water WaterwayCape Melville Oystercatcher and Granite Waterway Over thousands of years of habitation, camping areas) Waterway Minor unsealedthey road developed a complex system of clan Waterway Major unsealed road Melville Range Minor unsealed road estates, languages, ceremonies, stories and Bathurst Head Major unsealed road 4WD track Scale Major unsealed road BathurstMinor unsealed road 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 4WD track sustainable resource-use practices. The area Bay Ninian Bay Minor unsealed road Walking track 4WD track is rich in history, stories, significant sites Minor unsealed road Kalpowar Barrow Point Mountain range Recreation 4WD track Mountain and traditional identity. 4WD track Camping area Ninian Bay camping area Reserve Camping area Private road Camping area Foxtail palms—with brush-like frondsCamping area CapeToilet Melville Ranger base and bottle-shaped trunks—decorate National Park Altanmoui Range Mountain range Toilet Ranger base the granite boulder-strewn landscape Toilet Wakooka Cape Bowen Outstation Mountain Walking trackof the Melville Range. Large hoop pines Drinking water Viewpoint Red Point Scale 0 10 20 30 km emerge spectacularly from the vine forests Murdoch Point Ranger base Ranger base Ranger base ViewingWakooka platform on the sandstone escarpments of the Jones Aboriginal Day-use area Lookout Estuarine boat accessGap Jeannie Altanmoui Range. Fuel Land River Camping area Airstrip Hummock Beach Crocodile, Wongai, Oystercatcher Day-use area Kalpowar Starcke River Scale and Granite camping areas are Aboriginal Ngulun 0 3 6 located9 12on km the eastern side of Bathurst Land Kalpowar Lookout Point Aboriginal Scale Bay near Cape Melville. CampingScale areas are Scale Aboriginal 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km 0 5 10 15 km Land Land on the beach—some with shady beach- Cape Kalpowar Jack River Starcke Ja Flattery front vegetation—bounded by tidal creeks. Lakefield ck National Park R National iv Ninian Bay camping area is on the east er Park coast of the park. There are no facilities. Rinyirru Legend Mount Webb (Lakefield) Legend National Park Camping permits are required and must be National Park National park (CYPAL) Legend purchased beforeOyala arriving Thumotang at your camp site (CYPAL) National Park (CYPAL) WaterN National park (see page 4). Generators are permitted at all orm a Melsonby n b camping areasNational (see page park 4).(CYPAL) Wongai trees Waterway y National Resources reserve R iv growing in this area have significance for the er Park Resources reserve Traditional Owners—please do not damage Sealed road Water Road mp Ca or disturb themWaterway in any way. Minor unsealed troadtle To Cooktown/Cairns Waterway Ba Hope Vale FishingMajor is allowed unsealed in all road creeks and 4WD track Major unsealed road rivers inMinor Cape unsealed Melville roadNational Park. Walking track Minor unsealed road Marine waters adjacent to the park are From the west, access is from Campers must be self-sufficient with within the Great4WD Barrier track Reef and Great Kalpowar CrossingMountain in Rinyirru food, water, fuel, vehicle4WD spare track parts and (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL). Drive Barrier Reef CoastPrivate marine road parks; zoning Camping area recovery equipment andCamping communications. area restrictions and fishing regulations apply about 70 km to Wakooka outstation and Mountain range (see page 5). an additional 4 kmToilet to the park boundary. Toilet Drive a further 35 km to the camping Mountain Walking track Found only here Drinking water areas at Bathurst Bay or 37 km to Ninian Be crocwiseRanger base in croc country Bay camping area.Ranger Sections base of this road Melville Range providesRanger habitat base for (see page 5) a variety of wildlife including special Day-use area are extremely roughLookout and can take up to Fuel 5 hrs to traverse. From the south, the animals such as the Godman’s Camping area challenging coastal route from Cooktown rock-wallaby, the tropicalDay-use ring- area Safety tailed gecko and several endemic to WakookaScale outstation is about 180 km Visitors are responsible for their and can take0 up to3 12 hrs6 to traverse.9 12 km species—Fuhn’s snake-eyed skink, Scale the Melville ScaleRange treefrog and the 0 own10 safety (see20 page30 16). 40 km Access to camping areas in the park 0 10 20 30 km involves beach four-wheel-driving and Cape Melville boulderfrog. tidal creek crossings.
10 Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Reserve
Mountain range Water Water
Mountain Waterway Waterway Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Minor unsealed road 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 4WD track 4WD track Mountain range Camping area Camping area Toilet Ranger base Ranger base
Viewpoint Scale 0 10 20 30 km Viewing platform Estuarine boat access Oyala Thumotang NationalAirstrip Park (CYPAL)
Scale Previously Mungkan Kandju 0National5 10 15 km Park Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville ResourcesLegend reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Legend Conservation parkNational park (CYPAL) NationalLegend park/ National park/ Oyala Thumotang National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) National Park (CYPAL) Water Water National park Vast open eucalypt woodlands and melaleuca swamps stretch from theAboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land National park (CYPAL) Waterway Waterway Resources reserve foothills of McIlwraith Range to the junction of the Archer and Coen rivers.Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Resources reserve Sealed road Sealed road Water Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Legend Waterway Unsealed roadMinor unsealed road Reserve Waterway Reserve Legend
Legend EHP Creed, Adam NationalMajor park unsealed road Mountain range4WD track Water Major unsealed road Water Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville ResourcesMinor unsealedreserve road Mountain NationalWalking Park track (CYPAL) WaterwayNationalMinor unsealedPark road Waterway The Aboriginal Traditional Owners Camp sites are located near waterholes Conservation4WD track park NationalMountain park/ Be crocwiseMajor unsealedNational in4WD croc roadtrack park/ country Minor unsealed road of this park are the Wik Mungkan, and riverbanksNational within thepark Coen (CYPAL) section National park (CYPAL) Southern KaanjuWaterPrivate and roadAyapathu peoples. Scale(near the Coen River), LangiCamping section area (near (see pageMinor 5) unsealedCamping road area 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 4WD track This area is a living cultural landscape— the Archer River) andAboriginal Archer Bend freehold section land Aboriginal freehold land WaterwayMountain range Toilet 4WD track Toilet Mountain range a mosaic of traditional story-places, (Governors and HorsetailerEnvironmental waterholes reserve at Archer Environmental reserve ceremonialSealed andMountain other road culturally significant Bend) of the park. No facilitiesWalking aretrack provided. SafetyCamping areaDrinking water Camping area Kalpowar Recreation Visitors are responsibleKalpowar Recreation for their sites and featuresUnsealedRanger with road base Aboriginal names. ReserveRanger base Toilet Ranger base Camping permits are required and must be own safety (seeReserve page 16). Ranger base DenseMountain rainforestDay-use range cloaksarea the slopes of purchased before arrivingWaterLookout at your camp site Ranger baseWaterFuel the McIlwraith Range and fringes the (see page 4). Generators are permitted at all MountainCamping area Waterway ViewpointWaterwayDay-use area Scale Archer River, while ‘fingers’ of deciduous camping areas (see page 4). Turn west off the Peninsula 0 10 20 30 km vine-thickets line the braided channels Scale Major unsealed road DevelopmentalViewing Roadplatform onto the Fishing0 is allowed3 in all6 creeks9 and12 km Minor unsealed road of the CoenScale River. Between the rivers, Rokeby Road, 25 km north of Coen. Scale rivers in the park,Minor exceptunsealed Peach road Creek. EstuarineScale 4WD boat track access open0 eucalypt02.5 10woodland5 7.5 20 is10 interspersedkm 30 40 km Camp sites are spread0 throughout10 20 the30 km Governors and Horsetailer waterholes have with melaleuca swamps and lily-carpeted 4WD track park. From theAirstrip turn-off it is 74 km to the boat access; however both are very shallow Mountain range lagoons. The wide river flat at Archer Bend Coen River section, 78 km to the Langi in places and unsuitableCamping for area large boats. Camping area features tall gallery forests, ‘thorn scrubs’ section and 125 km to the Archer Bend Fishing regulationsToilet apply (see page 5). Scale and eucalypt and melaleuca woodlands. section0 of the5 park.10 Ranger15 km base Ranger base
Viewpoint Scale Old Archer 10 Mile 0 Creek10 20 30 km Crossing Horsetailer ViewingJunction platform LegendGeikie Waterhole Archer River LangiLegend Archer River Govenors Lagoon Estuarine boat access Roadhouse National park (CYPAL) Legend Waterhole Night Paddock Oyala Thumotang Twin National ParkAirstrip (CYPAL) WaterBen Lomond National park Archer Bend Lagoon Lagoons P e Private property Jerry n section Coen River section in National park (CYPAL) s Waterway Resources reserve Lagoon u Pandanus Lagoon l River a Birthday Mountain Vardons Scale Langi D Resources reserve e Sealed road Water
Lagoon 0 5 10section15 km e v Second Coen River sites g e l
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a p
m g Coen Waterway Rokeby Minor unsealed road
Chong R n Waterway Oyala Thumotang e
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National Park (CYPAL) i l e h Creek Major unsealed road R 4WD track t Major unsealed road
i G o Peach
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l Minor unsealed road WalkingCreek track I Minor unsealed road Legend c Road Legend M First Coen Mango River River site Lagoon4WD trackNational park (CYPAL) MountainLegend 4WD track Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) Private roadWater CampingNational area park Camping area Mt Croll National park (CYPAL) Mountain Waterwayrange Toilet Resources reserve Toilet KULLA (McIlwraith Range) Resources reserve Mountain Sealed road WalkingNational Watertrack Park (CYPAL) Drinking water Waterway Ranger baseMinorOyala unsealed Thumotang road Ranger baseWaterway Ranger base National Park (CYPAL) Major unsealed road Day-use area4WD track Coen Lookout Major unsealed road Fuel Minor unsealed road Camping areaWalking track Minor KULLAunsealed road Day-use area (McIlwraith Range) 4WD track Mountain Scale Resources4WD track Reserve 0 3 6 9 12 km Private road Scale Camping area Camping area Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km Mountain range Toilet Toilet Mountain Bird watchers’Walking delight track palm cockatoos, AustralianDrinking bustards water A variety of water birds can be seen here, and orange-footed scrubfowls. The Ranger base Ranger base Ranger base such as radjah shelducks, black-necked best locations are Langi Lagoon, Day-use area storks, royal spoonbillsLookout and sarus Old Archer Crossing, ChongFuel Swamp, Camping area cranes, as well as forest birds, such as Pandanus and VardonsDay-use lagoons. area
Scale 0 3 6 9 12 km 11 Scale Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road Kalpowar Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Reserve
Mountain range Water Water
Mountain Waterway Waterway Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Minor unsealed road 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 4WD track 4WD track Mountain range Camping area Camping area Toilet Ranger base Ranger base
Viewpoint Scale 0 10 20 30 km Viewing platform Estuarine boat access Airstrip Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range)
Scale 0 5 10 15National km Park (CYPAL)
Legend Legend National park (CYPAL) Legend Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) Water Legend National park Rugged, heath-clad ranges, lush remnantLegend lowland tropical rainforestLegend and National park (CYPAL) Waterway National park Resources reserve long sweeping beaches with spectacularRinyirru views (Lakefield) are features of this remoteCape park. Melville Resources reserve Sealed road Resources reserve Water National Park (CYPAL) National Park Waterway Minor unsealed roadConservation park Waterway National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) EHP Creed, Adam Major unsealed road 4WD track Water Legend Major unsealed road Legend Legend AboriginalNational freehold park land Aboriginal freehold land Minor unsealed road Walking track Waterway Minor unsealed road Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville The Aboriginal Traditional Owners Around Environmentalcamping areas reserve and walking Environmental reserve 4WD track Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Mountain Sealedof this roadpark are the Kuuku Ya’u 4WD track tracks, look for rainforest species such Be crocwise in croc country KalpowarConservation Recreation park KalpowarNational Recreation park/ Private road Camping areapeopleUnsealed (including road the Kungkay people andCamping as area eclectus parrots,Reserve palm cockatoos and (see page 5) National park/ Reserve National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Kanthanampu people). They have maintained magnificent riflebirds.Water At Chilli Beach, look for Mountain range Toilet Mountain range Toilet Water a strong cultural and spiritual link to this area coastal birds such as pied oystercatchers, little Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Safety Mountain Walking trackfor thousandsMountain of years. The area is rich in Drinkingterns water and white-belliedWaterway sea-eagles. At night, WaterwayEnvironmental reserve Environmental reserve Aboriginal cultural significance with story- spotlight for nocturnalSealed birds road including owls, Visitors are responsible for their Ranger base Ranger base Ranger base Major unsealed road places, ceremonial sites and occupation owlet-nightjars and Papuan frogmouths, also own safetyMinor (see unsealed pageKalpowar 16). road Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Day-use area Lookout Scaleplaces dotted across the landscape. Fuel frogs, giant treeMinor geckos unsealed and small road mammals Reserve 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km • Stay on walking4WD tracks; track disused such as spotted cuscusMountain and striped range possums. mining shafts are scatteredWater Water Camping area Heathlands around the Tozer RangeDay-use area 4WD track Mountain range throughout the park—some are deep feature stunted she-oaks, grevilleas, Fishing is notMountain permitted in any Waterway Waterway Scale Camping area and have unstableCamping edges. area 0 3 6 banksias9 12 and km sedges. Lowland rainforest— freshwater rivers or creeks within the Scale Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Toilet • Driving on theRanger beach base can be 0 10 20 30 40 km part of the largest remnant in Australia—0 10 park.20 Marine30 km waters adjacent to the park Scale Coraldangerous Sea particularlyMinor near unsealed creek road provides a refuge for birds also found in New are within the0 Ranger Great2.5 Barrierbase5 Reef7.5 and10 km Great 4WD track Guinea, but with a restricted distribution in Barrier Reef Coast marine parks; zoning mouths and between 4WDthe tides, track Viewpoint Mountain range Australia, such as the eclectus parrot, palm restrictions and fishing regulations apply whereScale quicksand can develop. 0 10 20 Camping30 km area r Camping area cockatoo and magnificent riflebird. Other (see page 5).Viewinge platform iv endemic species found here include the R Weymouth Bay Toilet EstuarinePasc oe boat access Ranger base green python and the Cape York nurseryfrog. Ranger base Airstrip Rainforest and Cooks Hut camping areas Viewpoint Scale are located in riverine rainforest on the 0 10 20 30 km RockyViewing Island platform Claudie River. Gordon Creek camping areas Scale Kutini–Payamu (Iron Range) are on the bank of Gordon Creek. Chilli Beach 0 5 10 15 km Portland Roads National Park (CYPAL) EstuarineCape Weymouth boat access camping area is behind the beach near the Ma’alpiku Island
J Airstrip north-east boundary of the park; some sites a National Park n e (CYPAL) t are suitable for camper-trailers. Toilets are N R elso Chilli Beach a n R n anges provided at Cooks Hut and Chilli Beach only. Legendg e k Scale Legend s e e 0 5 10 15 km National park (CYPAL) r C Legend Camping permits are required and must be Albatross Bay Oyala Thumotang Cooks Hut y b purchased before arriving at your camp site b y Cre ek National Park (CYPAL) Water u b National park r b Cape Griffith Frenchmans c Scr u (see page 4). These camping areas are very S National park (CYPAL) Track Rainforest popular during peak periods. Book your camp Waterway Resources reserve North Pap Legend site andResources obtain your reserve permit well in advance. SealedLegend road Water South Pap Gordon C Gordon Creek Generators are permitted at Rainforest and re Old Coen e National park (CYPAL) Legend Waterway PortlanMinord R unsealed road k Waterway oad WOyala Thumotang Gordon Creek camping areas only (see page s e track R st oNationalCl Parkr (CYPAL) Water National park 4). TakeMajor plenty unsealed of drinking road water; there is no Mount Tozer4WD trackad audie Rive Phillip Hill Major unsealed road lookout fresh water available in the park. National park (CYPAL) Resources reserve Minor unsealed road Walking track Minor unsealedWaterway road Resources reserve Sealed road Water 4WDOld Coen track track Mountain 4WD track Loc
10 km one-way (4–5 hrs), Grade: easy Mount Tozer kh
a r Waterway Minor unsealed road r Waterway Private road Camping area t
e Line Hill Camping area v R
i d iver oa From the Rainforest camping area, this walk R Major unsealed road R 4WD track Major unsealed road Mountain range Toilet e Lockhart River Toilet follows the Old Coen track through rainforest o C Lockhart River c la
s Airport u a Minor unsealed road d Community Walking track Minor unsealed road and openMountain woodland, where birdwatching is Walking track i P e Drinking water R excellent. Arrange for a vehicle pick-up at the 4WD track ive Mountain 4WD track Ranger base Ranger base r Ranger base end of the track, on the Lockhart River road. Private road Camping area Camping area Day-use area Lookout Fuel Mount Tozer viewing platform Mountain range Lloyd Bay Toilet Toilet Camping140 m return area (10 mins), Grade: easy Day-use area Mountain Walking track Scale Drinking water From the Mount Tozer car park, walk to the 0 3 6 9 12 km Ranger base Ranger base Ranger base Scaleviewing platform to enjoy the scenic views of Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km Mount Tozer and surrounding heath community. Day-use area Lookout Fuel Camping area 12 Day-use area Scale 0 3 6 9 12 km Scale Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km Turn off the Peninsula Developmental Road onto Portland Roads Road, 35 km north of the Archer River Roadhouse, and travel along the well-formed gravel road towards Lockhart River and Portland Roads for 110 km (3–5 hrs) to the junction with Lockhart River Road. Continue along Portland Roads Road for 3.9 km to Rainforest, Cooks Hut and Gordon Creek camping areas. Travel a further 24.5 km to Chilli Beach camping area. For four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, turn off the Telegraph Road onto Frenchmans Track, 22 km south of the Moreton Telegraph Station, and travel 50 km to the intersection with Portland Roads Road. It is a further 30 Legend km to the intersection with the Lockhart Legend River Road. TheLegend road is severely eroded National park in places with deep, unpredictable creek Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) crossings and steepNational banks—it Park is not recommended for vehicles towing trailers, Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) without snorkels andNational recovery park gear, (CYPAL) or for Water drivers without suitable experience. Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Environmental reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road Kalpowar Recreation War history Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve The American 90thReserve Bomb Group, Mountain range known as the ‘Jolly Rogers’, Water Water Termite mounds in the heathland. Queensland Tourism described Iron Range air base Mountain Waterway (constructed in 1942)Waterway as the worst Major unsealed road airfield they wereMinor ever unsealed posted roadat during the war. American Coast Palm cockatoo. Common spotted cuscus. Scale Minor unsealed road 4WD track 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Artillery Regiments were deployed 4WD track around the airstrips.Mountain ‘The rangestrips were a disaster. Muddy and flooded most Camping area Camping area of the time. I witnessed planes land Toilet without landing Rangergear down, base motors Ranger base that didn’t run, sometimes in a foot of water.’ W. Rollins, 197th Coast Viewpoint Scale Artillery 0(AA) Regiment10 20 . Difficult30 km Viewing platform conditions were made worse during Estuarine boat access the monsoonal rains and possibly contributed to several military Airstrip aircraft crashes in the area. NPRSR
Scale 0 5 10 15 km
Daryn Storch, NPRSR Daryn Storch, Green python.
Legend Legend National park (CYPAL) Legend Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) Water National park National park (CYPAL) Waterway Resources reserve Resources reserve Sealed road Water Waterway Minor unsealed road Waterway Major unsealed road 4WD track Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Walking track Minor unsealed road 4WD track Mountain 4WD track Private road Camping area Camping area Mountain range Toilet Toilet Mountain Walking track Drinking water Ranger base Ranger base This park is of internationalRanger base significance as it forms part of Greg Watson Greg
Day-use area Lookout the largest remainingFuel area of lowland rainforest in Australia. NPRSR Camping area Day-use area 13 Scale 0 3 6 9 12 km Scale Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km 0 10 20 30 km Legend Legend Legend National park Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) National Park Conservation park National park/ National park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Legend Waterway Legend Environmental reserve Legend Environmental reserve NationalSealed park road RinyirruKalpowar (Lakefield) Recreation Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve Cape Melville Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) NationalReserve Park Mountain range Water Conservation park National park/ NationalWater park/ National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water Mountain Waterway Waterway Aboriginal freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Environmental reserve Scale Minor unsealed road Environmental reserve 0 Sealed2.5 road5 7.5 10 km 4WD track Kalpowar Recreation 4WD track Kalpowar Recreation Unsealed road Reserve ReserveMountain range Camping area Mountain range Water Water Camping area Toilet Mountain JardineWaterway River NationalWaterwayRanger Park, base Ranger base Major unsealed road Minor unsealed road Scale Minor unsealedViewpoint road Scale 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km 0 4WD10 track 20 30 km Viewing platform 4WD track Heathlands MountainResources range Reserve Estuarine boat access Camping area Camping area Airstrip Toilet Ranger base Legend Legend LegendRanger base National park Scale Viewpoint Rinyirru (Lakefield) Cape0 Melville5 10 15 km Scale Resources reserve National Park (CYPAL) 0 10 20 30 km NationalViewing Park platform Conservation park National park/ NationalEstuarine park/ boat access National park (CYPAL) National park (CYPAL) Water LegendAirstrip AboriginalLegend freehold land Aboriginal freehold land Waterway National park (CYPAL) Legend EnvironmentalOyala Thumotang reserve Environmental reserve Sealed road National Park (CYPAL) Scale Water National park Kalpowar Recreation 0 Kalpowar5 10 Recreation15 km Unsealed road Reserve In this vast remote area, parks and reserves encompass much of the National park (CYPAL) ReserveWaterway Resources reserve Mountain range Jardine River catchment, an undulating landscape of heathlands and Water Resources reserve Water Sealed road Water Mountain Waterway woodlands, interspersed with numerous streams and swamps. Waterway LegendWaterwayMinor unsealed road Waterway LegendMajor unsealedMajor unsealed road road Minor unsealed4WD track road National park (CYPAL) Legend Major unsealed road Oyala Thumotang Queensland Tourism Scale Minor unsealedMinor unsealed road road 4WD trackWalking track 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km National Park (CYPAL) Water NationalMinor park unsealed road 4WD track4WD track MountainMountain range National park (CYPAL) Waterway Resources4WD reservetrack Camping area The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this Private road CampingCamping area area Camping area Resources reserve Sealed road Water area are the Atambaya, Angkamuthi, Toilet Mountain range Ranger baseToilet Waterway Minor unsealed road WaterwayToilet Yadhaykenu, Gudang and Wuthathi peoples. RangerMountain base TipWalking of Cape York track Peninsula It is a living cultural landscape containing Major unsealed road 4WD track Major unsealedDrinking water road Viewpoint story-places and occupation and ceremony Minor unsealedRanger base road Scale PossessionWalking RangerIsland track base Albany Island Ranger base 0 10 National20 30Park km Minor unsealed road sites, with familiar places and features ViewingDay-use platform area Lookout Somerset named in Aboriginal languages. 4WD track Mountain 4WD trackFuel Estuarine boat access Camping area Day-use area The mighty west-flowing Jardine Private road Camping area Coral Sea Camping area Airstrip Seisia River dominates the landscape. Mountain range Scale 0 ToiletUmagico3 6 9 12 km Toilet Woodlands grow on broad sandstone Injinoo Scale Bamaga Mountain Scale ridges, with sheltered pockets of rainforest 0 10 20 30 40 km Walking track 0 Drinking10 water20 30 km Scale near the ridge tops. Dry heaths flourish on Jardine 0 5 Ranger10 base15 km Ranger base Ranger base well-drained soils while wet heaths grow Jardine River River
Day-use area Lookout Bamaga Road along narrow drainage lines, merging into Resources Reserve Fuel Escape River permanent swamps on the lowest parts of Camping area Day-use area the landscape. Legend Ferry Scale North and South Legend 0 3 6 9 12 km Eliot Falls camping area, on Eliot National park (CYPAL) Jardine River Scale Legend Scale Creek at the northern boundary of Oyala Thumotang 0 10 20 30 40 km Eliot camping areas 0 Ussher10 Point 20 30 km National Park (CYPAL) Water NationalNorthern park Heathlands Resources Reserve, has picnic tables, fireplaces, drinking water, toilets National park (CYPAL) Waterway Resources reserve Creek Bypass and sites suitable for tents and camper Resources reserve Telegraph Jardine River National Park Sealed road Water Orford Ness trailers. Captain Billy Landing camping
Waterway Minor unsealed road area, behind the dunes on the eastern Waterway Jardine Road boundary of Heathlands Resources Reserve, Major unsealed road 4WD track False Orford Ness Major unsealed roadRoad Eliot Falls has picnic tables, fireplaces, a shelter and camping area Minor unsealed road Walking track Minor unsealed road a toilet. North and South Jardine River Fruit Bat Falls River camping areas, on the banks of the Jardine 4WD track Mountain 4WD track McHenry River on the western boundary of Jardine Private road Camping area Camping area Southern River National Park, and Ussher Point Bypass camping area on the far-northern coast of Mountain range Toilet Toilet River the peninsula, on the eastern boundary of Sailor Creek Mountain Walking track Drinking water Road Jardine River Resources Reserve, have no Cockatoo Creek Ranger base Ranger base facilities. CockatooRanger base Heathlands Resources Reserve Captain Billy Landing Day-use area Lookout Fuel Camping permits are required and must be Gunshot purchased before arriving at your camp site Creek Creek Camping area Day-use area Creek (see page 4). Camping is not permitted at Scale Shelbourne Bay Fruit Bat Falls, which has a picnic area and 0 3 6 9 12 km River Bertie toilet facilities for day-use only. Generators Scale Scale 0 10 20 30 40 km Double (Etatapuma) Point are permitted at North and South Jardine 0 10 20 Dulhunty30 km Southern Bypass Road To Bramwell Junction River and Ussher Point camping areas only (see page 4).
14 Twin Falls and Eliot Falls 550 m return (15 mins), Grade: easy Wet desert From Eliot Falls camping area, the track Clear fresh water is abundant, meanders through woodland to Twin Falls not only in the rivers but also in and then continues along Eliot Creek to swamps, boggy gullies and numerous a natural sandstone platform with views smaller streams. This, along with the over Eliot Falls. absence of food for horses and cattle, prompted early European explorers to ‘The Saucepan’ call this area the ‘wet desert’. 670 m return (15 mins), Grade: easy From Eliot Falls camping area, a track descends through dry heath to Eliot Creek where shallow waters tumble between fingers of sandstone, known as ‘the saucepan’. Fruit Bat Falls 400 m return (10 mins), Grade: easy From the car park at Fruit Bat Falls day-use area, a boardwalk leads to Fruit Bat Falls and follows Eliot Creek, providing access to a ‘plunge pool’. Captain Billy Landing From the Captain Billy Landing camping area, walk south along the beach to the sea caves where large colonies of bats roost by day, emerging at dusk to hunt for insects. Do not enter the caves as the bats are easily disturbed.
Look for the yellow-billed kingfisher Twin Falls. EHP Creed, Adam and fawn-breasted bowerbird (restricted to the remote north of Cape York Peninsula and New Guinea). See the From the south, follow the Telegraph camping area, follow the Northern Bypass northern race of the Australian brush-turkey, Road north to Bramwell Junction and Road to the Jardine River ferry crossing. with its purple (instead of yellow) wattle. cross onto the Southern Bypass Road. To Continue for 11 km along the Northern Bypass Spotlight at night for the common spotted access Captain Billy Landing, drive 66 km to Road to the North Jardine River camping cuscus and spiny knob-tailed gecko. the Captain Billy Landing turn-off and travel area turn-off and drive a further 6 km to the a further 27 km to the coast. To access Eliot camping area. There is no river crossing at Fishing is not permitted in Eliot Creek Falls, follow the Southern Bypass Road for North or South Jardine River camping areas. or in the section of the Jardine River 119 km and turn onto the Telegraph Road. (and its tributaries) from the river mouth to To access Ussher Point camping area, turn Drive 3 km to Fruit Bat Falls and a further 7 a point 5 km upstream of the old Peninsula east off Bamaga Road approximately 12 km to Eliot Falls. An alternative (rougher) Developmental Road crossing. Fishing is km north of the Jardine River ferry crossing. route to Eliot Falls follows the Telegraph allowed in other parts of the Jardine River. Follow this four-wheel-drive track for 60 km Road from Bramwell Junction. Marine waters adjacent to the park are within (4–5 hrs) to the camping area on coast. This the Great Barrier Reef and Great Barrier Reef To access South Jardine River camping area, track is not maintained and can be hazardous Coast marine parks; zoning restrictions and travel north on the Telegraph Road for 32 km with deep ruts, washouts and fallen trees. fishing regulations apply (see page 5). from Eliot Falls. To access North Jardine River Camper trailers are not recommended.
Be crocwise in croc country Lookout near Captain Billy Landing.
(see page 5) NPRSR
Safety Visitors are responsible for their own safety (see page 16). • Some waterfalls contain natural hazards—heed management and safety signs. • Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. A full-body lycra suit, or equivalent, may provide a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn.
15 Things you need to know Useful contacts Emergencies • If mobile network is available— dial (Triple Zero) 000 or 112 with a digital or satellite mobile phone. • If mobile network is not available— contact the Department of Community Safety on UHF CB radio Channel 5. Road conditions For the latest information on road condi- tions, go to the Department of Transport and Main Roads
NPRSR information on access, closures and conditions on all national parks. Go to
16