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Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Camping in Oyala Thumotang

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

All camping must be booked

All camping in Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) must be booked in advance prior to arrival. Campers must purchase an e-permit before arriving at the camping area—self-registration is not available and there is no mobile phone coverage on site.

To obtain an e-permit, you can:

The demand for camping on Cape York Peninsula parks and reserves is growing. The use of online bookings and e-permits will manage this demand sustainably.

Camp site at Horsetailer Waterhole.

Camp site at Horsetailer Waterhole.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Oyala Thumotang camping area incorporates 14 remote camp sites located throughout the park. These camp sites are set beside waterholes, lagoons and rivers. There are no facilities in the park.

Total self-sufficiency in food, water, equipment for treating water, fuel and vehicle spare parts is essential. It is recommended that visitors travel with another vehicle and have suitable vehicle recovery equipment on hand. Minimise your use of fresh water. Bury human waste (15cm deep) well away from waterholes.

Park-specific conditions

Oyala Thumotang National Park (CYPAL) is closed throughout the wet season every year from 1 December to 19 June (inclusive)—roads into and on the park become impassable for extended periods and are closed to public access. These dates may vary depending on weather and road conditions, and roads may also be closed after heavy rain.

The maximum length of stay is 21 consecutive nights and bookings can be made up to six months in advance, except for the camp sites at Vardons Lagoon, Governors Waterhole and Horsetailers Lagoon, which have a one month booking horizon.

Fires are allowed (except when fire bans apply) in existing fireplaces only. Do not collect firewood from the national park.

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.

Oyala Thumotang camping area

Camping area features: 14 camp sites throughout the park with excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Location: camp sites are located beside waterholes, lagoons and rivers throughout the park.

Access: camp sites can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road camper trailers only. Mango Lagoon 2 and Mango Lagoon 3 camp sites are tent only and cannot be accessed with a camper trailer.

Number of sites: 14

Langi section
Site nameCamp sizeOther comments
Old Archer CrossingMaximum 3 cars and trailers (8 people).On the bank of the Archer River at the site of the old crossing. Good shade.
Jerry LagoonMaximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).In open woodland beside Jerry Lagoon.
Twin Lagoons 1Maximum 3 cars and trailers (8 people).In open woodland beside the lagoon.
Twin Lagoons 2Maximum 3 cars and trailers (8 people).In open woodland beside the lagoon.
10 Mile JunctionMaximum 4 cars and trailers (12 people).Sandy site beside the Archer River.
Coen River section
Site nameCamp sizeOther comments
Mango Lagoon 1Maximum 3 cars and trailers (8 people).In open woodland beside Mango Lagoon.
Mango Lagoon 2Maximum 3 cars (8 people). No trailers.In open woodland beside Mango Lagoon.
Mango Lagoon 3Maximum 3 cars (8 people). No trailers.In open woodland beside Mango Lagoon.
First Coen RiverMaximum 3 cars and trailers (8 people).On the bank of the Coen River. Good shade.
Chong SwampMaximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).Cleared area beside Chong Swamp.
Second Coen RiverMaximum 6 cars and trailers (16 people).Cleared area beside the Coen River.
Vardons LagoonMaximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).Cleared area beside Vardons Lagoon.
Archer Bend section
Site nameCamp sizeOther comments
Governors WaterholeMaximum 5 cars and trailers (12 people).In open woodland beside Governors Waterhole.
Horsetailer WaterholeMaximum 4 cars and trailers (10 people).On the bank of the Archer River. Good shade.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car and off-road camper trailers. Mango Lagoon 2 and Mango Lagoon 3 are tent only sites and cannot be accessed with a camper trailer.

Camp site surface: dirt, grass and sand.

Facilities: none.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in existing fireplaces only. Do not collect firewood from the park. Fuel stoves are recommended.

Generators: generators that operate at a noise level less than 65dB(A) at 7m are permitted.

Essentials to bring: adequate food and drinking water, equipment for treating water, rubbish bags, insect repellent and mosquito nets. Bring a fuel stove and adequate fuel and spare parts for your vehicle. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options prior to arrival.

Mobile phone coverage: not available.

  • 10 Mile Junction camping area

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    10 Mile Junction camping area is located in the Langi Section of the park and features camping in a sandy site beside the Archer River.

  • Chong Swamp camping area

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    Chong Swamp camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping in a cleared area beside Chong Swamp.

  • First Coen River camping area

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    First Coen River camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping on the bank of the Coen River.

  • Governor's Waterhole camping area

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    Governors Waterhole camping area is located in the Archer Bend Section of the park and features camping in an open woodland area beside Governors Waterhole.

  • Horsetailer Waterhole camping area

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    Horsetailer Waterhole camping area is located in the Archer Bend Section of the park and features camping on the bank of the Archer River.

  • Jerry Lagoon camping area

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    Jerry Lagoon camping area is located in the Langi Section of the park and features camping in an open woodland area beside Jerry Lagoon.

  • Mango Lagoon 1 camping area

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    Mango Lagoon 1 camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping in open woodland beside Mango Lagoon.

  • Mango Lagoon 2 camping area

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    Mango Lagoon 2 camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping in open woodland beside Mango Lagoon.

  • Mango Lagoon 3 camping area

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    Mango Lagoon 3 camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping in open woodland beside Mango Lagoon.

  • Old Archer Crossing camping area

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    Old Archer Crossing camping area is located in the Langi Section of the park and features camping on the bank of the Archer River at the site of the old…

  • Second Coen River camping area

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    Second Coen River camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping in a cleared area beside the Coen River.

  • Twin Lagoons 1 camping area

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    Twin Lagoons 1 camping area is located in the Langi Section of the park and features camping in open woodland beside the lagoon.

  • Twin Lagoons 2 camping area

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    Twin Lagoons 2 camping area is located in the Langi Section of the park and features camping in open woodland beside the lagoon.

  • Vardons Lagoon camping area

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    Vardons Lagoon camping area is located in the Coen River Section of the park and features camping in a cleared area beside Vardons Lagoon.