Visiting Cape Palmerston safely

Mangroves in Cape Palmerston National Park. Photo courtesy of Querida Hutchinson.

Getting there and getting around

• Cape Palmerston National Park map (PDF, 146.0KB)

You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to visit Cape Palmerston National Park.

Cape Palmerston National Park is 115 km south-east of Mackay. Turn off the Bruce Highway at Ilbilbie and drive east towards Greenhill. Before Greenhill, turn left into Cape Palmerston Road. The park boundary is about 6 km further along this road.

Once you enter the park allow another hour to get to the Windmill Bay camping area, along the beach in the park’s northern section. A track then follows the coastline to the cape itself. A second track from Windmill Bay heads inland to the west, then leads to the sandy spit where Cape Creek camping area and boat ramp are located. Please note that these tracks are not signposted and you should consult the park map (PDF, 146.0KB) for details.

The park is rugged and during periods of heavy rain tracks can become impassable. When travelling along the beach, be prepared for soft sand and extreme tides of up to 6m. For your own safety, please follow these guidelines:

• Carry suitable recovery gear and sufficient fuel for your vehicle (nearest fuel is at Ilbilbie).
• Check tide times before you travel. Beach driving is safest on a falling tide.
• Lower tyre pressure to make soft sand driving easier and reduce track damage. If you choose to deflate your tyres, follow manufacturer specifications and drive with caution.
• Re-inflate tyres to drive on hard surfaces.
• Pack a pressure gauge and pump.

Be aware that shorebirds also use the beach. Drive with caution around them.

Check park alerts for up-to-date information on access to parks and forests. Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about local road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities or tracks in Cape Palmerston National Park.

Staying safe

• Sun protection is needed all year. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
• Bring insect repellent as sandflies and mosquitoes can be prolific.
• Wear stinger suits when swimming or wading. Dangerous marine stingers are most common from October to March but can occur throughout the year. Check www.beachsafe.org.au for the latest safety advice.
• Beware of estuarine crocodiles. Be crocwise.
• Drive carefully, check tide times, and carry 4WD recovery gear and spare fuel.
• Pack a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
• Bring sufficient drinking water. No drinking water is available in the park.
• Carry a mobile phone and dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or try dialling 112 if this fails.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• 4WD recovery gear and fuel
• water
• fuel stove and cooking fuel
• rubbish bags
• insect repellent
• first-aid kit (including vinegar for box jellyfish).

Opening hours

Cape Palmerston National Park is open 24 hours a day. The national park may be closed at times due to extreme weather conditions and other management activities. Check park alerts for information on park conditions and closures.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Permits are required for scientific research, commercial or organised group activities. Contact us for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in the park.

Climate and weather

Winters are mild (10–25°C) while summers are warm to hot (22–32°C). Expect heavy rain from December to March.

Fuel and supplies

There is a shop just after the Cape Palmerston Road turn-off on the road to Greenhill. Fuel and supplies are also available at Ilbilbie.