About Cape Upstart

Park features

Spanning 8,480ha Cape Upstart is made up of three sections—Cape massif, Camp Island and Worungu Bay. The landscapes and seascapes support a variety of important nesting and feeding habitats for species of conservation significance such as turtles and dugong Dugong dugon.

The prominent feature of Cape massif consists of a highly folded 700m high multi-peaked rugged granite massif. Gorges and creek systems crisscross the massif forming a complex north-south range containing diverse ecosystems—a mix of spinifex woodland, heath, beach scrub and rainforest. The park protects one of the largest populations of the endangered northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus in Australia.

Worungu Bay situated north of the mouth of the Elliott River is a landscape composed of coastal dune systems.  Featuring Casuarina foredune plant communities, beach scrub of national significance, areas of salt couch, samphire tidal flats and mangroves.

Camp Island protects endangered microphyll vine forest (beach scrub), a regional ecosystem of concern.

Looking after the park

Parks and forests protect Queensland’s outstanding natural and cultural values. National parks, including heritage sites and artefacts, are protected areas under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Penalties apply for offences under the Act.

• Protect the wildlife. Remember, plants and animals (dead or alive) are protected.
• Use a gas or fuel stove for cooking. Open fires are not permitted, please obey fire bans and restrictions.
• Leave no rubbish. Rubbish bins are not provided. Do not bury or burn rubbish—take it with you when you leave.
• Be considerate. People visit parks and forest to enjoy nature, be mindful and respectful of others.
• Camp softly. Leave your camp site better than you found it. And camp at designated camping areas only.
• No domestic animals. Domestic animals are not permitted on the national park.
• Be pest-free! Before your visit, please check that your boat, clothing, footwear and gear and free of soil, seeds, parts of plants, eggs, ants and insects (and their eggs), spiders, lizards, toads, rats and mice.

See the guidelines on stay safe and visit with care for information about visiting and protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for managing Cape Upstart National Park. The area is carefully monitored to conserve the areas natural and cultural values.

The Great Barrier Reef, which is part Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, lies just off the coast of Cape Upstart and is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Tourism information links

Bowen ‘Big Mango’ Visitor Information Centre
www.tourismbowen.com.au
Bruce Highway, Bowen South, Qld 4805
ph (07) 4786 4222
email info@bowentourism.com.au

Whitsunday Regional Information Centre
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au
12505 Bruce Highway, Proserpine Qld 4800
ph (07) 4945 3967
email info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Open Monday-Sunday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Closed Christmas Day

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.