Visiting Clump Mountain safely

Looking north along the coast from Clump Mountain National Park.

Photo credit: © Greg Watson

Getting there and getting around

• Mission Beach area map (PDF, 130.6KB)

Clump Mountain National Park is 4.6km north of the town of Mission Beach on the Bingil Bay Road. Access to Mission Beach travelling north from Townsville is via the Tully–Mission Beach Road, or south from Cairns via the El Arish–Mission Beach Road.

The Bicton Hill circuit track is the only accessible part of Clump Mountain National Park. The park entrance, carpark and beginning of the walking track are 2km past the Clump Point jetty, 500m south of Bingil Bay.

Other parts of Clump Mountain National Park are not accessible.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Clump Mountain National Park.

Staying safe

Remember to make safety a priority when visiting this national park.

• Stay on the track and take care on loose and uneven walking track surfaces, particularly in wet conditions.
• Take care around cliffs and steep slopes along the walking track, and at lookouts.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, protective clothing and study footwear.
• Always carry water and try to walk in the cooler part of the day.
• As you walk, allow plenty of time and rest often as heat exhaustion can affect all walkers.

Be cass-o-wary

Cassowaries, which are often seen in Clump Mountain National Park, are potentially dangerous. Avoid unnecessary risks and help protect cassowaries by following these guidelines:

• never approach cassowaries
• never approach chicks—male cassowaries will defend them
• never feed cassowaries—it is illegal and dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths
• always discard food scraps in closed bins
• always slow down when driving in cassowary territory
• never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road
• keep dogs behind fences or on a leash; dogs are not permitted in national parks.

Avoid contact with tar trees

Beware of tar trees Semecarpus australiensis that are found in coastal areas. Contact with the tree, particularly the tar-like sap, causes severe blistering. Resembling cashews, the fruits are set in a succulent, orange stem and have an irritating skin. Contact with all parts of this tree, which looks like a mango tree, should be avoided.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

To ensure an enjoyable visit, please bring:

• sufficient drinking water
• protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
• suitable shoes for walking on rough surfaces
• insect repellent to protect against insect bites
• binoculars—helpful for spotting wildlife.

Opening hours

Bicton Hill circuit track, Clump Mountain National Park, is open 24hrs a day, all year round. There is a restricted access area at the Garners Beach QPWS workshop on Garners Beach Road.

Permits and fees

Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. View permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Please leave your pets at home. Domestic animals are prohibited in Clump Mountain National Park.

Climate and weather

The Mission Beach area, including Clump Mountain National Park, has a tropical climate. Summer can be hot, humid and wet, with maximum temperatures reaching over 35°C. The cooler months from May to September are the best times to visit. During this time it is generally warm, with reduced humidity, and steady south-east trade winds.

For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Mission Beach and nearby Tully and El Arish townships. For more information see the tourism information links.