Visiting Eubenangee Swamp safely

Getting there and getting around

Drive south from Cairns on the Bruce Highway to Mirriwinni (67km) and turn left towards Bramston Beach. 7km from Mirriwinni turn right into Cartwright Road. The park entrance is 1.5km along Cartwright Road. These roads are all sealed and accessible by conventional vehicles.

Wheelchair accessibility

The track is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Staying safe

Estuarine crocodiles inhabit the Alice River and Eubenangee Swamp.

Photo credit: Leigh Willis © Queensland Government

• Potentially dangerous estuarine crocodiles inhabit the Alice River and swamps within Eubenangee Swamp National Park. Stay well away from the water’s edge and always Be Crocwise in croc country.
• Avoid bites from sand flies and mosquitoes by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay on the track and take care on uneven surfaces, especially in wet conditions.
• Take adequate drinking water and protect yourself from the sun.

Be Crocwise in croc country

• Stay at least 5m from the water’s edge—crocodiles often hunt their prey at the water’s edge
• Do not feed crocodiles—it is illegal, dangerous, and teaches crocodiles to associate humans with food.
• Be extra cautious at night, dusk and dawn when crocodiles are most active.
• Do not use kayaks, paddleboards and other small craft in crocodile habitat areas. The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk—crocodiles have taken people from small vessels.
• Watch out for crocodiles in unusual places after very high tides and heavy rains. Crocodiles can move further upstream during very high tides and periods of flooding and may move into new areas where they have not been seen before.
• Breeding female crocodiles will defend their nests aggressively. September to April is breeding season for crocodiles.
• Crocodiles are more active during the warmer months of the wet season.

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

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• insect repellent
• binoculars
• drinking water
• hat and sunscreen.

Opening hours

Eubenangee Swamp National Park is open 24 hours a day. The park may be closed periodically as a result of flooding during wet weather.

Pets

Domestic animals are not allowed in Eubenangee Swamp National Park.

Climate and weather

This area has a high annual rainfall, most of which falls during the wet season (from December to April). These summer months are characterised by high temperatures (maximums generally above 30°C) and very high humidity, relieved only by intense downpours of rain. The winter months are very pleasant with lower humidity and temperatures (a daily range of 16 to 26°C) and frequent clear, sunny days.

For more information see the tourism information links below.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Mirriwinni and Bramston Beach.