Visiting Finucane Island safely

Getting there and getting around

The water ways surrounding Finucane Island can only be accessed by boat from the Albert River, Leichhardt River, Landsborough Inlet or the Gulf of Carpentaria. There is no vehicle access road into the park and no tracks within the national park.

Landing a boat on the island can be very difficult due to the estuarine mangrove environment and is not recommended. A designated boat landing area is not provided.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Finucane Island National Park.

Staying safe

Finucane Island is a remote with no facilities, visitors must be well prepared for all emergencies.

• be prepared for delays caused by stranding due to weather.
• ensure family or friends know your itinerary, where you are going and when you expect to return.
• remember to bring insect repellent and to wear protective clothing.
• carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.

In an emergency

For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.

Be Crocwise

Crocodiles are a common occurrence in northern Queensland waterways and are potentially dangerous. Never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat. You are responsible for your own safety, so please follow these top tips and be Crocwise in croc country:

• Stay at least 5m from the water’s edge. Crocodiles often hunt their prey at the water’s edge.
• Dispose of your food and fish scraps in a bin or take them home. Crocodiles are attracted by an easy meal, so make sure you take your food, fish scraps and bait away from the water, camp site and boat ramp. Any scraps left in these areas puts future visitors to the area at risk.
• Keep your pets at home. Domestic animals are not permitted in national parks.
• Avoid using small watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards. The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk—crocodiles have taken people from small vessels.
• Stay well away from crocodile traps. Crocodile traps are signed attract hungry crocodiles so avoid fishing and boasting near them and never interfere with them. People who deliberately interfere with the operation of crocodile traps face potential penalties of over $15,000.

No waterway in northern Queensland can ever be considered crocodile-free. That’s why being Crocwise is important.

Please stay safe and follow the Parks and forests guidelines to stay safe and visit with care.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Visitors to the area must be completely self-sufficient and carry adequate food, water, fuel, and basic boat repair equipment. There are no facilities. Always prepare to be out longer than anticipated in case of stranding due to weather.

• Wear insect repellent and protective clothing for protection against stings, scratches and bites.
• Ensure you carry plenty of drinking water.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s) are the most effective. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.
• Sturdy, sealable rubbish bags.

Opening hours

Finucane Island National Park is open 24 hours a day. The park may be closed at times due to severe weather or management operations, check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.

Pets

Domestic animals are not allowed in Finucane Island National Park.

Climate and weather

Two seasons occur in the Gulf Savannah—the wet and the dry. During the dry season, April to November, the sky is generally clear and humidity is low. The wet season, December to March, brings heavy rain and high humidity. January is the wettest month, with over 200mm of rain.

July, the coolest month, has an average minimum temperature of 13°C and maximum of 28°C. Wet season temperatures range from 25–35°C.

Weather information and forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest major centre for a full range of supplies and services is Burketown, approximately 25km south–west (by boat) of Finucane Island National Park.