Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL) Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: © Jacquetta Udy

Visiting Flinders Group safely

    Image of Owen Channel, Flinders Group.

    Owen Channel, Flinders Group.

    Photo credit: Julie Swartz © Queensland Government

    Image of a stinger which occur more frequently in the warmer months.

    Stingers occur more frequently in the warmer months.

    Photo credit: Jamie Seymour © James Cook Univeristy

    Image of a estaurine crocodile which are present in creeks, rivers, lagoons and along the coast.

    Estaurine crocodiles are present in creeks, rivers, lagoons and along the coast.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Image of a beach where visitors need to be prepared for very hot conditions.

    Visitors need to be prepared for very hot conditions.

    Photo credit: Julie Swartz © Queensland Government

    Getting there and getting around

    Maps

    The Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL) is located adjacent to Princess Charlotte Bay, 25km west of Cape Melville and 11km north of Bathurst Heads, 340km north of Cairns on eastern Cape York.

    Several commercial cruise vessels departing from Cairns visit the island group.

    The islands can also be reached by private vessel. A popular anchorage for cruising yachts, the islands can be reached by small boat from Bathurst Heads or Cape Melville in suitable weather and tide conditions. Owen Channel near Apia Spit, a conspicuous sand spit on Flinders Island, is the most popular anchorage and is safe in all winds except for the south-west storms during the wet season.

    Camping is permitted on Flinders Island and a walking track provides access to an Aboriginal art site on Stanley Island.

    Access to Clack Island (Ngurromo) is prohibited (PDF, 279.6KB) to protect cultural resources.

    For more information see tourism information.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL).

    Staying safe

    • Keep to the walking tracks at all times to avoid unsafe terrain and take note of the safety information on trailhead signs.
    • Carry water, wear hats and sturdy footwear and walk in the cooler part of the day.
    • When walking, rest often in the shade as heat exhaustion can affect even the fit and healthy.
    • Stay clear of cliffs and steep rock faces and take care on uneven slippery track surfaces and the boardwalk, especially when wet
    • Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. If you do enter the water, a full-body lycra suit, or equivalent, may provide a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn. Visit marine stingers for the latest safety and first-aid information.
    • Be aware that estuarine crocodiles can turn up anywhere in croc country, including tidal reaches of rivers, along beaches, on offshore islands and cays in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, and in freshwater lagoons, rivers, and swamps. Crocodiles are dangerous and attacks can be fatal. Always be croc wise in croc country.

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

    Before you visit

    Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! (PDF, 573.6KB) before your visit.

    Essentials to bring

    • Food, water and first-aid supplies.
    • Water containers and water treatment equipment.
    • Sunscreen, hat, suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.
    • A screened tent or mosquito nets for protection from insects at night.
    • Rubbish bags to take your rubbish away with you—bins are not provided.

    Opening hours

    The Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL) is open 24 hours a day.

    Access to Clack Island (Ngurromo) is prohibited (PDF, 279.6KB) to protect cultural resources.

    Permits and fees

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

    Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted on Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL) or on tidal lands adjacent to the park within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. Tidal areas include beaches, rocks, salt pans and dunes.

    Climate and weather

    The Flinders Group has a tropical climate with a wet season usually between December and April, when maximum temperatures can soar above 30°C. The best time to visit the island group is between May and October when rain is unlikely and temperatures are cooler, as the islands' vegetation does not provide much shade. For more information see tourism information.

    Fuel and supplies

    The nearest fuel and supplies are available from Cooktown, 180km south-east of the Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL). For more information see tourism information.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.