Visiting Flinders Group safely
Owen Channel, Flinders Group.
Photo credit: Julie Swartz © Queensland Government
Stingers occur more frequently in the warmer months.
Photo credit: Jamie Seymour © James Cook Univeristy
Estaurine crocodiles are present in creeks, rivers, lagoons and along the coast.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Visitors need to be prepared for very hot conditions.
Photo credit: Julie Swartz © Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
Maps
- Cape Melville, Flinders Group and Howick Group national parks (CYPAL) map
- Flinders Group National Park (CYPAL) map
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 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! 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 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.
- Book your campsite online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
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.