Girramay National Park Tropical North Queensland

Murray Falls, Girramay National Park. Photo credit: Michael Petersen © Queensland Government

Visiting Girramay National Park safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Murray Falls

    From Cardwell, travel 21km north to Bilyana and turn west for 20km. Alternatively, from Tully, travel south along the Bruce Highway for 16km and turn off at Murrigal.

    Continue for 20km to Murray Falls. Follow the signposts. Access roads are partly sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles.

    Access to the falls, beyond the river boardwalk, is not permitted. Slippery rocks make it dangerous and serious injuries and deaths have occurred. Observe the signposted restricted access area. (PDF, 187.3KB)

    Check road conditions at the Queensland Government’s traffic and travel information website or contact the Cassowary Coast Council to enquire about local road conditions.

    Edmund Kennedy

    Turn off the Bruce Highway 4km north of Cardwell and drive 1.6km along Clift Road to the park entrance. From here the unsealed road is often narrow and winding. Caravans should be left outside the park. The road continues another 3km to the beach. The road can be slippery or flooded in the wet season.

    Check road conditions at the Queensland Government’s traffic and travel information website or contact the Cassowary Coast Council to enquire about local road conditions.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    The Murray Falls camping area has toilets that are wheelchair-accessible (with assistance) and the first 75m of the River boardwalk, Murray Falls is wheelchair accessible (with assistance). There are no wheel-chair-accessible facilities in the Edmund Kennedy section of the park.

    Staying safe

    Please be safe when visiting this park.

    • Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
    • Girramay National Park is in cassowary territory. Remember to always Be CassoWARY.
    • During summer months, mosquitoes, march flies and midges may be a problem. Avoid insect bites by using insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

    Murray Falls

    • Access to the falls, beyond the river boardwalk, is not permitted. Observe the signposted restricted access area (PDF, 187.3KB) .
    • Take care around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along tracks and at lookouts.
    • Stay on the track and take care on uneven surfaces, especially in wet conditions.
    • Avoid stinging trees, which may be found around the camping area and walking tracks. These plants grow to 4m high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Do not touch these plants as it will result in a very painful sting. If you are stung and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
    • Supervise children closely.
    • Never jump or dive into the water.
    • Take care when walking near the creek—the rocks can be slippery.
    • Bullrouts (freshwater stonefish) live in Murray River. Wear shoes when wading or swimming. If stung, seek medical attention.

    Edmund Kennedy

    • Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways along the coast and offshore of Girramay National Park. These crocodiles are potentially dangerous and visitors are asked to avoid and respect crocodiles. You are responsible for your own safety, so please remember to Be Crocwise in croc country.
    • Drive safely on the access road. Follow normal road rules wherever you are driving.

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

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    • drinking water
    • basic first-aid kit
    • insect repellent and clothing to protect against insect bites
    • hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
    • sturdy, reliable footwear
    • strong rubbish bags.

    Essentials to bring to Murray Falls

    • gas or liquid fuel stove with spare fuel
    • cooking utensils and equipment
    • firewood.

    Opening hours

    Girramay National Park is open 24 hours a day.

    Permits and fees

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

    Permits are required for all commercial activities or group functions within the park.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Girramay National Park.

    Climate and weather

    In summer, daytime temperatures at Girramay National Park can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. During the 'wet season' from December to April, there are heavy, frequent downpours. During the cooler, drier months from May to August, the weather is cooler with reduced humidity. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Cardwell and Tully. For more information see the tourism information links.