Visiting Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) safely

Getting there and getting around

Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) is in Temple Bay, north of the Pascoe River, 12km east of Bolt Head, 40km north-west of Portland Roads and 60km north of Lockhart River on eastern Cape York Peninsula.

Access to the islands is by private boat from the boat ramp at Lockhart River or with a permitted commercial operator. See tourism information links for details.

The islands are located on platform reefs and access is difficult. Farmer Island offers fair vessel anchorage and is the most visited of the group. There is a grave site in the grassy area of the island and the Kuuku Ya’u people have requested that visitors stay a respectful distance away and do not disturb the site.

There are no roads, walking tracks or public facilities provided on Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL).

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL).

Staying safe

Piper Islands is a remote national park. Visitors must be well prepared.

• Wear sunscreen and cover up when you are boating.
• Be aware that estuarine crocodiles can occur in the waters around island national parks. Remember, your safety is our concern but your responsibility—always be croc wise in croc country.
• Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. If you cannot avoid entering 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.
• Always carry drinking water and wear a hat.

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

Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) is a remote national park with no facilities. Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring:

• drinking water
• rubbish bags
• protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• suitable shoes for walking on rough surfaces
• a comprehensive first-aid kit
• insect repellent.

Opening hours

Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) is open 24 hours a day, all year round.

Permits and fees

Permits are required for commercial or organised events. View permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted on Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) or on tidal lands adjacent to Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. Tidal areas include beaches, rocks, mangroves, coral rubble and dunes.

Climate and weather

Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL) has a tropical climate with the wetter months usually between December and April when maximum temperatures can soar above 30 °C. The best time to visit the islands is between May and October when rain is unlikely and temperatures are cooler.

Fuel and supplies

There are no facilities on Piper Islands National Park (CYPAL), all fuel and supplies need to be brought with you.

The nearest fuel and supplies are available on the mainland at Lockhart River, about 60 km south of the park.

For more information, see the tourism information links.