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Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) Tropical North Queensland

You'll overlook tidal Five Mile creek from this large and open camping area. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government

Magnificent weeping paperbarks line the river at Kalpower crossing. Photo credit: © John Augusteyn

Five Mile Creek camping area

Unwind and relax in this shady camping area, high on the bank overlooking tidal Five Mile Creek and close to Annie River.

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Scenic drive
  • Fishing

Always check

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

Walk along the bank of Five Mile Creek and see if you can spot basking crocodiles in the water below. Try your luck at hooking a barra for dinner, or just sit back and marvel at the birds in the canopy.

When it’s too hot to be out and about, jump in the car and head to the nearby Low Lake (Rarda-Ndolphin) and Nifold Plain. The lake is a fantastic place to birdwatch so remember your camera and binoculars. Nifold Plain is best at sunset, when the termite mound-studded landscape is awash with pastel colours.

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is jointly managed by the Rinyirru (Lakefield) Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland Government.

Getting there and getting around

Five Mile Creek camping area is in the northern part of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL), 340km north-west of Cairns, and 140km west of Cooktown, on southern Cape York Peninsula.

  • This camping area is in the north-western corner of the park.
  • You need a 4WD to access the park and camping area.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

From the north

  • Take the Lakefield turn-off at the Musgrave Roadhouse on the Peninsula Developmental Road and drive 38km east on Marina Plains Road to the park.
  • Continue 4km through the park to the junction of Marina Plains and Lakefield roads.
  • Turn right and drive 12km north to the signed turn-off. The camping area is 7km down this road.

From the south

  • Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
  • Drive 25km to the park.
  • Continue north-west for 125km through the park, past the Lakefield ranger base, to Marina Plains Road.
  • Turn right and drive 12km north to the signed turn-off. The camping area is 7km down this road.

From Cape Melville

  • Drive 70km from Wakooka in Cape Melville National Park to Kalpowar on the eastern boundary of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
  • Continue 1km and turn right onto Lakefield Road.
  • Continue north-west for 72km through the park to Marina Plains Road.
  • Turn right and drive 12km north to the signed turn-off. The camping area is 7km down this road.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Before you visit

Seasonal closures

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is closed throughout the wet season every year.

  • Camping areas south of Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 31 May.
  • Camping areas north of the Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 30 June.
  • These dates vary each year depending on weather and road conditions.
  • Refer to the park map (PDF, 510.3KB) for location of the Lakefield ranger base and camping areas.
Camp site one at Five Mile Creek camping area.

Camp site one at Five Mile Creek camping area.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Camping area features

On the flat above a steep bank of the tidal Five Mile Creek. Close by is the tidal Annie River. The nearby Marina Plains Homestead and professional fishing camps are not open to the public. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—be croc wise in croc country.

Location: northern part of the park on Five Mile Creek, 19km north-west of the junction of Marina Plains Road and Lakefield Road—by road, the turn-off is 42km east of Musgrave Roadhouse and 39km north-west of Hann Crossing.

Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) northern camping areas map (PDF, 123.8KB)

Boat launching: nil.

Access: the camping area can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle only. It is not accessible for caravans, campervans or buses. The road becomes impassable after rain.

Number of sites: one numbered site—maximum one car and trailer (four people).

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car and camper trailers.

Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

Shade: nil.

Facilities: nil.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply). Fuel stoves are recommended. Do not collect firewood in the park.

Generators: only generators operated at less than 65dB(A), when measured 7m from the generator, are permitted, and only between 8.00am and 7.00pm.

Essentials to bring: adequate food and drinking water (no fresh water is available), equipment for treating water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, mosquito nets, fuel stove and adequate fuel and spare parts for your vehicle. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online, over-the-counter or by phone prior to arrival. Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance for May to August and the September school holidays.

Mobile phone coverage: not available.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Rinyirru (Lakefield) safely and camp with care.