Page 28 - Ebook Explore Cape York

Explore Cape York 22
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park
An alternative to taking the PDR is to take a wander through
Lakefield (Rinyirru) national park via the Lakefield Road.
Lakefield Road is a dry weather road running on the western
side of the park – it is usually closed between 1 December and
30 June each year, depending on the weather – check out the
National Park website for the latest information on closures and
openings.

You’ll find over twenty camping areas (Kalpowar and Hann
Crossing are the only sites with facilities) and a good number of
lagoons and waterholes, perfect for birdwatching. Just
remember though, no matter what time of year, crocs rule.

Although the road is usually in fairly good condition, it pays to
allow a good three hours for the run.

National Parks have created a ‘one stop shop’ website with
everything you need to know about Rinyirru. You’ll find an
interactive map and pdfs to download for those times when you
don’t have the internet – it does pay to check for closures and
some areas may be out of bounds for short periods throughout
the year.

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) was declared a
national park back in 1979, absorbing two of the Cape’s oldest
cattle stations, Laura, and Lakefield. The park covers four major
rivers and is loosely enclosed in that area between Laura,
Musgrave, and Princess Charlotte Bay.

The Aboriginal Traditional Owners—the Lama Lama and Kuku
Thaypan peoples, the Bagaarrmugu, Mbarimakarranma,
Muunydyiwarra, Magarrmagarrwarra, Balnggarrwarra and
Gunduurwarra clans and related families—welcome you to their
country. They ask that you respect their special place.

If you intend camping, and there are a number of great camp
sites, remember you are in a national park, so bookings are
required.