Lakefield National Park

Introducing Lakefield National Park

The main turn-off to Lakefield National Park is a 45-minute drive north of Laura.

Lakefield National Park is the second-largest national park in Queensland, and the most accessible on Cape York Peninsula. The park is best known for its wetlands and prolific bird life. The extensive river system drains into Princess Charlotte Bay on its northern perimeter. This is the only national park on the peninsula where fishing is permitted.

There’s a good QPWS camping ground (per person/family $4.50/18), with showers and toilets, at Kalpowar Crossing. Contact New Laura QPWS (07-4060 3260; www.epa.qld.gov.au) or the Lakefield QPWS (07-4060 3271; www.epa.qld.gov.au), further north in the park, to arrange camping permits.

About 26km before Musgrave is the resort Lotus Bird Lodge (/fax 07-4060 3400, 4060 3480; www.lotusbird.com.au; r incl meals & tours $245), which is open from around mid-May until the end of November.

Princess Charlotte Bay, which includes the coastal section of Lakefield National Park, is the site of some of Australia’s biggest rock-art galleries. Unfortunately, the bay is extremely hard to reach except from the sea.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009