Check Park Alerts before visiting tropical national parks

Issued: 5 Jan 2021

With heavy rain falling across parts of north and far north Queensland following Tropical Cyclone Imogen, national park visitors are reminded to always check “Park Alerts” before heading out.

“Summer means warm, balmy holidays and outdoor recreation, but it’s also our traditional wet season,” QPWS Northern Parks and Forests Executive Director James Newman said.

“This means some of our parks, or parts of them, can be temporarily closed because of weather events, and checking a park’s status on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s ‘Park Alerts’ web pages before you start your journey can save you a lot of bother.”

Mr Newman said Park Alerts currently advised wet season safety information for a number of northern national parks.

These include the Cardwell Forest Drive and Five Mile Creek day-use area in the Cardwell State Forest; Murray Falls in the Girramay National Park; Stony Creek swimming hole and Wallaman Falls at the Girringun National Park; and at Broadwater in the Abergowrie State Forest.

“With heavy rainfall also comes significant rises in creeks and streams.

“Creek and stream conditions can change rapidly, with fast flowing and rapidly rising water causing strong currents, and at these times it’s vital people stay safe and not enter the water.

“Park Alerts gives you early warning when this happens and you can modify your travel plans accordingly.”

Mr Newman said Park Alerts also currently advised the closure of some tropical walking tracks and camping areas.

“For example, the Royal Arch walking track in Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park and the Noah Beach camping area at Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park are currently closed because of the wet season.

“Conditions can change relatively quickly, however, so check Park Alerts regularly to get the latest advice on the national park you want to visit.”