Visiting Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL) safely

Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL)

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Kowanyama Photo Archive

Getting there and getting around

• Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL) map (PDF, 99.8KB)

Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL) is on the western side of Cape York Peninsula, about 609km west-north-west of Cairns and 656km south of Weipa. Access is by four-wheel drive from either Pompuraaw or the Kowanyama Aboriginal Community along the Kowanyama–Pompuraaw Road. The park is about 83km to the south-east of Pompuraaw and about 32km to the north-east of Kowanyama.

There is only one entrance to the park. Vehicles accessing the park cross the Mitchell River at Shelfo Crossing, a broad rock bar. Extreme caution must be exercised as the water is fast flowing and estuarine crocodiles and sharks are found here.

Restricted access areas have been put in place to protect cultural resources and property. Entry to the Poison Snake Story Area (PDF, 92.9KB) , Tomahawk Story Area (PDF, 99.0KB) , Frog Story Swamp Area (PDF, 99.5KB) and Emu-Brolga Story Living Area (PDF, 85.7KB) is prohibited.

Due to seasonal flooding the park is usually inaccessible between November and July/August. See Queensland Traffic for information about road and travel conditions.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL).

Staying safe

Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL) is a remote park. Visitors must be well prepared and self-sufficient with adequate food, water, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment.

• Be alert for snakes when exploring the area. Wear protective clothing such as long trousers and closed-in shoes.
• There are various natural hazards in the park. Please take note of all management and safety signs.
• Ensure that your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
• Plan your itinerary to allow adequate time to drive carefully as park roads are unsealed, have tight curves and rough surfaces.
• Be prepared for delays caused by breakdowns and stranding due to wet weather.
• Stay on designated roads.
• Be aware that estuarine crocodiles live in the park. Remember, your safety is our concern but your responsibility—always Be crocwise in croc country.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Be crocwise in croc country!

Estuarine crocodiles live in Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL). Crocodiles are dangerous and attacks can be fatal. Never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat. Visitors are responsible for their own safety, so please follow these guidelines and always Be crocwise in croc country.

• Expect crocodiles in ALL north Queensland waterways, even if there is no warning sign.
• Just because you can’t see a crocodile doesn’t mean there is not one close by. Crocodiles can be very patient, and can stay underwater and unseen for up to four hours without even a breath.
• Crocodiles can lunge at people and animals at the water’s edge. They are ambush predators, and you may not see them. Stand back from the water and never stand on logs or branches overhanging the water.
• Be extra cautious at night, dusk and dawn. Crocodiles are more likely to attack during these times.
• Crocodiles fill an essential role as key predators in the aquatic and estuarine ecosystem. .

For more information, see crocodiles—Be crocwise.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit to Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL). Make sure you bring:

• drinking water
• rubbish bags
• protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• a comprehensive first-aid kit
• insect repellent.

Opening hours

Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL) is open 24 hours a day. Access to Poison Snake Story Area (PDF, 92.9KB) , Tomahawk Story Area (PDF, 99.0KB) , Frog Story Swamp Area (PDF, 99.5KB) and Emu-Brolga Story Living Area (PDF, 85.7KB) are prohibited to protect cultural resources and property.

Due to seasonal flooding the park is usually inaccessible between November and July/August. See the Queensland Traffic for information about road and travel conditions.

Permits and fees

There are no permits or fees required to access Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL).

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

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park—leave all pets at home.

Climate and weather

Errk Oykangand National Park (CYPAL) has a tropical climate with wetter months usually between November and April. Temperatures regularly reach above 30°C all year round. The best time to visit is between July and October when rain is less likely and temperatures are cooler.

Fuel and supplies

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

The nearest fuel and medium-sized supermarket are available at Kowanyama approximately 32km east of the park. For more information, see the tourism information links.