Visiting Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) safely

Many seabirds nest in the vegetation on Mitirinchi Island.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Lesser frigatebird chick (Duwaduwa), Mitirinchi Island.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) map (PDF, 121.5KB)

Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) lies off the far north Queensland coast, about 20km east of Weymouth Bay and 50km north of Lockhart River.

To protect nesting seabirds there is no public access to the island.

Access to the waters surrounding the island is by private boat from the boat ramp at Lockhart River or with a permitted commercial operator. See the tourism information links for details.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Staying safe

This park is in a remote area, visitors must be well prepared.

• Wear sunscreen and cover up when you are boating.
• Be aware that estuarine crocodiles can be found in the waters around island national parks. Remember, your safety is our concern but your responsibility—always be croc wise in croc country.
• Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. If you cannot avoid entering the water, a full-body lycra suit or equivalent may provide a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn. Visit marine stingers for the latest safety and first aid information.
• Always carry drinking water and wear a hat.

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

Before you visit

Opening hours

There is no public access to Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL), but the surrounding marine park waters are accessible by boat.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted on Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) or on tidal lands adjacent to Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. Tidal areas include beaches and rocks.

Climate and weather

Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL) has a tropical climate with the wetter months usually between December and April when maximum temperatures can soar above 30°C. Temperatures are cooler from May to October and rain is unlikely at this time.

Fuel and supplies

There are no facilities at Mitirinchi Island National Park (CYPAL).

The nearest fuel and supplies are available on the mainland at Lockhart River about 50km south of the park.

For more information, see the tourism information links.