Park is closed

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) Tropical North Queensland

Camp with picturesque vistas of Sweetwater Lake. Photo credit: © John Augusteyn

Brolgas prepare to take flight at Breeza Lagoon. Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Sweetwater Lake camping area

This secluded camping area, close to the northern entrance of the national park (CYPAL), is a beautiful place to spend a few days.

Accessible by

Camping area facilities

Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
Generators allowed (conditions apply)
Tent camping
Camper trailer camping
Boating
Fishing

Queensland National Parks Booking System Update

The new Queensland National Parks Booking Service is live for bookings.

Customer account login
If you are making your first booking since 1 July 2024, a new customer account will be created automatically as part of your next booking. Please note your previous login credentials will no longer be valid.

Customers who have made a booking after 1 July 2024, please use your email address to reset your password to access your account.

More information about the new booking system

Always check

Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts.
Current bushfire warnings and incidents and also fire bans and restrictions.
Your camping permit is booked.
Any park-specific camping information for Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
Visiting Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) safely for important safety information.

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

Whether you're just starting or finishing your Rinyirru journey, you’ll enjoy the vistas of picturesque Sweetwater Lake from this secluded camp site.

Just as the name suggests, this stunning lake is blanketed by a dazzling display of colourful waterlilies and is home to a rich variety of waterbirds. After you’ve set up camp, grab your binoculars and camera and find the perfect vantage point to watch the waterbirds… and estuarine crocodiles!

After a peaceful night’s sleep, greet the sun and the waterbirds on the lake before packing a picnic lunch for more wildlife watching at nearby Low Lake (Rarda-Ndolphin) and the Nifold Plain.

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is jointly managed by the Rinyirru (Lakefield) Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland Government.

Getting there and getting around

Sweetwater Lake camping area is in the northern part of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL), 340km north-west of Cairns, and 140km west of Cooktown, on southern Cape York Peninsula.

This camping area is near the northern entrance to the national park (CYPAL).
You need a 4WD to access the national park (CYPAL) and camping area.
Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

From the north

Take the Lakefield turn-off at the Musgrave Roadhouse on the Peninsula Developmental Road and drive 38km east on Marina Plains Road to the national park (CYPAL).
Continue 6km and turn right at the Sweetwater Lake turn-off.
Drive a further 2km to the camping area.

From the south

Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
Drive 25km to the national park (CYPAL).
Continue 132km through the national park (CYPAL), past the Lakefield ranger base, and turn left at the Sweetwater Lake turn-off.
Drive a further 2km to the camping area.

From Cape Melville

Drive 70km from Wakooka in Cape Melville National Park (CYPAL) to Kalpowar on the eastern boundary of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
Continue 132km through the national park (CYPAL), past the Lakefield ranger base, and turn left at the Sweetwater Lake turn-off.
Drive 72km north and turn left at the Sweetwater Lake turn-off.
The camping area is a further 2km along this road.

Before you visit

Seasonal closures

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is closed throughout the wet season every year.

Camping areas south of Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 31 May.
Camping areas north of the Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 30 June.
These dates vary each year depending on weather and road conditions.
Refer to the park map (PDF, 395.2KB) for location of the Lakefield ranger base and camping areas.

Camping area features

Sweetwater Lake camping area

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Adjacent to Sweetwater Lake, this is the first camp site in the national park (CYPAL) when coming from Musgrave Roadhouse. This permanent lagoon is ideal for bird watching. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—Be Crocwise in Croc Country.

Location: northern part of the national park (CYPAL), adjacent to Sweetwater Lake, 2km south of Lakefield Road—by road the turn-off is 40km east of Musgrave Roadhouse and 41km north-west of Hann Crossing.

Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) northern camping areas map (PDF, 216.7KB)

Access: by four-wheel-drive vehicle only. It is not accessible for caravans, campervans or buses. The access track opens after June and becomes impassable after rain.

Boat launching: manual launching (no trailer access).

Number of sites: 1 numbered site—maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car and camper trailers.

Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

Shade: nil.

Facilities: nil.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) but must be contained. Fuel stoves are recommended. Do not collect firewood in the national park (CYPAL).

Generators: only generators operated at less than 65dB(A), when measured 7m from the generator, are permitted, and only between 8am and 7pm.

Essentials to bring: adequate food and drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, mosquito nets, fuel stove and adequate fuel and spare parts for your vehicle. Read more about before you visit.

Mobile phone coverage: not available.