Park is closed

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

Photo credit: Mark Simmons © Queensland Government

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

Kalpowar discovery walk

Take some time out to explore this easy walk that meanders along the bank of the beautiful Normanby River.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
4km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 1.5hrs walking time
Grade
Easy (walk)

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Walking

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Kicking off from the Kalpower Crossing day-use area wander through thick vine forest high above the water. Magnificent weeping paperbarks reach elaborately upwards, providing dabbled shade along the track.

This riverine landscape is alive with wildlife. From the many vantage points over the water, look for estuarine crocodiles cruising the lagoon, and listen to the cacophony of bird calls from the tree tops.

To return to the day-use area you’ll loop through sun-dappled open woodland. During the cooler parts of the day you may hear wallabies and kangaroos thumping through the undergrowth.

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

Getting there and getting around

Kalpowar Discovery walk is in the central part of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL), 340km north-west of Cairns, and 140km west of Cooktown, on southern Cape York Peninsula.

  • This walking track is near the Kalpowar Crossing day-use area on the western bank of the Normanby River.
  • You need a 4WD to access the park and walking track.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

From Cape Melville

  • Drive 70km from Wakooka in Cape Melville National Park to Kalpowar on the eastern boundary of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).

From the south

  • Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
  • Drive 25km to the park.
  • Continue 59km through the park north and turn right at the Wakooka Road turn off.
  • Drive 3km east to the day-use area and the start of the walking track.

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 park.
  • Continue 73km south through the park, past the Lakefield ranger base, and turn left at the Wakooka Road turn-off.
  • Drive 3km to the day-use area and the start of the walking track.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Kalpowar discovery walk is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

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.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) safely and Walk with care.