Iron Range National Park - Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL)

Giant Ficus, Iron Range National Park, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

The park is of major Aboriginal cultural significance with story places, ceremonial sites and occupation places dotted about the landscape and is part of the traditional country of the Kuuku Ya’u people.

Fishing is not permitted in any freshwater creeks or rivers within the park but is permitted at Chili Beach. Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways of the park – be croc wise.

There is a 10km walking trail along the Claudie River and a viewing platform at Mount Tozer.

The park has prolific birdlife with endemics such as the eclectus parrot, red-cheeked parrots, Marshall’s fig parrots and frilled monarchs and more than 60% of Australia’s butterflies can be found at Iron Range.

Camping is allowed at Rainforest, Gordon Creek, Cook’s Hut and Chili Beach camping areas. Camping permits are required and can be obtained from the self-registration shelter at the Iron Range ranger station.

In July 2011 a historic agreement was signed - the name Iron Range N.P. was changed and Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) will now be jointly managed by the Northern Kuuku Ya’u Kanthanampu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Land Trust and the Queensland Government in accordance with an Indigenous Management Agreement and other land management arrangements.

All camping in this park will need to be pre-booked.

Termite Mounds Iron Range National Park, Queensland. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland