Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land)

Rinyirru (Lakefield) is of considerable Aboriginal cultural significance, and the park has many places associated with occupation, ceremonies and ancestral spirits. Hann Crossing and Kalpowar Crossing are two such significant sites.

The Park is located in the Laura Basin 6-7 hours north of Cairns. There are several access points: via Laura and the Peninsula Development Road; from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road; on the Lakeland-Laura Road, or from Coen via the Musgrave Roadhouse. Access is only during the dry season, normally May to November, but early or late rains might render some of the tracks impassable, so when travelling early or late in the season it is wise to check first that the roads are open. 4wd is essential.

During the dry season large waterholes, lakes and lagoons are interspersed by vast floodplains which attract a huge diversity of birdlife, including magpie geese. Crocodiles can be seen resting on the river banks, and in open woodland and grassland areas wallabies are easily seen. Red and White Lily Lagoons, located 8km north of the Lakefield Ranger base on the main road, have amazing displays of lotus lilies.

Fishing is permitted at all camping grounds with barramundi and catfish the most common species caught. Boat tours and hire are not available, but you are welcome to bring your own boat.

Kalpowar Crossing Camping Lakefield National Park. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland

There are bush camping areas at 12 Mile Waterhole, Old Faithful Waterhole, Mick Fienn and Dingo Waterholes, Kalpowar Crossing Campground, 7 Mile Waterhole and  Hann Crossing. Camping fees can be paid at self-registration shelters throughout the park.

Cape Melville National Park can be accessed via Kalpowar Crossing.

See images of Lakefield National Park

Below is the media release from Curtis Pitt about the historic handover of Lakefield N.P. to the traditional owners in June 2011.

Historic Handover of iconic Cape York Park

The State Government will today transfer the largest and most iconic national park in the Cape York Peninsula Region to its Traditional Owners in an historic event.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt said Lakefield National Park, in southern Cape York Peninsula, is the third national park in Cape York to be handed back to its Traditional Owners, bringing the total number of jointly managed parks in the region to six.

“Lakefield National Park spans 544,000 hectares and protects lagoons, billabongs, swamps, floodplains and lakes created by vast river systems including the Bizant, Normanby and Morehead rivers,” Mr Pittsaid.

“It’s also home to a number of threatened species including the Golden Shouldered Parrot, Lakeland Downs mouse and Spectacled Hare-wallaby as well as the critically endangered speartooth shark.

“Today’s handover will go a long way towards helping the traditional owners, represented by at least 75 key families and nine traditional language groups, keep their culture and traditions alive for future generations.”

Mr Pitt said negotiations for handover started in April 2009 and included an Indigenous Management Agreement outlining the responsibilities of the Rinyirru Land Trust and the Government for the ongoing management of the park.

“These negotiations have had to resolve some highly complex natural and cultural resource management issues,” Mr Pitt said.

“I would like to thank the Lakefield traditional owner clan and family groups as well as their representatives, Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation and the Cape York Land Council, for their collaboration and commitment in arriving at today’s historic outcome.”

Mr Pitt said under the new joint management partnership the State Government will provide the Land Trust with $190,000 for park works and services contracts as well as $10,000 per annum for educational support programs.

“This funding, combined with other in-kind support, will underpin the employment and training of local Indigenous rangers, allowing them to gain new skills while drawing upon their existing traditional knowledge,” Mr Pitt said.

“In addition to implementing the seasonal fire management program, one of the first joint management projects to be undertaken will be a general muster to remove feral cattle from the park.

“National parks are an essential component of protecting our wildlife and natural and cultural landscapes for future generations.

“The Queensland Government is committed to continuing its work with Traditional Owners on future tenure arrangements in the Cape York Peninsula, including negotiating the granting of title and the joint management of all 30 existing national parks.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates this commitment.”

The transfer of Lakefield National Park brings the total area of land transferred to Aboriginal ownership in Cape York to 1,443,961 hectares of which 818,636 hectares are jointly managed with traditional owners.

The park will be renamed the Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land). in recognition of an important traditional story place at Jeanette Hill, and an historical link with Lakefield Station and the early cattle industry.

Media release 22 June 2011 Curtis Pitt MP