Fruit Bat Falls, Jardine National Park
PARK INFORMATION
NPRSR 13 7468
SIZE
237 000 ha
VISITOR INFORMATION
Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula (07) 4069 6004 | www.cooktownandcapeyork.com
LOCATION AND ACCESS
920 km north of Cairns via Peninsula Developmental Rd; 4WD access only
CAMPING
Two bush camping sites and several in nearby resources reserves; permit and fees apply
Jardine River National Park, surrounding the state's largest perennial river, lies at the remote northern tip of Cape York Peninsula and offers a true wilderness experience. The park is bordered to the north and south by resources reserves, to the east by the coast, and to the west by a historic telegraph line, installed in 1887 to provide communications to the remote areas of the cape. Within these boundaries are tracts of heath, rainforest and open forest, which provide habitat for unusual species such as the common spotted cuscus, spiny knob-tailed gecko, yellowbilled kingfisher, fawn-breasted bowerbird and the palm cockatoo. This is the traditional land of the Atambaya, Angkamuthi, Gudang, Wuthathi and Yadhaykenu language and social groups, who now jointly manage the park.
Fruit Bat Falls, with its picnic tables and boardwalk overlooking the falls, is a scenic spot. Eliot Falls is beautiful but dangerous – serious injuries have occurred here so exercise great care in the area. Beach fishing is allowed at Captain Billy Landing and Ussher Point but these waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so anglers must check fishing restrictions (and heed all crocodile warnings).Bush camping is permitted at designated areas on either side of the Jardine River (be aware that there is no convenient access between these campsites), and at various locations in the neighbouring resources reserves. Visitors must be self-sufficient, bringing all supplies and water with them. Keep the night insects at bay by using screened tents or nets for protection. At the town of Bamaga, north of the park, Resort Bamaga has 4-star accommodation; Seisia, 5 kilometres north-west of Bamaga, has a campground with self-contained units. Visit only during the dry season, from May to October.