Visiting Finucane Island safely

Getting there and getting around

There is no vehicle access road to the national park. The waterways surrounding Finucane Island can only be reached by boat from the Albert River, Leichhardt River, Landsborough Inlet or the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Landing a boat on the island is not recommended, it is very difficult due to the estuarine mangrove environment. A designated boat landing area is not provided.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities at Finucane Island National Park.

Staying safe

Finucane Island is a remote. Visitors must be self-sufficient, responsible for their own safety and well prepared for all emergencies.

• Ensure your boat and equipment are safe and in good working order. Have all the safety gear you need, maintain it well and know how to use it. Follow the boat and fish with care and the Maritime Safety Queensland safety guidelines.
• Plan for emergencies. Carry adequate food, drinking water, a first-aid equipment, fuel and basic boat repair equipment in case of unexpected stranding or breakdown. Pack insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
• Use dependable communication equipment. Satellite phones, marine radios and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.
• Before your trip Check current weather warnings for Queensland. Severe weather and cyclones are common in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Never recreate during or after severe weather.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Leave an itinerary with a friend, relative or other reliable person.
• On the water, stay informed and heed marine warnings and current weather conditions in the area.

Be Crocwise

Be Crocwise around the water.

Estuarine crocodiles live in the wetlands, salt flats, mangroves, rivers and channels, and along the coastline and offshore of Finucane Island National Park. Crocodiles can stay out of sight, underwater for hours at a time. Just because you can’t see a crocodile, doesn’t mean there isn’t one close by.

Learn how to Be Crocwise and keep yourself, your family and friends safe in and around the water when fishing and boating at Finucane National Park.

Stay safe and follow the Parks and forests guidelines to stay safe and visit with care.

In an emergency

For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Wear insect repellent and protective clothing for protection against stings, scratches and bites.
• Ensure you carry a first aid kit, safety equipment, extra food and plenty of drinking water.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones, marine radios and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s) are the most effective. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable.
• Sturdy, sealable rubbish bags.

Opening hours

Finucane Island National Park is open 24 hours a day. The national park may be closed at times due to severe weather or management operations. Check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.

Pets

Domestic animals are not allowed in Finucane Island National Park.

Climate and weather

Two seasons occur in the Gulf Savannah—the wet and the dry. During the dry season, April to November, the sky is generally clear and humidity is low. The wet season, December to March, brings heavy rain and high humidity. January is the wettest month, with over 200mm of rain.

July, the coolest month, has an average minimum temperature of 13°C and maximum of 28°C. Wet season temperatures range from 25–35°C.

Weather information and forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest major centre for a full range of supplies and services is Burketown, approximately 25km southwest (by boat) of Finucane Island National Park.