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

The camping area is on the western bank of a large and permanent waterhole on the Normanby River. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government

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

Hanushs Waterhole camping area

With plenty of space and 3 adjoining sites, this centrally-located camping area is perfect for groups travelling together.

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Always check

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

Set up camp high above this long and deep waterhole on the Normanby River, and then wet a line to see if you can land a fish for dinner. Spend the rest of the day relaxing with family and friends, taking in the peaceful surrounds.

After a peaceful night's sleep, jump in the car and explore the surrounding national park (CYPAL). The Breeza Homestead, and Red Lily and White Lily lagoons are just down the road. Further afield, but still within driving distance, are waterholes, creek, rivers and historic sites.

At night, gather around a camp fire and share the day’s stories before falling asleep to the sounds of Rinyirru at night.

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

Getting there and getting around

Hanushs Waterhole camping area 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 camping area is north of Lakefield ranger base, along the western bank of the Normanby River.
  • You need a 4WD to access the national park (CYPAL) and camping area.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

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 national park (CYPAL).
  • Continue 67km south through the national park (CYPAL) and turn left at Hanushs Waterhole turn-off.
  • Drive 8km north to the camping area.

From Cape Melville

  • Drive 70km from Wakooka in Cape Melville National Park (CYPAL) to Kalpowar on the eastern boundary of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
  • Continue 1km to Lakefield Road and turn right.
  • Drive 6.5km north and turn right at the Hanushs Waterhole turn-off.
  • Drive 8km north to the camping area.

From the south

  • Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
  • Drive 25km to the national park (CYPAL).
  • Continue 66.5km through the national park (CYPAL), past the Lakefield ranger base and turn right at the Hanushs Waterhole turn-off.
  • Drive 8km north to the camping area.

Before you visit

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.
Camp site 3 at Hanushs Waterhole camping area

Camp site 3 at Hanushs Waterhole camping area

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Camping area features

Adjacent to a large, permanent waterhole on the 5m high western bank of the Normanby River. This permanent waterhole is ideal for fishing and is perfect for very large groups or families who wish to camp close together, as all sites are adjoining. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—Be Crocwise in Croc Country.

Location: central part of the national park (CYPAL) on the western bank of the Normanby River, 8km north of Lakefield Road—by road, the turn-off is 6.5km north of Lakefield ranger base.

Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) central camping areas map (PDF, 496.6KB)

Access: the camping area can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle only. It is not accessible for caravans, campervans or buses. The road becomes impassable after rain.

Boat launching: nil.

Number of sites: 3 numbered sites.

Site Camp size
1 Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).
2 Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).
3 Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car and camper trailers

Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

Shade: site 1 has partial shade, and sites 2 and 3 have no shade.

Facilities: nil.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply). Fuel stoves are recommended. Do not collect firewood in the national park (CYPAL).

Generators: only generators operated at less than 65dB(A), when measured 7m from the generator, are permitted, and only between 8am and 7pm.

Essentials to bring: adequate food and drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, mosquito nets, fuel stove and adequate fuel and spare parts for your vehicle. Read more about before you visit.

Mobile phone coverage: not available.

Bookings

Advance bookings are essential. Book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Book a camping area

Visiting safely

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