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

Don't miss the chance to snag a fish for dinner. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government

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

Old Faithful Waterhole camping area

Relax at this shady and peaceful camping area, sprawled along a deep waterhole on the Normanby River.

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.

After a dusty day on the road, you’ll be glad to settle into one of the 3 shady riverside sites.

Flick lures from the banks or drop baits into the snags to see what you can hook. Cooked over the coals of an open fire, your catch is sure to be delicious.

If it's pure relaxation you're seeking, Old Faithful Waterhole is the perfect place to unwind while soaking up the peaceful, picturesque surrounds. Sit back in your camp chair and take in the serenity and solitude that only this national park (CYPAL) can offer.

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

Getting there and getting around

Old Faithful Waterhole camping area is in the southern 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 south of Lakefield ranger base, on 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 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 42km through the national park (CYPAL), past the New Laura ranger base, and turn right at the Old Faithful Waterhole turn-off.
  • Drive 6km east to the camping area.

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 89km through the national park (CYPAL), past the Lakefield ranger base, and turn left at the Old Faithful Waterhole turn-off.
  • Drive 6km east to the camping area.

From Battle Camp Road

  • Drive 85km west from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road to the national park (CYPAL) eastern boundary.
  • Continue 67km through national park (CYPAL) and turn right at the Old Faithful Waterhole turn-off.
  • The camping area is 6km east along this road.

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.
  • Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
  • See the Bureau of Meteorology for weather conditions and forecasts.
  • See traffic and travel information for road and travel conditions.
Photo of camp site 3 at Old Faithful Waterhole camping area.

Camp site 3 at Old Faithful Waterhole camping area.

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Camping area features

Adjacent to a deep, permanent waterhole on the steep (2–3m high) western bank of the Normanby River, this is an ideal spot for fishing or simply relaxing at a shady camp site in peaceful surrounds. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—Be Crocwise in Croc Country.

Location: southern part of the national park (CYPAL) on the western bank of the Normanby River, 6km east of Lakefield Road—by road, the turn-off is 16km north of New Laura ranger base and 17km south of Lakefield ranger base.

Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) southern camping areas map (PDF, 297.9KB)

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 Other comments
1 Maximum 2 cars (6 people). 2m high riverbank. Not accessible with camper trailer.
2 Maximum 2 cars and 1 trailer (6 people). 2m high riverbank.
3 Maximum 2 cars (6 people). 3m riverbank. Not accessible with camper trailer.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car or camper trailer (site 2 only).

Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

Shade: all sites have shade.

Facilities: individual fire rings.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in fire rings only. 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.