Visiting Tagalaka safely

Getting there and getting around

Travelling from Georgetown

• Follow the Gulf Developmental Road approximately 103km west of Georgetown to the entrance of the park.

Travelling from Croydon

• Follow the Gulf Developmental Road approximately 44km east of Croydon to the entrance of the park.

Travelling to Mima Teti camping area

• From the entrance to the park, turn onto Littleton Road.
• Follow Littleton Road for 5km and turn left at the signed road to Mima Teti camping area. Follow this road for a further 8.2km to Mima Teti camping area.
• In total, Mima Teti camping area is approximately 13.2km from the Gulf Developmental Road turnoff.

Driving in the park

A 4WD vehicle is required to traverse Tagalaka National Park. Please always drive slowly and carefully in the park. The park has an abundance of wildlife and roads become dusty making visibility poor. We recommend only driving during daylight hours to protect wildlife.

Driving on the Gulf Developmental Road

Please see Department of Main Roads for current conditions when planning your trip. This road also has an abundance of wildlife, both native and domestic, please use extreme caution when travelling on this road.

Maps

• Tagalaka National Park locality map (PDF, 265.0KB)
• Mima Teti camping area map (PDF, 319.3KB)

Wheelchair accessibility

The toilets and shower cubicle at Mima Teti camping area are the only wheelchair-accessible (with assistance) features in Tagalaka National Park.

Staying safe

• This area is isolated, so it is important to plan trips carefully and be prepared for emergencies.
• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. There is no mobile phone coverage.
• Carry plenty of drinking water and try to walk and explore in the cooler part of the day. At dawn and dusk you will see the greatest amount of wildlife activity.
• Drive slowly and carefully in the park at all times. The park has an abundance of wildlife and roads become dusty making visibility poor. We recommend only driving during daylight hours to protect wildlife.
• Visitors must be experienced in four-wheel-driving and should travel with the necessary recovery gear.
• There are creek crossings on the way to Mima Teti camping area. Creek crossings may change after rain events. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads: if it’s flooded, forget it.
• Be wary of unfenced areas as livestock may be on the roads.
• Carry adequate food, first-aid equipment, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment in case of unexpected delays or breakdowns.
• Freshwater crocodiles inhabit rivers and waterways within this park. Unlike estuarine crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles are considered timid and non-life-threatening to humans. Very few incidents have been reported involving people.
  • Freshwater crocodiles may become aggressive and cause injury if disturbed.
  • Do not approach or interfere with these animals.
• Dingoes inhabit this park and have the potential to be dangerous to humans. The risk of dangerous behaviour is greatly increased in dingoes that have become habituated to humans through feeding or other encouragement. Be Dingo-Safe!
• For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

To enjoy your time in this park remember to bring:

• drinking and bathing water, sufficient for your stay
• gas or fuel stove for cooking
• a first aid kit
• food storage containers
• sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• insect repellent
• bags to take your rubbish with you
• at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. There is no mobile phone coverage.

Opening hours

Tagalaka National Park is open 24 hours a day, however the park is closed during the wet season from 1 October to 31 March.

Permits and fees

Camping permits

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.

Find out more about camping at Tagalaka National Park.

Other permits

Permits are required for commercial or organised events. View permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Tagalaka National Park.

Climate and weather

In spring and summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 35ºC. The cooler months of the year—May to August—are the best times to visit. Night-time temperatures can drop below 10ºC. Most rain falls in the summer months—December to March—and there is little rainfall in winter. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology. For more information see the tourism information links.