Old Faithful Waterhole camping area – Rinyirru National Park (CYPAL) (CG)

Old Faithful Waterhole camping area is 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. 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.
Number of sites: three numbered sites.
Sites 1 and 3 – Maximum 2 cars (6 people).
Site 2 – Maximum 2 cars and 1 trailer (6 people).
Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car or camper trailer (site two only).
Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

SITE ACCESS
The camp site is on the southern part of the park 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.
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is closed throughout the wet season every year from 1 December to 31 May. All camping areas north of the Lakefield ranger base (see detailed camping information) remain closed up to and including 30 June. These dates may vary depending on weather and road conditions and camping areas and roads may also be closed after heavy rain.
Access to the park from Cairns is via the Peninsula Developmental Road through Laura to the Lakefield turn-off, about 2km north of Laura. Average travelling times from Cairns to Laura-5-6hrs: Laura to New Laura ranger base-45mins: New Laura ranger base to Lakefield ranger base-45mins.
From Cooktown, access to the park is via Battle Camp Road. Suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles only, it takes about 3hrs from Cooktown to the New Laura ranger base.
The park can also be reached from Coen via the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Lakefield turn-off at the Musgrave Roadhouse. From the turn-off it takes 3hrs to the Lakefield ranger base via Hann Crossing, suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.
Access into Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is not suitable for caravans. Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition-suitable suspension and cooling are vital. Observe road closures and restrictions, as penalties can apply.
Rarda-Ndolphin (Low Lake) is a restricted access area. Visitor access is limited to the car park and viewing area.

Please note: GPS Coordinates are approximate and provided in most cases to get you to the entrance. Once inside the park there should be signs to the actual camp grounds. Failing this please check with National Parks for further directions.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. All camping in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) must be booked in advance. Campers must purchase an e-permit before arriving at the camping areas. Self-registration is not available. Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance for May to August and the September school holidays.
Fees for camping permits are:
$5.75 per person per night or $23.00 per family group per night.
$3.20 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved excursions.
FAMILY RATE. For camping fees, a family group is defined as one or two adults and accompanying children under 18, up to a total of 8 people. Children under 5 years of age are free.
Read more about CAMPING COSTS & BOOKINGS.

FACILITIES
Individual fire rings.

RULES
Keep to defined vehicle tracks and walking trails.
Camp in designated areas to avoid damage to fragile vegetation.
Take rubbish home with you – if you carry it in, carry it out.

For more detailed information direct from the National Parks web site, please click on the relevant links. PARK ALERTS, RV’S IN PARKS, GENERATORS, FIRES & BBQ’S, SAFETY, CARING FOR PARKS

We are still in the process of obtaining more information about this site.

Data courtesy of: Department of National Parks, Sports & Racing Queensland
Updated: 230615JA