National Parks Close Across TNQ Ahead of Cyclone Jasper

Explorers are being asked to take a rain check on all outdoor activities as Tropical Cyclone Jasper heads for Queensland. The majority of the state’s national parks from Mackay to Cape Melville are now closed.

Over the next few days, residents of central, north, and Far North Queensland will experience extreme weather of fierce winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding in low-lying areas as Cyclone Jasper moves inland off the Queensland coast.

Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map Issued at 11:09 pm AEST Monday 11 December 2023 Bureau Of Meteorology

Dozens of National Parks Have Closed

The closure of multiple national parks across Queensland means that access to all campgrounds and walking tracks in popular areas such as the Daintree National Park isn’t permitted. This includes vehicle access. Those Explorers who’ve secured campsite bookings in affected national parks may request a credit or refund by visiting the Queensland National Park booking page.

Currently, most of the parks are set to remain closed for 4-10 days, but Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will evaluate the areas after the wild weather has passed and proceed to reopen national parks once safety is ensured.

The list of closed national parks includes:

• Bowling Green Bay National Park
• Townsville Town Common Conservation Park
• Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park
• Mangkalba (Cedar Bay), Ngalba Bulal National Park
• Cathu State Forest
• Crediton State Forest
• Eungella National Park
• Cape Hillsborough National Park
• Daintree National Park (CYPAL)
• Girringun National Park
• Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest
• Orpheus Island National Park
• Goold Island National Park
• Family Islands National Park
• Hinchinbrook Island National Park
• Undara Volcanic National Park
• Forty Mile Scrub National Park
• Bulleringa National Park
• Alwal National Park (CYPAL)
• Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
• Tully Gorge National Park
• Tully Falls National Park
• Mount Hypipamee National Park
• Millstream Falls National Park
• Malanda Falls Conservation Park
• Koombooloomba National Park and Conservation Park
• Herberton Range National Park
• Herberton Range Conservation Park
• Herberton Range State Forest
• Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve
• Davies Creek National Park
• Dinden National Park
• Dinden West Forest Reserve
• Bare Hill Conservation Park
• Danbulla National Park and State Forest
• Turtle Group National Park
• Three Islands Group National Park
• Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park
• Lizard Island National Park
• Hope Islands National Park (CYPAL)
• Green Island National Park
• Frankland Group National Park
• Fitzroy Island National Park
• Barnard Island Group National Park
• Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park
• Mount Cook National Park
• Endeavour River National Park
• Annan River (Yuku Baja-Muliku) National Park
• Mount Lewis National Park
• Kalkajaka National Park (CYPAL)
• Eubenangee Swamp National Park
• Kirrama National Park
• Girramay National Park
• Cardwell State Forest
• Clump Mountain National Park
• Djiru National Park
• Kurrimine Beach National Park
• Kurrimine Beach Conservation Park
• Misty Mountains wilderness tracks
• Speewah Conservation Park
• Russell River National Park
• Grey Peaks National Park
• Macalister Range National Park
• East Trinity Reserve
• Wooroonooran National Park
• Smithfield Conservation Park
• Kuranda National Park
• Mowbray National Park
• Jumrum Creek Conservation Park
• Earl Hill Conservation Park
• Barron Gorge National Park
• Dryander National Park
• Conway National Park
• Cape Upstart National Park

Visit QLD Park Alerts to stay updated on all park closures.

Photo by Kate Stevens

Cyclonic Conditions Expected to Impact FNQ

Damaging wind gusts are expected to develop along the Queensland coast and adjacent ranges between Cooktown and Townsville, including Cairns, from Tuesday. Coastal waters may rise above high tide levels, developing into king tide waves that travel inland.

Power, internet, and water supplies will most likely be disrupted during the wild weather conditions. A number of businesses have announced their closures as the cyclone approaches the northern part of the state this week.

Check the Bureau of Meteorology for all weather updates.

Feature image by @littlewohl