Orange Plain Camping Area – Rinyirru National Park (CYPAL) (CG)

Looking for a camp along a large waterhole on the Normanby River?

Orange Plain Waterhole camping area is adjacent to a large permanent waterhole on the steep western bank of the Normanby River. Site one is on a low ridge with a track down to the river-camping is not allowed on the lower river bank. The waterhole is ideal for bank and boat fishing or for relaxing by the water. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here. The camping area can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles only. It is not accessible for caravans, campervans, or buses. The road becomes impassable after rain.
The number of sites: four numbered sites. All sites can accommodate 2 cars and trailers.
Site 1 – Max 8 people
Site 2 to 4 – Max 6 people
Campsites are suitable for tent camping beside your car and camper trailers
Campsite surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

SITE ACCESS
The campsite is on the northern part of the park on the western bank of the Normanby River. By road, the access track to campsites two, three, and four is 36km north of Lakefield ranger base and 16km north-east of Hann Crossing. The access track for campsite one is 100m further north. 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 campgrounds. Failing this please check with National Parks for further directions.

FEES & BOOKINGS
You must book and pay for a camping permit before you arrive at a camping area.
Most bookings are made online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service, and your permit is issued by email.
Fees for camping permits are:
$6.85 per person per night, or $27.40 per family per night.
$3.75 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved educational 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
There are no facilities on this campsite.

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 directly from the National Parks website, please click on the relevant links. PARK ALERTS, RV’S IN PARKS, GENERATORS, FIRES & BBQ’S, SAFETY, CARING FOR PARKS

VIDEO BY LIVE2CAMP

Data courtesy of The Department of Environment and Science
UPPDATED181021GR