Kutini-Payamu
(Iron Range) National Park
(CYPAL)
The National Park was originally gazetted in 1981 and was converted to the Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) on 22 July 2011 Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land) encompasses a diverse array of plants and vegetation, including tropical lowland rainforest, eucalypt and paperbark forest, extensive heathland and mangrove communities.
It’s a world-class birdwatching destination and a researchers’ delight, regularly attracting the interest of academics from around the country and world.
Other than the birds, which have their own page on this website, perhaps the most striking creature living here is the emerald-green Tree Python. This non-venomous snake, which can reach 1.8m in length, inhabits the coastal vine forests of Iron Range. As a juvenile they are bright yellow, changing to vibrant green as they mature into adulthood.
Another favourite with visitors is the Common Spotted Cuscus and the Southern Common Cuscus, both of which are nocturnal.
Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL) is amongst the most diverse habitats in Australia for butterflies, ants, ferns, palms and orchids.
In fact, 60% of Australia’s butterfly species have been recorded here and the McIlwraith Range, while Iron Range areas have a significant degree of orchid diversity.
Camping Information
Iron Range
Birdwatching
Chilli Beach