Alwal National Park

Alwal National Park is a national park in the Shire of Cook on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia.[1]

Alwal National Park
Queensland
IUCN category II (national park)
Alwal National Park
Nearest town or cityLaura
Coordinates15°12′12″S 143°34′55″E
Established2010
Area42.510 km2 (16.4 sq mi)
Managing authoritiesQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service
WebsiteAlwal National Park
See alsoProtected areas of Queensland

Geography

Protected within the park is a section of the Morehead River as well as escarpments, undulating low hills, seasonal wetlands and patches of vine-thicket.[2] Alwal lies within the Cape York Peninsula bioregion and contains about 30 separate wetland ecosystems which cover just under 1% of the park.[3] In the east sandstone escarpments and rocky slopes dominate the landscape.[4]

Fauna

Alwal National Park is home to some of last known populations of the Golden-shouldered parrot, one of Australia's most endangered bird species.[5] The park also protects the habitat of the threatened Cape York rock-wallaby, red goshawk and black-necked stork.[2]

History

Alwal National Park was officially opened in May 2010 by acting Minister for Environment Annastacia Palaszczuk.[6] It is named after the Golden-shouldered parrot which has the name Alwal in the Kunjen language.[5]

The traditional owners of the land are the Uw Olkola people.[4] The park is managed under a new model between the state government and Olkola Aboriginal Corporation Land Trust. The property was previously known as Mulkay.[5]

Facilities

There is no vehicle access or visitor facilities.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Alwal National Park (entry 49140)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  2. "Alwal National Park". Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  3. "Alwal National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land)". Wetlandinfo. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  4. "Nature, culture and history". Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  5. "A new National Park for Cape York". The Wilderness Society Australia. 23 October 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  6. "New national park named Alwal declared on Cape York Peninsula". news.com.au. News Limited. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
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