Cape Palmerston National Park

Park Coastal national park with beaches and mangroves

A coastal reserve south of Mackay, Cape Palmerston protects beaches, dunes and mangrove-lined estuaries; visitors camp, fish and watch shorebirds along tidal flats.

Radjah shelduck on the beach at Cape Palmerston National Park.jpg
Cape Palmerston National Park
Cape Palmerston National Park, Mackay region, Queensland - coastal park with multiple access points (nearest towns: Mackay, Sarina)
-21.5884, 149.4289
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https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/
Daylight hours (year-round)
Park fees and camping permits may apply (Queensland national park regulations)

How to Get to Cape Palmerston National Park #

By car: Reachable from Mackay or Sarina via regional highways and local roads; some internal park roads may be unsealed and require care. By public transport: Limited - a private vehicle or tour is recommended.

Tips for Visiting Cape Palmerston National Park #

  • If exploring the coastal area, check tide tables and local messages about marine stingers during the warm months.
  • Use sealed roads where possible and check local advice about 4WD tracks for inland access.
  • Local beaches and estuaries are productive for birdwatching at dawn and dusk.

Best Time to Visit Cape Palmerston National Park #

Best visited in the dry winter months for comfortable coastal conditions and wildlife viewing.

Winter (May-September)
May-Sep · 18-28°C
Cooler, dry and calm seas - ideal for coastal walks and wildlife viewing.
Spring (September-November)
Sep-Nov · 20-30°C
Warmer with increased bird activity.
Wet season (December-March)
Dec-Mar · 24-32°C
High rainfall and risk of cyclones; some areas closed for safety.

Weather & Climate near Cape Palmerston National Park #

Climate

Cape Palmerston National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 13°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (946 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (187 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° – 31°

Weather

187 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° – 30°

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° – 30°

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° – 28°

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° – 25°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° – 23°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° – 22°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° – 24°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 24 mm.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° – 26°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° – 28°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° – 29°

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° – 31°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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