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Cape Upstart National Park

Park

A sandy peninsula north of Bowen, Cape Upstart combines beaches, tidal flats and small dunes with camping, angling opportunities and recognized Indigenous cultural sites.

Cape Upstart National Park BrisbaneCairnsGold Coast, QueenslandTownsvilleToowoombaMackay, QueenslandRockhamptonMount IsaCape Upstart National Park

Cape Upstart National Park essentials

Address: Cape Upstart National Park, Burdekin region, Queensland - access from towns such as Home Hill and Ayr
Website: parks.des.qld.gov.au
Hours: Daylight hours (year-round)
Admission: Free (national park); camping and trail permits may apply
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cape Upstart National Park#

Best visited in the dry season for safer, more comfortable access.

Dry season (April-October)
Apr-Oct · 18-28°C
Calmer seas, cooler temperatures and best access for camping and walking.
Wet season (November-March)
Nov-Mar · 24-32°C
High rainfall and potential cyclone impacts - many services suspend operations.

Weather & Climate near Cape Upstart National Park#

Climate

Cape Upstart National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 13°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1052 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 21° - 29° 25° 229 mm - - 5.3 m/s - -
February - 21° - 29° 25° 199 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
March - 20° - 28° 24° 185 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
April - 19° - 26° 22° 77 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
May - 17° - 23° 20° 58 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
June - 14° - 21° 18° 30 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
July - 13° - 20° 17° 15 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
August - 13° - 21° 17° 22 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
September - 15° - 23° 19° 13 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
October - 17° - 25° 21° 28 mm - - 5.3 m/s - -
November - 19° - 27° 23° 54 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
December - 20° - 28° 24° 142 mm - - 5.5 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cape Upstart National Park#

By car/4WD: Access via regional highways from Ayr/Home Hill; internal park tracks can be sandy and remote - a high-clearance vehicle is often necessary. By boat: Coastal approaches are possible but subject to weather and tidal conditions.

Tips for Visiting Cape Upstart National Park#

  • Plan for remote conditions - fuel, food and services are limited near Cape Upstart.
  • Watch tidal charts and local advice if exploring mangroves and beaches; some sections are remote with limited rescue options.
  • Local Indigenous cultural sites are present - respect signage and restrictions and consider an Indigenous-guided tour for interpretation.