Kalkajaka National Park

Park National park preserving unique 'Black Mountain' boulder formations

Protected park in Queensland known as Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) - a field of dark granite boulders. Visitors walk short trails, study the geology and learn local Indigenous significance.

Main image

Kalkajaka National Park, often called the Black Mountain, is a protected area on the east coast of Far North Queensland, Australia, notable for a vast mass of dark granitic boulders. It is recognised for its unusual geology and local cultural significance.

The park’s main feature is a dense jumble of black granite blocks that form steep talus slopes and narrow fissures; visitors go primarily for short walks to viewing points, photography and to study the rock formations. Formal visitor facilities are limited and there are no developed campgrounds inside the park.

The boulder field is a natural formation created over geological time by the fracture and weathering of igneous rock; it has also long been regarded as culturally significant by local Aboriginal people. The area has been managed as a Queensland national park to protect its geology and cultural values.

The park sits on the Cape York Peninsula region of Far North Queensland near the town of Cooktown, within a coastal savanna landscape. Access is by sealed and unsealed roads from the coastal settlements; terrain around the park is rugged and sparsely populated.

  • Safety: The boulder field contains deep, often hidden crevices; walking off marked paths is hazardous and rescue access is difficult.
Kalkajaka National Park
Kalkajaka National Park (near Cooktown), Cape York Region, Queensland, Australia
-15.6627, 145.2451
Open 24 hours (parkland); visitor access subject to local park advisories
Park access free; no formal entrance fee, but access is regulated by Queensland Parks and may have guidelines

How to Get to Kalkajaka National Park #

Kalkajaka National Park is about 60 km south of Cooktown in northern Queensland. Access is by sealed and unsealed roads from Cooktown; the park has a small turnout and walking areas-check Queensland Parks for current access advisories and safety information.

Tips for Visiting Kalkajaka National Park #

  • Wear sturdy boots: the park's labyrinthine boulder fields are deceptively treacherous and cliffs are loose.
  • Do not enter caves or gaps between boulders-people have been injured; stay on marked paths and follow park signage.

Best Time to Visit Kalkajaka National Park #

Visit in the dry season for safe access and better trail conditions.

Dry season
May-October · 60-85°F (16-29°C)
Cooler, drier conditions ideal for walking the park's margins.
Wet season
November-April · 75-95°F (24-35°C)
Heavy rains and limited access; avoid attempting hikes in this period.

Weather & Climate near Kalkajaka National Park #

Climate

Kalkajaka National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in December) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1752 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (328 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
24° 31°

Weather

328 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (431 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

431 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (356 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

356 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
22° 27°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
21° 28°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (283 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°

Weather

283 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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