Russell River National Park

Park Tropical national park in Queensland with rainforest

Rainforest and river park on Queensland’s Wet Tropics coast featuring gorges, waterfalls and dense tropical forest; Russell River National Park appeals to hikers, birdwatchers and guided nature tours from nearby towns.

Main image
Russell River National Park
-17.2850, 145.9739

How to Get to Russell River National Park #

Russell River National Park is in Far North Queensland south of Cairns. The common access route is via the Bruce Highway and local roads toward the town of Innisfail; from there, local shire roads and park signage lead to access points. A vehicle is recommended.

Tips for Visiting Russell River National Park #

  • Hire a local guide to explore rainforest sections-much of the park is inaccessible without local knowledge and the guides know seasonal blooms and wildlife spots.
  • The Bloomfield Track (Daintree coast) and local roads can be affected by heavy rain; check road conditions in the wet season.
  • Bring a permit or check whether certain campsites require booking-the park has managed access points to protect sensitive areas.

Best Time to Visit Russell River National Park #

The dry season (May-October) is the most practical time to visit for hiking and access; the wet season brings heavy rains and limited access.

Dry season
May-October · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Easier walking, lower mosquito activity, better for river crossings.
Wet season
November-April · 22-32°C (72-90°F)
Heavy rains, higher river levels, potential track closures.

Weather & Climate near Russell River National Park #

Climate

Russell River National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3918 mm/year), wettest in March with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (375 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

375 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (833 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

833 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (1075 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

1075 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (602 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°

Weather

602 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (232 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 25°

Weather

232 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 23°

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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