Girramay National Park (Edmund Kennedy Section)

🍃 Girramay National Park (Edmund Kennedy Section), Ellerbeck QLD

📜 Park Background & History

Girramay National Park lies within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and protects coastal rainforest, mangroves, paperbark swamps, and rare Arenga palms. It is home to endangered species including the southern cassowary and mahogany glider. The park was originally established in 1977 as two separate areas—Edmund Kennedy and Murray Upper National Parks—and was renamed and expanded in 2009. It honours explorer Edmund Kennedy and conservationists Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne, whose legacy is reflected in the arboretum at the Edmund Kennedy section.

🏕️ Campgrounds & Caravan Sites

Murray Falls Camping Area (Murray Falls Section)

• Type: Open grassy campground suitable for tents, caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes

• Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, wood barbecues (day-use area)

• Accessibility: Accessible with conventional 2WD vehicles

• Booking & Permits: Camping permit required; fees apply; book through Queensland Parks system

• Restrictions: Fires only in fire rings; generators allowed 9 am–12 pm (≤65 dB at 7 m); firewood must be brought in; no mobile coverage

Edmund Kennedy Section (Ellerbeck)

• Type: Day-use only – no camping permitted

• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, mangrove boardwalks, walking tracks, wheelchair-accessible loop at the arboretum

• Accessibility: Open to day visitors only; no overnight stays or camping

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Rockingham Bay Coastal Walk – ~5 km return from Edmund Kennedy section to Wreck Creek

• Arthur Thorsborne Arboretum – Rainforest loop walk, partially wheelchair accessible

• Mangrove Boardwalk – Short accessible walk through recovering cyclone-damaged forest

• Murray Falls – Waterfall viewing platform, rock pools, scenic forest surrounds

🏘 Supply Towns Nearby

• Cardwell (~21 km south via Bruce Highway)

  • Services: Grocery, fuel, small shops, medical centre, pharmacy, camping/hardware supplies

• Tully (~33–38 km south of Ellerbeck)

  • Services: Large supermarket, fuel stations, hospital, outdoor and camping equipment

• Ellerbeck is ~5 km north of Cardwell and directly connected via the Bruce Highway

🚑 Emergency & Safety Info

• Nearest medical centre: Cardwell

• Nearest hospitals: Tully (~38 km) and Innisfail (~84 km)

• Emergency contacts:

  • Fire/Ambulance/Police: 000

  • SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500

• Park authority contact: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service – 13 74 68

• Safety notes: No mobile coverage at Murray Falls; crocodile warning for waterways; carry sufficient water and fuel stove; do not collect firewood on-site

✅ Summary

• Camping is only allowed at Murray Falls, not at the Edmund Kennedy (Ellerbeck) section

• Edmund Kennedy section is for day-use only, with walks and accessible facilities

• Nearest supply towns are Cardwell (~21 km) and Tully (~33–38 km), with essential services

• Emergency procedures and safety precautions must be reviewed before visiting

• Recommendation: Always check park alerts, closures, and weather updates via the official Queensland Parks website before departure