Alwal National Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Alwal National Park | |
|---|---|
  Alwal National Park | |
| Location | Queensland |
| Nearest city | Laura |
| Coordinates | 15°12′12″S 143°34′55″E / 15.20333°S 143.58194°E |
| Area | 42.510 km2 (16.413 sq mi) |
| Established | 2010 |
| Governing body | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Website | http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/alwal |
Alwal National Park is a national park in the Shire of Cook on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia.[1]
Protected within the park is a section of the Morehead River as well as escarpments, undulating low hills, seasonal wetlands and patches of vine-thicket.[2] Alwal lies within the Cape York Peninsula bioregion and contains about 30 separate wetland ecosystems which cover just under 1% of the park.[3] In the east sandstone escarpments and rocky slopes dominate the landscape.[4]
Fauna
Alwal National Park is home to some of last known populations of the Golden-shouldered parrot, one of Australia's most endangered bird species.[5] The park also protects the habitat of the threatened Cape York rock-wallaby, red goshawk and black-necked stork.[2]
History
Alwal National Park was officially opened in May 2010 by acting Minister for Environment Annastacia Palaszczuk.[6] It is named after the Golden-shouldered parrot which has the name Alwal in the Kunjen language.[5]
The traditional owners of the land are the Uw Olkola people.[4] The park is managed under a new model between the state government and Olkola Aboriginal Corporation Land Trust. The property was previously known as Mulkay.[5]
Facilities
There is no vehicle access or visitor facilities.[2]
