Alwal National Park

Alwal National Park
Queensland
IUCN category II (national park)
Alwal National Park
Nearest town or city Laura
Coordinates 15°12′12″S 143°34′55″E / 15.20333°S 143.58194°E / -15.20333; 143.58194Coordinates: 15°12′12″S 143°34′55″E / 15.20333°S 143.58194°E / -15.20333; 143.58194
Established 2010
Area 42.510 km2 (16.4 sq mi)
Managing authorities Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Website Alwal National Park
See also Protected areas of Queensland

Alwal National Park is a national park on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia. 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.[1] Alwal lies within the Cape York Peninsula bioregion and contains about 30 separate wetland ecosystems which cover just under 1% of the park.[2]

Alwal National Park was officially opened in May 2010 by acting Minister for Environment Annastacia Palaszczuk.[3] It is named after the Golden-shouldered parrot which has the name Alwal in the Kunjen language. The parrot is one of Australia's most endangered bird species.[4] Alwal National Park is home to some of last known populations of the parrot.[4] The park also protects the habitat of the threatened Cape York rock-wallaby, red goshawk and black-necked stork.[1] In the east sandstone escarpments and rocky slopes dominate the landscape.[5]

The traditional owners of the land are the Uw Olkola people.[5] 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.[4]

Facilities

There is no vehicle access or visitor facilities.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Alwal National Park". Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  2. "Alwal National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land)". Wetlandinfo. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  3. "New national park named Alwal declared on Cape York Peninsula". news.com.au. News Limited. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 "A new National Park for Cape York". The Wilderness Society Australia. 23 October 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Nature, culture and history". Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2014.

External links

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