Kutimi Payamu (Iron Range) National Park
Undoubtedly one of Australia’s best kept secrets, spectacular Kutimi Payamu (Iron Range) is one of the most remarkable national parks in Australia and largely considered the most appealing of Cape York’s national parks. Kutimi Payamu attracts visitors from all over the world, from bird watchers to scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Rich in biodiversity, around 500 species of animal continue to flourish in this natural sanctuary, isolated from the rest of Australia through the northern summer monsoon.
Kutimi-Payamu forms an impressive and mysterious backdrop to a region comprising the largest remaining area of rich and exotic lowland rainforest in Australia, a myriad pristine waterways brimming with life, and pearly white, palm fringed sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see.
The remnants of a long forgotten volcanic age, Kutimi-Payamu’s solid granite slopes support heath and shrublands in stark contrast to the lush rainforest of the tropical lowlands. The range and the lowlands play host to a huge range of creatures, including many rare plants and animals, as well as birds peculiar only to this area and Papua New Guinea.
The Kuuku Ya’u people are the Traditional Owners of this country, otherwise known as Kawadji, the “people of the east”. They, along with their ancestors, have maintained a strong cultural and spiritual link to this area for thousands of years.
Environmental Calendar for the Lockhart River area
