Cape York's largest National Park (537,000 ha) is accessible by 4WD along the Battle Camp Track (2.5 hours to Lake Emma) or via Lakeland and Laura (2 hours) by normal conventional car in dry conditions only.
As the most accessible park in Cape York, more and more visitors are enjoying its features. Vast spaces and unfamiliar landscapes offer a wilderness experience not easily obtained closer to urban centres. If you are on a day trip from Cooktown visit some of the lagoons on the southern end of the park if you are on a time limit.
Horseshoe Lagoon (4WD) and Caulders Lake (2WD) are generally prolific with birdlife. The National Trust Old Laura Homestead is also worth a visit. There is no safe swimming in Lakefield National Park as the area is a key conservation area for estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles and don't take any notice of the Lonely Planet's Guide, which recommends canoeing or rafting. This is very dangerous and should not be attempted as crocodiles may be present in any lagoon or waterway in this park.
For further information call 61 (7) 4060 3271.
