ROAD CONDITIONS & CLOSURES
Updated: 15th, May 2026
This page provides an update on all roads managed by Cook Shire Council. Cook Shire Council aims to keep drivers, locals, tourists and their families safe on our roads.
Cook SHire
Up to date Road Information
During the wet season, in order to protect the safety of users, the structural integrity of the roads and help to keep supply lines open to towns, stations and communities throughout Cape York, often requires Council to place access restrictions on roads, or close them entirely.
Heavy rains and flash flooding can cause wash outs and lift large sections of bitumen, rending the roads dangerous and impassable.
The wet season also makes sealed and unsealed outback roads soft and vulnerable.
Vehicles travelling over this soft, water-soaked ground cause wheel ruts that hold the water when it rains. The water is then able to seep in further, causing deeper damage and prolonged road closures – the additional damage sometimes taking up to months to stabilise, rehabilitate and repair.
This is why it’s important that all drivers obey road closures and weight restrictions. Non-essential travel along these roads often causes additional, prolonged closures and delays.
If you have extenuating circumstances and no other alternative but to travel along a closed road, you must apply for a permit.
Check out our Roads Ahead updates
Want to stay informed about upcoming and ongoing roadworks across Cook Shire? Visit our Roads Ahead page for monthly updates on Council’s scheduled works, maintenance, and improvement projects. It’s the easiest way to plan ahead and see what’s happening on our roads.
STATE CONTROLLED ROADS
- MULLIGAN HIGHWAY
- PENINSULA DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD
- ENDEAVOUR VALLEY ROADS
Please contact the Department of Transport and Main Road for updates on road conditions and closures along the above listed roads.
Phone: 131 940
Website: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
Cook Shire Council
Road Conditions
10T LIMIT – ST GEORGE BRIDGE ON KIMBA ROAD
DUE TO MAINTENANCE WORKS
HEAVY VEHICLE DETOURS ARE IN PLACE
IT IS ADVISED THAT B DOUBLES USE ALTERNATE ROUTE VIA DIXIE ROAD
Jensen's Crossing Bridge
Drive with caution and to prevailing road conditions
4WD only: No
Restrictions on Road Use: No
Comments:
Bloomfield Rd (Rossville/Bloomfield Rd)
Drive with caution and to prevailing road conditions, obey changed traffic conditions.
4WD only: No
Restrictions on Road Use: 44t Load Limit – Ayton to Wujal Wujal
Comments:
Road works are ongoing, motorists may experience minor delays.Isabella-McIvor Rd – to Starcke River Boat Ramp
High Clearance 4WD’s Recommended. Drive with Extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Deep crossisngs and washouts.
Comments:
Battlecamp Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Laura River impassable, due to sand build up.
Comments:
Lakefield Rd – Southern end to Ranger Station
High Clearance 4WD Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Deep crossings and washouts.
Comments: Authorised Personnel only.
Road will be open on the 1st of June.
Lakefield Rd – from Ranger Station North
Local Traffic Only – 5T Limit
High Clearance 4WD Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Comments: QPWS would like the road to remain closed until campsites are open.
Marina Plains Rd
High Clearance 4WD Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Running Creek to Port Stewart Rd
High Clearance 4WD Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: 4WD and high clearance vehicles only.
Comments:
Lilyvale Rd
High Clearance 4WD Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Kimba Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments: 10t Limit St George Bridge
Kimba-Gamboola Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Dixie-Kimba Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: 4WD and high clearance vehicles only.
Comments:
Dixie Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Road open until the Range Base. 4WD and high clearance vehicles only beyond the Ranger Base.
Comments: Cook Shire maintained section works completed.
Killarney Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Drumduff/Koolatah Rd
Cook Shire Section Only
Contact Carpentaria Shire Council for their section – (07) 4745 2200
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: 4WD and high clearance vehicles only.
Comments:
Welcome Rd
Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Fairview/Palmerville Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Road Works in progress
Comments:
Palmerville/Maytown Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: 4WD and High clearance vehicles only.
Comments:
Whites Creek Rd (to Maytown)
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Deep crossings and washouts.
Comments: Palmer River flooding.
Old Coach Road
Restricted Access – Staircase Closed – Bollards in Place.
Non Maintained Road. Drive with Extreme Caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: 5T load Limit
Comments: 4WD and high clearance vehicles only.
Byerstown Rd
Maintained Road up to Palmer River. Drive with caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Bonny Glen Rd
Drive with caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Musgrave/Strathgordon Rd (to Pormpuraaw)
44T Limit
Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Aurukun Rd
Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments: Caution at dip approx 9.5km from the Intersection.
Port Stewart Rd through Old Coen Road
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments: Road Works in progress
Holroyd Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Rokeby Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: Local traffic only.
Comments: Wet or Boggy conditions, Bad wheel ruts &/ or washouts.
Mein/Batavia Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Moreton/Bramwell Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Bamaga Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Sudley/Batavia Rd
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Bertihaugh Track - Limited Access
Non Maintained Track. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: No
Comments: Wet or boggy conditions, Bad wheel ruts &/or washouts
Portland Roads Rd (including road to Chilli Beach)
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments: Road Works in progress
Mt Webb/Wakooka Rd - (Kalpowar section)
Local Traffic Only – 5T Limit
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use: No
Comments: Normanby at Kalpowar crossing flooding.
Mt Webb/Wakooka Rd - (Starcke section)
High Clearance 4WD Vehicles Recommended. Drive with extreme caution and to prevailing road conditions.
4WD only: Yes
Restrictions on Road Use:
Comments:
Grassy Hill Rd
NOT SUITABLE FOR CARAVANS OR RVs.
Bitumen but very steep and narrow.
COACHES – 7m max length (usually 22 seater).
Mulligan Highway
STATE CONTROLLED ROAD
contact Dept Transport & Main Roads
Phone: 131 940
Website: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
Peninsula Development Road (Lakeland to Weipa)
STATE CONTROLLED ROAD
contact Dept Transport & Main Roads
Phone: 131 940
Website: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
Endeavour Valley Road
STATE CONTROLLED ROAD
contact Dept Transport & Main Roads
Phone: 131 940
Website: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/