Brampton Islands National Park, Nature reserve in Mackay Regional, Australia
Brampton Islands National Park covers most of Brampton Island and all of Carlisle Island, about 35 km north of Mackay. The park holds rainforest, open eucalypt forest, vine thicket, grassland, mangroves, sandy beaches and coral reefs. An 8.7 km circuit track goes around Brampton Island, and a walk leads to Brampton Peak, 214 m above sea level.
The park was established in 1998 to protect the natural ecosystems and marine environments of the region. This protected status arose from the need to preserve the islands' fragile habitats from further damage.
The islands lie within the sea country of the Yuwi people, whose connection to the Great Barrier Reef region predates the national park. The nearby Yuwi Paree Toolkoon National Park takes its name from this people, and the park is part of the UNESCO Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Access is by boat, and the 8.7 km circuit track around Brampton Island passes through eucalypt forest, vine thicket, rainforest, grassland and mangroves. Camping is permitted on Carlisle Island, which has some facilities. Marine stingers are present in park waters between October and May, so plan swimming accordingly.
Brampton Peak rises 214 metres above sea level, the park's highest point, reached by a walking track. The island also shelters koalas, the coastal sheath-tailed bat and the black flying-fox, a fruit bat that feeds at night.
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