Kalkajaka National Park, Protected natural area in Cook Shire, Australia.
Description
Kalkajaka National Park is a protected nature reserve featuring distinctive black granite formations that create an intricate maze of passages between enormous boulders, some as large as buildings. These rock formations were shaped by ancient volcanic activity and now shelter animal species found nowhere else.
History
The area became a national park in 1980, protecting land with significant geological value shaped by ancient volcanic rock layers and deposits. This geological importance became a key reason to establish the reserve for preservation.
Culture
The Kuku Nyungkal people call this place Kalkajaka, referring to its ancestral importance, and they continue to maintain their relationship with specific sites scattered across the park. These names and locations carry meaning in their daily connection to the land.
Practical
You can visit the park through a viewing platform with information displays, as there are no marked walking trails or camping facilities available. Plan your visit for the cooler months, as heat in this region can be overwhelming.
Did you know?
The park holds the only known populations of three animal species found nowhere else: the Black Mountain boulderfrog, Black Mountain skink, and Black Mountain gecko. These three creatures live together in this isolated rock maze and exist nowhere else on Earth.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Cook Shire).
Daintree National Park
70.9 km
Endeavour River National Park
24.8 km
Mount Cook National Park
19.4 km
Bloomfield Falls
34.1 km
Grassy Hill Light
22.9 km
Archer Point Light
13.2 km
Ngalba Bulal National Park
28.4 km
Cooktown Cemetery
21 km
James Cook Historical Museum
21.9 km
Westpac Bank Building, Cooktown
22.1 km
Annan River Bridge
15.7 km
Seagren's Building
22.1 km
Mary Watson's Monument
22.2 km
Ferrari Estates Building
22.1 km
Cook Shire Council Chambers
22.2 km
Gallop Botanic Reserve
21.9 km
Early Granite Kerbing and Channelling, Cooktown
22 km
Cooks Monument and Reserve
22.5 km
Cook Shire Hall
21.7 km
Cooktown Powder Magazine
23.2 km
Nuggety Gully Water Race and Chinese Camp
47.2 km
Mount Windsor National Park
72 km
Cooktown Museum
21.9 km
Cooktown Botanic Gardens
21.7 km
Dubuji Boardwalk
53.2 km
Daintree Discovery Centre
67.2 km
Bicentennial Park
22.8 km
Big Barramundi
65.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes