Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has today temporarily closed mainland and island national parks and protected areas between Cardwell and Airlie Beach ahead of the expected impact of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and associated weather conditions.
The closure includes all visitor facilities, camping areas, walking tracks and vehicle access areas.
Gale force winds may develop about the Whitsunday Islands from as early as tonight and are expected to extend to mainland communities between Townsville and Saint Lawrence.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall are also likely to impact large areas of Central, North and Far North Queensland ahead of the Australia Day long weekend.
QPWS will continue to closely monitor the weather system as it moves inland and may close additional protected areas to ensure visitor safety.
Visitors and campers are being urged to check Park Alerts for up-to-date information on protected area closures.
Members of the public are asked to observe all signage and barriers, follow directions from rangers, and never enter closed areas.
Campers wishing to cancel their bookings can request a camping credit or refund by visiting qld.gov.au/Camping.
Once the weather conditions have eased, QPWS will assess the protected areas and reopen them when it is safe to do so.
For up-to-date weather information, see the Bureau of Meteorology.
