Mount Lewis National Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Lewis National Park Queensland
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Mount Lewis National Park Location in Queensland
Nearest town or city	Julatten
Established	2009
Area	278.6 km2 (107.6 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Website	Mount Lewis National Park
See also	Protected areas of Queensland

Mount Lewis National Park is a special protected area in Far North Queensland, Australia. It's located in both the Shire of Mareeba and Douglas Shire. This park is next to other important parks like Daintree National Park and Mount Spurgeon National Park.

Mount Lewis National Park is part of two big natural areas: the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Einasleigh Uplands. Rivers like the Mitchell River, Mossman River, and Daintree River flow through or near the park. It also protects part of the Mount Carbine Tableland, which is a high, flat area.

The park was created in 2009. Before that, it was known as Mount Lewis Forest Reserve and Riflemead Forest Reserve. The land here is mostly mountains covered in thick forests. A small part of the park, about half a percent, is made up of wetlands.

Discovering Mount Lewis National Park's Nature

Mount Lewis National Park is a very important place for nature. It's known as a "biodiversity hotspot." This means it has a huge variety of plants and animals. In fact, experts have found 43 different types of rare or endangered species living here.

Amazing Animals of Mount Lewis

Many unique creatures call this park home. One special animal is the Mount Lewis spiny crayfish. This crayfish is found only in this area.

You might also spot some beautiful birds like the golden bowerbird and the blue-faced parrotfinch. The park is also home to giant blue earthworms. Look out for mammals such as the cinereus ringtail possum and the masked white-tailed rat. You might even see a red-bellied black snake or some rare frogs.

In 2017, a small group of endangered northern bettongs was found in the park. Bettongs are small marsupials, a bit like tiny kangaroos.

Fun Activities at Mount Lewis National Park

Mount Lewis National Park is a great place for outdoor adventures.

Exploring the Park by Vehicle

The most popular ways to explore the park are by four-wheel driving and trail-bike riding. There's a main road called Mount Lewis Road that helps you get around.

Bird Watching Hotspots

If you love birds, this park is perfect for you! There are several open areas along Mount Lewis Road. These spots are known as excellent places to see many different kinds of birds.

How to Get to Mount Lewis National Park

Access to the park is mainly by Mount Lewis Road. This road starts just north of Julatten, off the Mossman Mount Molloy Road. Some private tour companies also offer trips into the park.

Visitor Information and Facilities

It's good to know that camping is not allowed inside Mount Lewis National Park. There are also no special areas set up for day visits.