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Tully Falls National Park is among several Cassowary Coast protected areas expanded as part of the Queensland Government's statewide conservation initiative. Photo source: Tripadvisor
Several national parks across the Cassowary Coast have been expanded as part of the Queensland Government's latest investment in protected areas, including significant additions to Tully Falls National Park and Herberton Range National Park.
More than 82,000 hectares have been added to Queensland's protected area network statewide, with the Crisafulli Government committing $111 million in the 2026-27 State Budget to support future acquisitions, conservation efforts and visitor infrastructure.
Locally, Tully Falls National Park received an additional 2,203 hectares, while Herberton Range National Park expanded by 4,723 hectares. Smaller additions were also made to Tully Gorge National Park, Maalan National Park, Little Mulgrave National Park, Japoon National Park, Gadgarra National Park and Djiru National Park.
The investment will support the strategic acquisition of environmentally significant land while continuing practical conservation efforts including pest and weed management, fire preparedness and upgrades to visitor infrastructure across the State's protected areas.
Statewide, the expansion includes the establishment of Dhuny Yumba (Home of the Wombat) National Park near St George, protecting critical habitat for the endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat. Since November 2024, Queensland has added more than 259,000 hectares to its protected area network.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Queenslanders expected practical action to preserve the State's natural assets.
“Queensland is home to some of the most remarkable natural places anywhere in the world, and it’s our responsibility to protect them for the generations that follow,” Minister Powell said.
“That’s why we’re taking a practical approach - protecting the right places, investing in looking after them properly and making sure they continue to support regional communities, local jobs and visitors for generations to come. This is about growing Queensland’s protected areas sensibly and strategically, while making sure we never lose sight of the job of caring for the places we already have.”
The protected area investment forms part of a broader $139 million commitment over four years, including $34 million ongoing annually to grow Queensland's protected area network and enhance visitor experiences.
With some of Far North Queensland's most treasured landscapes among those receiving additions, the announcement highlights the continued environmental significance of the Cassowary Coast and its role in Queensland's conservation future.
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