3000 hectares transferred in historic Cooktown handback

Issued: 19 June 2026

Almost 3,000 hectares of Cape York Peninsula land has been handed back, with the return marking an important moment for the Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation.

Under the agreement, 2,920 hectares of jointly managed Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land (CYPAL) has been handed back to the corporation.

The transfer includes land from Endeavour River National Park, Endeavour River Resources Reserve, Mount Cook National Park, Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park and some unallocated State land.

Under an Indigenous Land Use Agreement, the Aboriginal Land and national park CYPAL will be owned by Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation, with the national park CYPAL to be jointly managed with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

The handback includes:

  • 2,157.89 ha of Waalmbaal Birri (Endeavour River) National Park (CYPAL)
  • 716.35 ha of Waymbuurr (Mount Cook) National Park (CYPAL)
  • 45.99 ha of Keatings Lagoon National Park in two stages as part of a future national park (CYPAL) and as a commitment in the Indigenous Management Agreement
  • Declaration of 4.12 hectares of Gungaarr Nature Refuge
  • Granting 72 hectares of Aboriginal freehold land

QPWS Deputy Director-General Ben Klaassen said the historic agreement would help boost tourist numbers to Waymbuurr (Mount Cook) National Park (CYPAL).

“The spectacular landscape of the Finch Bay headland, next to the beach and mountains is an important addition to the national park,” Mr Klaassen said.

“The transfer will allow us to upgrade the carpark, formalise the entry to the Waymbuurr Lookout walking track and provide a defined starting point for visitors taking the rugged track to the mountain top.

“The addition of land into Waalmbaal Birri (Endeavour River) National Park (CYPAL) will help protect the near threatened Cooktown fan palm and the vulnerable Endeavor River litter-skink.

“This Country contains cultural sites of significant importance to the Traditional Owners, it supports rare and threatened species and we will work in partnership with the Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation on potential economic opportunities through increased tourism.”

Bubu Nubuun Aboriginal Corporation Director Betty Woibo said the corporation was deeply honoured to have traditional ownership of this land recognised.

“This is a significant step towards self-determination and reconciliation, and we look forward to working in partnership with the State to care for Country,” Ms Woibo said.

“We hope to create economic opportunities for our people, and ensure its protection for future generations."

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