Cullen Point is a remote beachside camping and snorkeling spot on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula, near the Mapoon Aboriginal community. Fronting the calm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, this point offers a sweeping sandy shoreline with excellent shore-entry snorkeling over sandy seabeds that give way to seagrass meadows and scattered rocky patches. The area is known for its rich marine life including turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. The campground sits under shady trees right behind the beach, with basic amenities including showers and toilets. The adjacent boat ramp provides access to the broader Gulf waters for those wanting to explore further offshore reefs.
Cullen Point
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 3.1 sWind Speed 8.9 knPrecipitation 0.6 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Cullen Point has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Saltwater crocodiles danger
Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the Gulf of Carpentaria coastline and creek mouths. Always be vigilant near the water's edge and avoid swimming during dawn, dusk, or at night.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Saltwater crocodiles
Saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the Gulf of Carpentaria coastline and creek mouths. Always be vigilant near the water's edge and avoid swimming during dawn, dusk, or at night.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in the warm Gulf waters during the tropical summer wet season. A stinger suit is strongly recommended.
Moderate risk: Remote location — limited services
Cullen Point is extremely remote — the nearest major town (Weipa) is 40 km south. Mobile phone reception is limited or nonexistent. There is no on-site medical facility.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
The Gulf of Carpentaria experiences large tidal movements. Strong outgoing tides can create currents along the point, especially near the creek mouth. Snorkelers should be aware of tide times and avoid swimming against an outgoing tide.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Cullen Point is located near the Aboriginal community of Mapoon, on the western side of Cape York Peninsula, about 40 km north of Weipa. Access is via the Mapoon Road from the Peninsula Development Road. An Aboriginal Land Permit is required to camp.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the campground near the beach and boat ramp area. 12 cement slab campsites and 6 sand sites available for vehicles and trailers. $30.00 per vehicle per week or $5.00 per adult per night. Bookings recommended via Mapoon Council (Phone: 0428 593 829). Facilities include showers, a
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports