Hiking in Cairns region

Queensland's highest mountain is located near Cairns, North Queensland.

There are very few tracks on the mountain. The most popular walk is to start at the Josephine Falls car park and climb to the top returning the same way. This can be done in one long day or better still camp either half way up at a creek or near the top. There is a side track to a low ridge called Broken Nose - this often provides views when the summit is under cloud. A through track also exists from the summit west to Lamins Hill .

Location

The mountain is located 50 km south of Cairns and towers above the Bruce Highway. Surrounded by flat fields of sugar cane the mountain dominates the area. This is the wettest region of Australia and you can normally expect tropical showers and drizzle for most of the year.

Atherton Tablelands - Hiking tracks

The Atherton Tablelands is an excellent area for bushwalking and hiking for many reasons. Not only is the climate mild and comfortable, but the diversity of forests – from dry scrub to wet rainforest – provides walkers with an array of choices. Depending on the length of a hike, multiple forms of forestry can be encountered.

Many hikes throughout the Atherton Tablelands require a permit because national parks feature heavily across the landscape. However there are some other trails that are perfect for day-adventures and can incorporate children into the experience.

Tinaroo Dam Hike

A circuit track that leads from the dam wall along the top of a ridge and back to the wall is a challenging hike that takes approximately 2.5 hours. The beginning of this hike is very steep and children may have difficulty getting to the top of the ridge. But it is worth the effort because the views are spectacular.

From Tinaroo Township, drive towards the dam wall and follow the road to the other side of the wall. On the left side of the road is a dirt car park where you can safely leave your vehicle. Walk approximately 50m back down the road and on the right side is a small wooden fence and a sign prohibiting the use of motorbikes on the trail. There are no other markings to indicate the presence of this trail.

The end of the trail emerges onto a dirt road, and you need to follow this road to the left for approximately 200m. Pass over the cattle gate, and you’ll be back at the Tinaroo Road.

Lake Barrine Walk

This is a 6km circuit track that follows the perimeter of Lake Barrine, suitable for all ages. It has a bitumen surface leading to a wooden viewing platform that overlooks two giant Kauri Pines that are over 1100 years old – a magnificent sight.

The walk begins at the picnic and swimming area of Lake Barrine, which is beside the teahouse, and ends on the opposite side of the teahouse. We recommend you allow one and a half hours for the hike to give yourself time to read the informative displays along the way and appreciate the unique rainforest.

Lake Eacham Walk

Similar to the Lake Barrine Walk, the Lake Eacham perimeter walk extends for 4km around the crater lake. It features a bitumen surface, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Along the way, hikers will see elk and staghorn ferns, strangler fig trees, wait-a-while palms and hundreds of tree ferns. The walk begins near the grassy picnic area on the banks of the lake, and ends at the turtle-viewing platform.

Kauri Creek Walk

The Kauri Creek Walk is a five and a half kilometre full circuit track, meandering through riverine vegetation along Kauri Creek. It then ascends through plantation pines and along a forestry road. The track is intended for intermediate to advanced walkers, although beginners can make the walk to the Red Cedar Tree (located one kilometre along the track) before returning to the picnic area.
For more information about hiking and bushwalking in the Atherton Tablelands, contact The Tablelands Walking Club.

Rules to follow when hiking anywhere in the Atherton Tablelands include the following:

• Hike on marked trails and walk single file to prevent damage to plants and trees.
• Do not light fires in the forest.
• Carry out all rubbish, including vegetable matter.

Do not take dogs on hikes, unless you are able to keep them under strict and close control. Kangaroos, bandicoots and snakes are tempting chase-targets for dogs. Be aware, however, that dogs are forbidden on some tracks.