Popular Walking TracksPopular Walking Tracks
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Lake Barrine Rainforest Walk - 1 hour walk
Lake Barrine is a clear lake surrounded by lush rainforest and is known in geological terms as a Maar. It is a volcanic crater lake formed by two massive explosions resulting from heating of groundwater. A 5km track begins at the edge of the lake just below the car park. Along the path you will see the Twin Kauris. Along the track, you may see the saw shelled turtle and the eastern water dragon, and maybe the popular amethystine pythons, who normally sun themselves in the mornings. If you are very lucky, you can see the colourful Boyds forest dragon, which grows to 45 centimeres.
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Lake Eacham Rainforest Walk - 1 hour walk
Lake Eacham is also a maar and is also surrounded by rainforest. The track that surrounds the lake, which begins at the car park, is 3kms long. Youll see evidence of rainforest clearing from WWII. Throughout the walk youll see a myriad of different rainforest plant species, including the large leafed stinging tree, bird life and maybe even the musky rat kangaroo. There are also over 180 bird species recorded for this area. |
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Malanda Falls Rainforest Walk - 1 hour walk
Across the road from the Environmental Centre, is where youll begin this walk. Youll come to an opening where youll see many turtles swimming in the water with fish, may be followed throughout the walk by the nosy male scrub turkey (please do not feed). Along the track you will see the Black Bean tree, Queensland Walnut, Tulip Oak and many other plant species. Bird life is abundant here also. At certain times of the day or late afternoon, many people have been lucky enough to spot the ever elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo. |
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Mt Hypipamee National Park - 1 hour walk
Located on the Kennedy Highway, south of Atherton, this park is centred around a diatreme or what is otherwise called, a volcanic pipe. The pipe was opened upward through surface rocks by gas produced from the molten rock below and as a result of the tremendous pressure, the vent exploded sending volcanic bombs far across the landscape. It takes approx. 10 minutes to walk along the concrete path to the platform, which overlooks the crater. The width of the crater is approx 70metres and about 82metres from the platform to the water level. You can take the natural path back through the rainforest to see the different sections of Dinner Falls. Throughout this walk, you will hear and see many birds, and maybe even some possums, depending on the time of day. |
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Peterson Creek Botanical Walking Track, Yungaburra - 1 hour Walk
This track normally starts at the Platypus Viewing Platform, on the edge of the Yungaburra township. It goes under the bridge and meanders alongside a creek and rainforest. A little way along, you can cross over the creek by stepping stones to see the site of the preserved boiler used in the past to power a coal fired steam pump. The pump was used to fill the water tank serving steam locomotives at the railway station years ago. A bit further youll see the old black bridge site, Williams Weir, Old Turbine site, the Interpretive Shelter, old golf club, and a view of the famous Seven Sisters. This track then finishes on Mulgrave Road, where you can return either via the same way, or walk along the road until you reach your vehicle. |
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Jum Rum Creek Jungle Walk, Kuranda - 1 hour walk
Starting at the Visitors Centre this is a 3km (approx one hour) circuit walk through the rainforest in Kuranda Village. It winds through rainforest, crosses Jum Rum Creek, and then climbs to Barron Falls Road, connecting to the Jungle Walk and then the River Walk beside Barron River. The River Walk follows the riverbank to the railway station where a staircase links the walk back up to Coondoo Street.
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Hallorans Hill Rainforest Walk - 2 hour walk
This is one of the most popular walking tracks as you can relax while watching the sun set when you reach the lookout. The best time to begin this walk is just after 4 - 4.30pm. The track starts at the wooden bridge in Hallorans Hill Environmental Park, on Louise Street, next to the hospital. The track meanders alongside a little creek and you can listen to a variety of birds throughout the walk. Please take caution when crossing the road at the Twelth Avenue Road, which is approx halfway. The track then continues up the hill, passing a small crater and fig tree, and then finishing just near the top of the lookout. We suggest you take a bottle of water or thermos of tea or coffee with you for when you stop. The return trip can either be done via the same way, or by following the road down to Robert Street, walk through the show grounds, then follow the path past the hospital back to the park. |
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Mt Baldy - 2 hour walk
This is a very popular walk and can actually take more than 2 hours, depending on the speed of walking or if you continue on to climb the Widow Maker, which is another hill. The walk begins on Rifle Range Road, off Herberton Road. You will get a wonderful view of the Atherton township and surrounds. Certain areas are steeper than others and care should be taken in these areas. Depending on which track you end up completing, you may finish at the back of the Woodlands Tourist Park. From here you just follow the road back to Rifle Range Road. You may see a snake sunning itself on the track - please do not attempt to get a closer look, chase it or pick it up. Snakes will normally move off the track themselves. If walking in the wet months, please ensure you take salt with you as leeches are common. We suggest that you take your hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you. |
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Herberton Walking Trails
A number of walking trails radiate out from the town of Herberton. They range from shorter walks that showcase the heritage buildings of the township to intermediate length walks that include the river and the closer hills, to much longer walks that penetrate deep into the rugged ranges. Longer over- night treks can be arranged with local guides.
Herberton is situated at an elevation of just under 1000 metres (3000 feet) and lies out of the higher rainfall belt of the Wet Tropics. The elevation ameliorates the hotter conditions often encountered by visitors to the North Queensland tropical paradise, and the lower rainfall counteracts the humid conditions especially of the coastal lowlands. In fact, frosts are a regular occurrence in winter and nothing beats an open fireplace on those cold nights – an experience to write home about in the tropics! The lower rainfall also combines with the tough granitic countryside to make the walking trails robust enough to be available all year round – wet or dry. Only major events like bushfires or cyclones may close the trails and even then only for short periods.
The high elevation of the trails in tropical conditions makes it important to guard against dehydration and sunburn. Visit the Herberton Mining Museum and Visitors Information Centre website to download a copy of the Walk Safe and Bush Ethics brochure - http://www.herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au/walks.htm
Short Walks of Herberton
Photopost Walk - 1/2 hour walk of Main Street heritage
Heritage Buildings Walk - 1 hour walk; The central street area of the township
The Wild River Parkway - 1 hour walk; Environmental ramble along the river
Upper Grace Street Lookout - 1/2 hour walk; A hike to the top of a hill for the views
The Copper Mines Walk - 1 hour walk; An easy bush walk from Upper Grace Street
Specimen Hill Lookout - 1/2 hour walk
Visit the Herberton Mining Museum and Visitors Information Centre website for further information regarding these walks. http://www.herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au/walks.htm
The Great Northern Walking Trails
A series of self guiding walking trails of varying lengths and challenges that begin from the Great Northern Minesite where the Tablelands began.
Great Northern Mines - 1 hour, easy to moderate walk
Macleod Street Trail - 1 hour, easy to moderate walk
Magazine Road Escape Trail - 1.5 hours, moderate walk
Mt Ida Firetrail - 2.5 hours, difficult, steep walk
Denbigh Road Trail - 1.5 hours, moderate walk
Southern Firetrail - 3 hours, moderate walk
Steward Head Walk - 6+ hours, moderate to difficult most of the day walk
Visit the Herberton Mining Museum and Visitors Information Centre website for further information regarding these walks and guided treks. http://www.herbertonvisitorcentre.com.au/walks.htm
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Misty Mountains Walking Trails
You don’t need to be an experienced walker to enjoy short walks in the Misty Mountains. A series of shorter walks provides access to beauty spots and day use areas at Cochable Creek and South Johnstone camping ground, which can be accessed by car and a short walk.
For more information and maps of the Misty Mountains Walking Trails, visit - http://mistymountains.com.au/
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Resources and links:
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