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Popular Walking Tracks

There are many walking tracks, ranging from 1 hour to 2 days. These are just a few of our favourites.

1 Hour Walks

Lake Barrine Rainforest 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.

Lake Eacham Rainforest 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. 

Malanda Falls Rainforest 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.

Mt Hypipamee National Park
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.

Peterson Creek Botanical Walking Track
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. (take caution for traffic if walking along the roadside)

2 Hour Walks

Hallorans Hill Rainforest 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.

Mt Baldy 
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.

 

Queensland Parks and Wildlife ServiceParknews -

 

20 March 2008

General changes

-       Barron Gorge NP: The Douglas track between Kamerunga and the McDonalds track will remain closed until construction of a bridge and walking track is completed. Anticipated date of reopening of the Douglas track is 1 August 2008.

-       Noah Beach (Daintree NP): Noah Beach campground is closed and will reopen for Easter on 20 March 2008.
-       Lakefield NP: Due to wet weather, Lakefield NP and all roads within Lakefield NP are closed for the remainder of the wet season. The park and roads within the park will reopen in April 2008, subject to road conditions and weather. The opening of the park may occur progressively.

-       Iron Range NP: Iron Range NP is closed until further notice subject to weather conditions and safety assessments.

-       Mungkan Kandju NP: Mungkan Kandju NP is closed for the wet season and will reopen May 2008.
-       Palmer Goldfield Resources Reserve: The Palmer Goldfield Resources Reserve is closed until further notice subject to weather conditions and safety assessments.

-       Cape Melville NP: Cape Melville is closed for the wet season and is anticipated to reopen on 1 May 2008 subject to weather conditions and safety assessment.

-       CREB Track (Wet Tropics): The Wet Tropics Management Authority has closed the CREB Track between Daintree and China Camp for the duration of the wet season. Roaring Meg Falls is accessible via Wujal Wujal subject to obtaining a permit to traverse. For permits to traverse contact EPA Cairns on (07) 4046 6600 or EPA Atherton on (07) 4091 1844.

-       Jardine River NP: Jardine River NP, Jardine Resources Reserve and Heathlands are closed for the wet season and will reopen in May 2008.

-       Blencoe Falls (Girringun NP): Cardwell Shire Council has closed Kirrama Range Road until further notice. Access into Blencoe Falls via Mount Garnet is not possible at present, due to high water levels in the creeks. The road is closed until further notice.

-       Juwun Walk (Girringun NP): The Juwun walk is closed from 1 December 2007 to 31 March 2008 for the wet season. Flooding and high river levels make the walk unsafe during this time.

-       Broadwater (Abergowrie State Forest): It is suggested that campers camp inside the day use area Ring Road as a large number of flying foxes are roosting in the camping area. Camping in the day use area will be allowed until the flying foxes move away.

-       Porcupine Gorge NP: The access road to Porcupine Gorge NP is now open to all vehicles. The campground at Porcupine Gorge is under redevelopment and during this time the campsites are not numbered so campers can camp on a vacant site. The day-use area is also being redeveloped. Visitors should use caution when walking the new access tracks that link to the existing Gorge track.

    Two new toilets facilities will also be constructed. Opening is anticipated late 2008. Two portable toilets have been placed at the campground while the main toilet facilities undergo maintenance. Visitors are requested to stay outside the barricaded area around the toilet. It is anticipated the toilet will reopen for the Easter break.

-       Dalrymple NP: The campground is open for camping.
-       Blackbraes NP: The Kennedy  Development Road is open but the access road into Blackbraes NP is closed due to boggy conditions. It may re-open on 28 March 2008 depending on weather and safety assessments.

-       White Mountains NP: Access into Canns Camp is closed due to flooded creeks and boggy conditions. The access road may re-open on 28 March 2008 depending on weather and safety assessments.

-       Moorrinya NP: The access road into Moorrinya NP is now open to four-wheel-drive vehicles only.
-       EPA Townsville Information Centre: The EPA Townsville Information Centre at Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park is closed. It will remain closed until further notice. Telephone inquiries are not affected.

-       Fitzroy Island NP: The Summit walking track on Fitzroy Island NP is open and accessible from the Lighthouse Road only. The track is closed at the Summit. Access beyond the Summit towards the resort is closed while the resort area remains a construction site. The Summit walking track cannot be accessed from near the resort.

-       Goldsborough Valley SF: The Goldfield Trail is closed and may reopen 30 March 2008. The Goldsborough Valley campground is now open for camping.       

-       Murray Upper NP: The 1.8km return rainforest walk to the lookout above Murray Falls is currently closed for public safety. Maintenance and construction work currently underway have made the walking track and lookout unsafe.

-       Kirrama NP: In the interest of public safety, the Cardwell Shire Council has closed the Kirrama Range Road, from the intersection with Kennedy Creek Road to the shire boundary (a distance of approximately 18km) until further notice. For further information contact the Cardwell Shire Council on (07) 4043 9100.

-       Misty Mountains roads open: K-Tree, Sutties Gap, Malaan and Bora Ground roads are all open. These roads provide access to the Misty Mountains trail network and are suitable for conventional vehicles. Visitors are advised to exercise caution in rainy weather. Maple Creek Road is closed due to heavy rain. Re-opening of the road is subject to weather conditions.

-       Misty Mountain Trails: Please refer to the website, www.qld.gov.au/camping, for up-to-date information.

             Orange Tracks

-       The trail from Walters Waterhole campsite to Cochable Creek campsite including Elizabeth Grant Falls lookout, is closed. The remainder of the track is open, including the campsites at Walters Waterhole and Cochable Creek.

             Yellow Tracks

-       The Gorrell trailhead through to Maple Creek Road remains closed including Downey Creek campsite.

             Blue Tracks

-       The blue track is open from Hinson Creek trailhead for approximately 1.5km to the junction with the red track but remains closed from this point through to Cochable Creek campsite. The Hinson Creek campsite is now open. Access to the Cochable Creek campsite and Tully Gorge is from Tully via Cardstone Road and the H Road.

      Campsite closures:

-       Downey Creek campsite closed until further notice.
-       Carter Creek campsite closed until further notice.
-       Mount Lewis Road: Mt Lewis will be closed for the duration of the wet season in order to prevent degradation of the road. For further information contact EPA Mossman office on (07) 4098 2188.

-       Tinaroo (Danbulla SF & Danbulla NP): Mt Edith and Kauri Creek roads are closed for the remainder of the wet season. This closure does not affect access to the Kauri Creek campground.  Campers planning to spend Easter at Danbulla campgrounds are advised to take care in the extremely wet conditions. Due to above average rainfall all campgrounds are saturated and the ground is very boggy and slippery. Campers are asked to keep vehicles on the gravelled roads and parking bays. With more rain possible over Easter, campers need to be aware about camping immediately adjacent to the lake because of fluctuations in the water levels.                                   

    Curri Curri campsite number one is currently closed due to high water levels. Sites two to five are available for camping. The Danbulla Forest Drive is in poor condition and access from the Gillies Highway (eastern) end is for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.                             

    The walking track from Downfall camp ground to Kauri Creek campground is closed. It is anticipated that the track will open in July 2008.

Camping permits

Camping permits are required in Queensland national parks and State forests. Bookings, payments and permit information can be obtained by telephoning 1313 04, or online at www.qld.gov.au/camping, 24hours a day, seven days a week.

A new way of paying for camping permits is now available to campers where camping credits can be purchased. After a credit is purchased, you can use it to pay for camping at self-registration sites by recording your camping credit details on the self-registration permit or if you are staying at an online booking site, you can use your credit to book the campsite online or over the counter with no need for your credit card details.

Permits to traverse roads

Recent changes have affected requirements for permits to traverse on some roads.

For up-to-date information, enquiries should be directed to the closest EPA office.

Atherton (07) 4091 1844

Cairns (07) 4046 6600

Innisfail (07) 4061 5900

Main Roads

Travellers should refer to local road authorities or the Department of Main Roads, for current road restrictions. For other road closures, for example flooding, please contact the RACQ Road Conditions by telephoning 1300 130 595 or via the internet www.racq.com.au. Select News then Road Conditions from the motoring section.

Weather forecasts and warnings

For information on weather conditions, fire weather warnings and floods, please refer to the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au or phone (07) 3239 8700.

For further information on national parks in north Queensland contact:

EPA Cairns Information Centre

5B Sheridan Street

Cairns Qld 4870

Ph: (07) 4046 6600

Email: cic@epa.qld.gov.au

EPA Townsville Information Centre

Pallarenda Road

Townsville Qld 4810

Ph: (07) 4722 5224

Email: tsv.infocentre@epa.qld.gov.au