Tropical Coast National Parks Contents Parks at a Glance

Queensland National Parks

Tropical Coast national parks Contents Parks at a glance...... 2 Girringun National Park...... 14

Welcome...... 3 Hinchinbrook Island National Park...... 16

Map of the Tropical Coast national parks...... 4 Girramay National Park...... 18

Plan your getaway...... 6 Tully Gorge National Park...... 19

Wet Tropics World Heritage Area ...... 6 Djiru and Clump Mountain national parks...... 20

Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area...... 6 Eubenangee Swamp and Russell River national parks ...... 21

Choose your adventure...... 8 Wooroonooran National Park...... 22

Bowling Green Bay National Park...... 9 Smithfield and Mount Whitfield conservation parks...... 24

Townsville Town Common and Tropical island national parks...... 25 Cape Pallarenda conservation parks...... 10 Camping in parks...... 26 Magnetic Island National Park...... 11 Further information...... 28 Paluma Range National Park...... 12

Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest...... 13

Parks at Toilets Toilets Camping fires Camp Day-use area Lookout/ viewing platform Short walk Long walk Mountain biking Kayaking/ canoeing Fishing a glance

Bowling Green Bay NP Townsville Town Common CP 1 1 Cape Pallarenda CP Magnetic Island NP Paluma Range NP Broadwater, Abergowie SF Girringun NP Hinchinbrook Island NP Girramay NP 3 2 Tully Gorge NP 4 Djiru NP Clump Mountain NP Eubenangee Swamp NP Russell River NP Mount Whitfield CP 1 Wooroonooran NP 5 Smithfield CP Tropical island national parks

1—close to park; 2—only at Edmund Kennedy section; 3—only at Murray Falls camping area; 4—only at Tully Gorge camping area; 5—only at Goldsborough Valley camping area.

Family Islands National Park Christian Nott © Tourism and Events Queensland Photos page 3 (clockwise from top left): © Liz Gallie; © Townsville Enterprise; Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt; 2 Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt; © Tourism and Events Qld; (Ranger Clarence) Kevin Cockburn © Qld Govt Welcome Unique wildlife Delight in spotting Queensland’s iconic wildlife—watch a cassowary weave through the rainforest or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, filled with a rainbow of corals and a thrilling array of marine life.

World Heritage treasures Discover special World Heritage places, from mist-shrouded mountain tops to reef- fringed islands—a new treasure awaits around every bend. Ancient rainforests Wonder at the majesty and mystery of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest— a place of breathtaking beauty and a unique sanctuary for some of the world’s most threatened species. Tropical paradise Refresh on a tropical holiday full of glorious tumbling waterfalls, rushing wild rivers and beaches caressed by balmy seas— everything that makes the wet tropics wet!

Exhilarating adventures Welcome to Energise on a tropical adventure—rafting whitewater rapids, trekking rugged landscapes, mountain biking historic trails or ocean kayaking from one perfect beach to the next! Tropical Coast parks

Welcome to our national parks—part of which is my country. Warrgamay land is of great significance to me and my peoples. The connection I feel to country can’t be any stronger and I have strong pride and passion to be a caretaker and role model for the Indigenous and the non-Indigenous community. The land is the mother and we are of the land; we do not own the land rather the land owns us. The land is our food, our culture, our spirit and our identity. So when myself and my people of Warrgamay talk about country it is spoken of like a person: we speak to country, we sing to country, we worry about country and we long for country. This job as a caretaker makes me proud of who I am, and am privileged to work and to care for country. Ranger Clarence on behalf of the Park Rangers of the Tropical Coast

3 Map of the Tropical Coast national parks

Legend

C a National park Viewpoint p ta in C State forest Lookout o o k Conservation park Camping H ig hw ay Green Island Waterways Camping—car access NP Township Camping—boat access Smithfield CP Kuranda Mountain Camping—canoe access Highway Shower Cairns Sealed road Fires permitted Mount Fitzroy Whitfield CP Island NP Unsealed road Open fireplace Mareeba 4WD road Barbecue—gas

e n Walking track n Mountain biking

d Gordonvale

y Boardwalk Wildlife spotting

H Rd Frankland ig h Range Walshs Mountain bike track Swimming w Group NP a Lake Pyramid Shared trail— y Swim between the flags Tinaroo Gillies Deeral walkers and mountain bike Russell River Lake Barrine Russell River Stairs Snorkelling Atherton Lake Eacham River NP Visitor information centre (VIC) Fishing Yungaburra Babinda Herberton Malanda Bramston Beach Wi-Fi access Boat ramp Eubenangee Telephone Boating Josephine Swamp NP Park office/information Canoeing/kayaking Falls Information hut Vehicular ferry Wooroonooran Innisfail NP ay Parking Dam P hw alm ig ers n H to d Wheelchair access Generators permitted R e n

Ravenshoe y Toilets

Mamu Tropical o No vehicle access t a

y s

a Skywalk w

d w h h r Day-use area No fishing Ke ig Tully a g Barnard Island nn H i edy C H Falls NP Group NP Shelter Warning e c Tully Falls u r Picnic tables Do not drink the water Tully B Clump Mountain NP Gorge NP Sheltered picnic tables Bullrouts Koombooloomba Mission Dam Djiru NP Beach Rubbish bin Be crocwise in Tully croc country Tully River Family Mountain bike trail classifications River Islands NP y a r r Tully Heads Easy (green) u M Girramay Goold These trails are a great start for beginners and children. Ki Kirrama rra NP Island NP Walkers are welcome. ma NP Brook Ra ng Islands Intermediate (blue) e Murray Falls Rd NP Blencoe Better suited for experienced riders. Walkers are welcome. Falls He rbe Difficult (black diamond) trails rt R Cardwell ive r For experienced off-road riders only! Girringun Hinchinbrook Island NP These trails are designed for one-way use and walkers NP are discouraged from using them for safety reasons.

Abergowrie These symbols are used throughout the brochure. SF Lucinda Wallaman Falls Orpheus Trebonne Taylors Beach Island NP Ingham

Jourama Falls

B ru Paluma ce H SF ig h w a Paluma y Magnetic Cape Island NP Paluma Pallarenda Townsville Town Range NP CP Common CP

Townsville

Alligator Creek Bowling Green Bay NP Ayr

Scale 0 10 20 30 40km Legend

e n Walking track n Mountain biking

d Gordonvale

y Boardwalk Wildlife spotting

Ravenshoe y Toilets

Mamu Tropical o No vehicle access t a

y s

a Skywalk w

Abergowrie These symbols are used throughout the brochure. SF Lucinda Wallaman Falls Orpheus Trebonne Taylors Beach Island NP Ingham

Jourama Falls

B ru Paluma ce H SF ig h w a Paluma y Magnetic Cape Island NP Paluma Pallarenda Townsville Town Range NP CP Common CP

Townsville

Alligator Creek Bowling Green Bay NP Ayr

Scale 0 10 20 30 40km 6 Find out more at wettropics.gov.au at more out Find world. the in else nowhere found many including plants, and animals of variety astounding an to home are and mangroves woodlands open Rainforest, species. threatened many to home and people Aboriginal Rainforest for landscape cultural aliving are rainforests ancient these Cooktown, to Townsville from Extending Area. Heritage World Tropics Wet the of biodiversity and beauty breathtaking the Discover World Heritage Area Wet Tropics the Wet Tropics and Reef. Tropical the Great Barrier The your discovery. awaits Coast pristine beaches are lapped by tropical areas, meeting waters—the World Heritage place of two and meander and wetlands. Rivers creeks forests to the where coast of lush tropical farms, to down apatchwork sweep and gorges, Ancient by rainforest-clad waterfalls mountains carved Plan your getaway Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Photo: Robert Ashdown ©QldGovt Park National Range Paluma World Heritage Area Great Barrier Reef Find out more at gbrmpa.gov.au at more out Find birds. and reptiles mammals, marine abundant and sponges corals, molluscs, fish, of species different of thousands to is home ecosystem remarkable The islands. and reefs individual 3,000 comprises Reef the coast, Queensland’s along 2,000km than more Stretching biodiversity. outstanding and beauty incredible its for famed reef, coral largest world’s the features Area Heritage World Reef Barrier Great The Photo: ©Tourism Tropical NorthQld the Great Barrier Reef (below). Reef Barrier Great the (above);Coastline snorkelling on

Photo: © Townsville Enterprise Living cultural landscape Local events The Tropical Coast is the traditional Make the most of your visit and time your country of numerous Aboriginal clan holiday with a local event. Choose from groups where nature and culture are country shows, fishing competitions, interwoven. Rich with spiritual meaning, mountain bike rides and races, sailing traditional knowledge and cultural sites, and swimming events and music, food this area is a unique and irreplaceable and cultural festivals. There is something part of the heritage of the Traditional happening all year, so join the fun! Owners. Modern development impacted Visit townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au Guided tours the Rainforest Aboriginal people’s and tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au Join a guided tour with an experienced traditional way of life but did not disrupt local. Tour companies offer half to their strong, enduring connection to multi-day excursions and cater for country. Today, Aboriginal people special interests. Find out more at continue caring for their country, assisting townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au with management of parks and keeping and tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au. their culture strong. Queensland Parks When booking your tour, look for and Wildlife Service acknowledges the the ECO Certified logo. For more Traditional Owners of Queensland’s information visit ecotourism.org.au national parks.

Best time to visit The best time to visit the Tropical Coast is the dry season from May to September, when temperatures and humidity are Girringun and QPWS Rangers working together lower. Summer months are hot and on country (above); Reef HQ (right); Enjoy a humid, often with extended rain, flooding tropical drive (below). Photos: © Qld Govt (above); Vince Valitutti and occasional cyclones. Parks can © Tourism and Events Qld (right); Greg Snell © Tourism Tropical North Qld (below) be temporarily closed during extreme weather events.

Best way to visit Enjoy the freedom of your own vehicle on a self-drive road trip. Most mainland parks are accessible by 2WD. Some island national parks have ferry services, while others can only be accessed by private or charter vessels. Use the suggested itineraries on page 8 to help plan your journey.

7 Around Tully and Mission Beach Choose your adventure Immerse yourself for a day in the lush rainforest of Tully Gorge National Park. The coast between Townsville and Cairns is ideal for a self-drive road Take the easy and short Butterfly walk or trip. With many different park experiences along the way, you’ll be challenge yourself with a strenuous climb spoilt for choice. Will you follow the coast or detour inland? up Mount Tyson. Finish your day with Stay on the main roads and visit popular parks or head along country roads to explore a swim and a barbecue at picturesque lesser-known gems? Allow a day or two, a week or even more—you decide! Along the Alligators Nest, just a few minute’s drive way you’ll discover thriving country towns and fascinating local attractions to make from Tully. your journey even more memorable. Use the information below to plan your journey, Near Mission Beach explore the trails of with the main towns as your base for visiting some of Queensland’s best parks. Djiru National Park where you have the Happy road-tripping! best chance of spotting a cassowary in the wild, then climb Bicton Hill at Clump Mountain National Park for an awesome Suggested itineraries view over the Coral Sea and Family Islands Around Townsville National Park. Escape the city and try the fantastic For a night or two away, take the family For a longer stay, venture deep into the mountain bike and walking trails at camping at Broadwater, Abergowrie State rainforest and camp for a night or two by Townsville Town Common and Cape Forest. There’s plenty of space for a game Cochable Creek near Tully Gorge or beach Pallarenda conservation parks before of cricket, a swimming platform for easy yourself at Family Islands National Park heading south to Bowling Green Bay access into beautiful Broadwater Creek for a few days soaking up the tropical National Park to finish your day with and fire rings to enjoy a crackling campfire island lifestyle. under the stars. a peaceful picnic and a swim in Around Innisfail and Babinda Alligator Creek. Don’t miss Wooroonooran National Park! For a day in paradise catch the ferry for Hot tip! Fill a day wandering the rainforest canopy at Mamu Tropical Skywalk and discovering a 20min ride from Townsville to idyllic At the top of the Cardwell Range, beautiful waterfalls on the walking tracks Magnetic Island National Park—the bays 16km north of Ingham on the Bruce at Palmerston. Drive to Josephine Falls and beaches are spectacular, but it’s the Highway, stretch your legs and where the water tumbles down from the local koalas that will steal your heart. admire the awesome view over top of Bartle Frere. Hinchinbrook Channel and the island. Looking for a weekend getaway? Retreat Indulge in a spot of quiet birdwatching at to the rainforest and the quaint village Eubenangee Swamp National Park or, for of Paluma north of Townsville at Mount Around Cardwell some fun on two wheels, mountain bike Spec, Paluma Range National Park. part of the Goldfield trail in Wooroonooran Enjoy a day exploring Girramay National It’s high in the hills and packed full National Park. Park. Take a morning stroll on Wreck of walking tracks and wildlife. Creek Beach at Edmund Kennedy before If you have a 4WD, stay a little longer driving to Murray Falls for a barbecue and enjoy a remote camp on the beach Hot tip! lunch and a refreshing swim at the at Russell River National Park. While in Townsville, learn more about Murray Falls day-use area. Around Cairns north Queensland and Great Barrier Head to the hills for a night or two at Feeling energetic? Join the locals and hit Reef wonders at the Museum of Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park the amazing walking tracks and mountain Tropical Queensland or ReefHQ Great and enjoy a peaceful camp by the creek, bike trails of Mount Whitfield and Barrier Reef Aquarium—the world’s swimming and fishing at your leisure. Smithfield conservation parks. largest living coral reef aquarium. Wander among the giant kauri pines and Looking for a challenge? Conquer the rose gum trees at Kirrama National Park 922m summit of Walshs pyramid in on the way. Wooroonooran National Park, with Around Ingham panoramic views of Cairns and the tropical Spend a day exploring serene Waterview Grab your hiking boots and tick the coastline. Then drive to Goldsborough Creek at Jourama Falls, Paluma Range Thorsborne Trail in Hinchinbrook Island Valley and reward yourself with some green National Park or marvelling at the National Park off your bucket list! time in the rainforest—relax by the Mulgrave spectacular falls and picnicking with a view Cardwell and Lucinda are the gateways River and set up camp for a night or two. at Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park. to this world-renowned trail where you While in Cairns, make sure you visit the can trek 4–7 days through spectacular Is a day fishing more your style? Hire a Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an easy day trip wilderness and be captivated by charter boat or take your own to the to Green Island or Fitzroy Island national southern end of the famed Hinchinbrook Hinchinbrook’s untouched beauty. parks. Go for a snorkel, a swim and a stroll Channel and spend a day chasing barramundi. along tropical shores before relaxing on a sunset cruise back to Cairns. 8 Photo: © Fiona O’Grady Photo: Alligator Creek day-use area

Bowling Green Bay National Park

Refresh your spirit with some peaceful fishing, a lazy creek-side barbecue with rewarding birdwatching or a strenuous hike in this mountainous coastal park.

Explore the tumbling mountain creeks, Alligator Falls track Must dos rich wetlands, teeming estuaries and 17km return (6hr). Grade: difficult • Have a relaxing picnic before sandy wind-blown shores that create this Hike through woodland and rainforest exploring the clear granite pools park’s unique landscape and provide a and wade across creeks to reach the of Cockatoo Creek. treasure trove for birdwatchers. The park cascading Alligator Falls. is home to more than 300 species of birds! • Take a gentle stroll along the boardwalk, spotting the creek’s Safety residents as you go. Things to do Never dive or jump into Alligator Creek. Wildlife spotting Getting there Be crocwise in croc country in coastal See shorebirds on the beach from areas of the park (see page 27). Drive 25km south of Townsville Cungulla to Salmon Creek. Kingfishers along the Bruce Highway, turn onto and honeyeaters are found in trees lining Alligator Creek Road and follow the the creek bank at Alligator Creek. At night, signs to Alligator Creek camping and rufous bettongs and brushtail possums To Bruce day-use areas (about 30min drive can be spotted around your camp site. Highway from Townsville). Alligator Creek camping area Alligator Creek Fishing 1 Fish in tidal areas of the park. Fisheries regulations and marine park zoning restrictions apply (see page 27). 1

Places to camp Camp on the shady creek bank at Alligator Creek camping area 1 or beside your fishing spot atCocoa Creek, Salmon Creek and Barratta Creek camping areas.

Places to go Enjoy a swim, barbecue or easy walk at Alligator Creek day-use area 1 and Cockatoo Creek.

Alligator To Cockatoo Creek Creek lookout Native rosella (above); and Alligator Falls agile wallaby (left). 9 Photos: © Qld Govt (above); © Keith Dyson (left) Riding Smedley’s trail Rutherford © Sue Photo:

Townsville Town Common and Cape Pallarenda conservation parks

Set your adrenaline racing when you grab your bike or hiking boots Must dos and hit the stunning nature trails winding through these parks. • Mountain bike the Under the Radar trail for awesome Enjoy the secluded beaches framed by Wildlife spotting views of Townsville’s rocky headlands, coastal woodlands Spy comb-crested jacanas and plumed northern coastline. bordering seasonal wetlands and deep- whistling ducks in the wetlands and spot • Arm yourself with binoculars water lagoons that make these parks double-barred finches and red-backed fairy- and tramp the wetland trails special. The Cape Pallarenda Trails, wrens in the grasslands. High in the open to the bird hides to see ranging from short easy walks to cross- branches of overhead trees the acrobatic intriguing birdlife. country mountain bike rides, traverse the antics of the dollarbirds will entertain you. parks providing a popular nature escape— Watch brahminy kites and white-bellied Getting there and lots of heart-pumping fun—close to sea-eagles scan for prey from above. Townsville Town Common is the city of Townsville. 500m off Cape Pallarenda Road, Places to go 2km from Rowes Bay. Cape Things to do Pallarenda is at the end of Cape Mountain biking 1 Forts walk Pallarenda Road, 5.5km from Ride 34km of easy and intermediate trails. 500m (45min). Grade: moderate Rowes Bay. Rated intermediate, Under the Radar and Explore the searchlight, gun emplacement Smedley’s trails (blue) suit experienced and command tower remains of historic riders only and have black rated B lines. WWII Pallarenda Battery. Lagoon, Freshwater and Shelly Beach 2 Many Peaks track trails (red) are shared with walkers and Halifax 5.7km (3hr). Grade: difficult Shelly Bay rated easy—perfect for beginners! Beach Trek across the range to the summit of Mount Marlow enjoying 360 degree vistas Under the Shelly Radar tr il a Cove Shelly Cove trail of Townsville, the surrounding mountain 1 ranges and the Coral Sea. Mount Marlow 2 Cape Pallarenda Smedleys l trai Bird hides agoon Conservation Park trail L The Freshwater 3 and Jacana 4 bird 4 hides and Payet’s Tower 5 in Townsville Freshwater Shelly 3 Town Common Conservation Park are easy trail Beach trail walks from your car. Freshwater Cleveland Lagoon Road Bay C a Safety Townsville Town p e

Common P Under the Radar and Smedley’s are narrow a l Conservation la r mountain bike trails—walkers and runners Park e n d may share these trails but must a give way Scale R 0 2km 5 o to cyclists. a d Brolgas on the wetlands Photo: © Keith Dyson Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt Coquard Maxime Photo: Forts walk

Magnetic Island National Park

Slow down to ‘Maggie time’ and relish the special experiences offered Must dos on this treasured island park, famed for its stunning scenery and its furry • Hike to a secluded bay, relax on residents. Can you spot a koala? Northern Australia’s largest colony the tropical sand and snorkel in of koalas lives in the park. tranquil water. • Snap some fabulous scenery Admire granite boulder headlands dotted Places to go when you explore the park’s with majestic hoop pines and picture- 1 Forts walk walking trails. perfect bays with blue-green waters 4km return (1.5hr). Grade: moderate and fringing reefs. Getting there From the Forts Junction, discover the Catch the passenger or car ferry The island, together with its surrounding fascinating WWII history of the island and from Townsville for a 30min ride to reefs, is part of the Great Barrier Reef enjoy brilliant 360 degree views. This is Nelly Bay on the island. Drive your World Heritage Area. also one of the best places to spot a koala own vehicle around the island roads in the trees beside the walking track. or hire a bike, car or scooter or catch Things to do 2 Florence Bay track a bus when you arrive.

Wildlife spotting 3.6km return (1hr). Grade: moderate Nelly Bay to Picnic Bay: 3.5km Beginning at the Forts Junction, experience Search for koalas in gum trees along the Nelly Bay to Forts Junction: 4km restful quiet at this secluded tropical bay. Forts walk, spy allied rock-wallabies at dawn or dusk at Geoffrey Bay headland 3 Hawkings Point track and watch birds of prey swooping for Places to stay 1.2km return (1hr). Grade: moderate fish at any of the island’s beaches. At Picnic Bay climb to the top of the You can’t camp in the park but the island headland for views over Cleveland Bay, offers many different accommodation Be adventurous! to Townsville and beyond. options such as hotels, holiday houses Hire a kayak or paddle your own around and backpacker hostels. the island to secluded bays and Horseshoe Bay beaches only accessible Lagoon CP Five Beach White Lady Bay Bay Koala by boat. If you like a Lovers Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt Huntington faster pace, hire Liver Bay Radical Bay Bay Wilson Horseshoe a jet ski or for those Point Bay Rollingstone Bay Florence Bay wanting to explore Bay 2 Searchlight the underwater West Magnetic 1 Tower Point world, take a guided Island NP snorkelling tour on Young Bay Sphinx lookout Mt Cook the reefs surrounding Bolger Whitfield Cove the island. Bay CP Alma Bay Bolger Bremner Point See the vibrant colours Bay Geoffrey Bay Bright Point of the Great Barrier Reef as you snorkel at Picnic, Nelly Bay Arthur and Florence bays. Cockle Bay Rocky Bay Nobby Head Scale Picnic Hawkings 11 0 2km 3 Bay Point Little Crystal Creek © John Augusteyn Photo:

Paluma Range National Park

Escape the heat of the coast and feel the temperature drop Must dos as you step into the cool rainforests of the Paluma Range. • Reinvigorate in the cool mountain air as you explore historic Don’t miss rainforest-cloaked Mount Places to go rainforest tracks. Spec’s crystal-clear cascades, stunning Take a drive to picturesque Little Crystal • Frolic in the cool water of Little coastal views and the historic township Creek in Mount Spec 1 and admire the Crystal Creek near the historic of Paluma—‘village in the clouds’. historic stone-pitched bridge or dip your stone-pitched bridge. Nearby Jourama Falls, with its picturesque toes in the cool, crystal-clear water at waterfall framed by tropical woodland, Getting there Paradise Waterhole 2 or the is a low-key camping getaway. Rockslides 3 . 64km north of Townsville, turn off This birdwatchers’ paradise is the For a short stroll or a longer ramble the Bruce Highway onto Mt Spec southern gateway to the Wet Tropics through rich rainforest, head to the Road and follow the signs to Little World Heritage Area. Crystal Creek, Paluma (about 45min Paluma township. Enjoy amazing coastal from the highway along a narrow views from Witts 4 and McClelland winding range road) and Big Crystal Things to do lookouts 5 or experience a water rush Creek (Paradise Waterhole). Mountain biking at Birthday Creek Falls 6 . Turn off the Bruce Highway 23km south Pedal your way through cool rainforest After a pleasant hike through open of Ingham onto Jourama Road and to Paluma Dam via the unsealed Lake woodland to a lookout, enjoy scenic follow the signs for 5km to Jourama Paluma Road. views of the falls at Jourama. Falls day-use and camping areas. Wildlife spotting Never jump or dive into creeks in Birdwatching is very rewarding—search this park. Serious injuries and deaths for the elusive golden bowerbird in have happened here. the Paluma rainforest. Spotlight for The Rockslides (left); endangered mahogany gliders at night Jourama Falls track (right) Places to camp Photos: Fiona O’Grady around Jourama Falls camping area. Camp at Big Crystal Creek 1 or Jourama © Qld Govt Falls 2 camping areas in shady woodland 2 Jourama close to creeks with toilets and gas barbecues. Falls Bruce Highway Scale Safety Paluma 0 4km Range NP Stay on marked walking tracks. It’s easy to lose your way in the Paluma rainforest, which contains dangerous abandoned Paluma mining shafts, relics from tin mining days Dam Mutarnee Mount gone by. Paluma Paluma Rd Spec 1 2 3 Lake SF Crystal Creek Barrett Rd 6 S piegelhauer Rd

12 1 4 5 Paluma Mount Spec Rd Photo: © North Queensland Wildscapes © North Queensland Photo: Broadwater Creek

Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest

Enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic, a relaxing camping holiday, a quick dip, and Must dos lots of family fun, in Broadwater’s spacious grassy setting beside a waterhole. • Take a dip in the creek’s waterholes and feel your worries In scenic Herbert River Valley’s tall open Places to go wash away. forest Broadwater Creek ripples past • Enjoy a barbecue lunch in the the shady day-use and camping areas. 1 Rainforest walk forest but watch for crafty Here, delight in the pockets of rainforest 1.6km return (30min). Grade: easy kookaburras intent on stealing rich with fan palms, Alexandra palms, Ramble through the rainforest to your sausage! birds nest ferns and pink-flowering a magnificent large white fig tree. evodias that line the creek. Getting there 2 Creek walk Turn off the Bruce Highway onto 3km return (1hr). Grade: easy Hawkins Creek Road 3.5km north Things to do Wander through eucalypt and creek-side of Ingham and follow the signs for Wildlife spotting forest to pools along Broadwater Creek, 44km to arrive at Broadwater day- Watch quietly for noisy pittas, wompoo upstream from the swimming hole. use area. pigeons and emerald doves in the rainforest. Spotlight at night for rufous Places to camp owls, feathertail gliders and the infamous Safety Broadwater camping area 1 is a large native white-tailed rat. grassy area with some private nodes set Bullrouts (venomous freshwater stonefish) among tall open forest, beside the creek. live in Broadwater Creek—wear shoes Toilets and gas barbecues are provided when swimming (see page 27). and campfires are allowed.

k e 1 re C r te a w d a o r Tent-based B camping area Fun in the creek (above); camping at Broadwater (below left); Rainforest walk (below right) Photos: © Fiona O’Grady (above); © Qld Govt (below left); Russell Kluver © Qld Govt (below right)

Scale 13 0 40 80m 1 Wallaman Falls Enterprise © Townsville Photo:

Girringun National Park

Relax in a riverside bush camp, hike in the footsteps of an enterprising Must dos explorer or gaze in awe at two of Australia’s most spectacular • Stand in awe at Wallaman Falls waterfalls, plummeting dramatically off the Great Dividing Range. where Stony Creek plummets into a cloud of mist in the river below. Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single- Things to do • Reconnect with nature as you drop waterfall, plunges spectacularly camp at Blencoe Falls. Throw a from a 268m high cliff top. To the north- Wildlife spotting line into the creek and toast a west, Blencoe Falls tumbles 90m, then Spotlight for gliders high in the treetops marshmallow over an open fire another 230m into the base of an around your camp site—amazingly all under a sparkling night sky. impressive gorge before it rushes of Australia’s six glider species live in • Share space with the locals—a towards the Herbert River. this park. Bandicoots and musky rat- platypus feeding in Stony Creek, kangaroos frequent camps at night— Featuring wild terrain of rugged forest- a bandicoot nosing around your remember not to feed them! clad ridge tops, untamed rivers, imposing camp site, or even a cassowary gorges and quintessential Australian rambling through the rainforest. Fishing bushland, this park is the place Fish in the park’s creeks and rivers. where coastal rainforest meets Getting there Fishing regulations apply (see page 27). the western savanna. Wallaman Falls is 51km west of Be aware that estuarine crocodiles live Ingham. Drive 8.7km along Ingham- in the water below Blencoe Falls. Abergowrie Road to Trebonne and Did you know? Be crocwise! (see page 27). follow the signs to the park. Allow The Dalrymple Gap track blazed by early 1.5hr for this drive through rural explorer George Dalrymple follows a path areas and up a narrow winding Aboriginal people used to collect food Safety range road. and attend cultural activities. Take care around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along tracks and at lookouts. You need a 4WD to visit Blencoe Falls. Drive 10km north of Cardwell Be crocwise in croc country (see page 27). along the Bruce Highway and turn onto Kennedy Creek Road. Travel for 6km then turn onto Kirrama Range Road and follow the signs to the camping area. The roads from here are unsealed, winding and narrow— allow 2hr for this drive.

Blencoe Falls 14 Photo: © Keith Dyson Places to go Places to camp

Around Wallaman 5 Jabali walk 1 Wallaman Falls camping area 1 Banggurru walk 5km return (2hr). Grade: moderate is set amongst tall shady woodland close 800m return (45min). Grade: easy Discover the delights of open eucalypt to Stony Creek. Camp sites are grassed, Wander through the rainforest on the forest as you meander from the Blencoe toilets and wood-fired barbecues are banks of Stony Creek. Look in the water Falls camping area to the Blencoe Falls provided and campfires are allowed. for platypus, eastern water dragons lookout and car park. or saw-shelled turtles. 2 Blencoe Falls camping area Around Abergowie lies beside Blencoe Creek in open 2 Wallaman Falls lookout 6 Dalrymple Gap walking track woodland. Toilets are provided and Gaze in awe at the spectacular falls as 10km (6hr). Grade: difficult campfires are allowed. Stony Creek plunges into the gorge below. Follow in the footsteps of Aboriginal people and early settlers as you cross Wet Tropics Great Walk 3 Djyinda walk the Cardwell Range. Arrange for a vehicle Interested in a multi-day hike? 3.2km return (2hr). Grade: moderate to meet you at the opposite end of the See spectacular waterfalls, deep Walk to the base of the gorge to walk or just walk shorter sections from gorges and amazing views on experience Wallaman Falls from below. either end of the track and return the this Great Walk. Check it out at way you came. Around Blencoe qld.gov.au/WetTropicsGreatWalk 4 Blencoe Falls and Herbert River Gorge lookouts 400m return (20min). Grade: easy See Blencoe Creek tumble over the scenic falls and race into the Herbert River Gorge.

Fungi found at Wallaman Falls (below); Blencoe Falls camping area (right) Photos: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt (below); © Lea Ezzy (right)

Jumbun To Tully Rockingham Goold Murray Falls Bay Island NP Blencoe Falls camping area 4 5 nge R Girramay NP Kennedy a Ra oa 2 m d Edmund Kennedy ra ir day-use area K Cardwell H e HinchinbrookHinchinbrook W rb e Cardwell Forest e r Channel Island NP t t Girringun T R Drive lookout r ive o r G NP p o B i rg ru c e s Gre Abergowrie ce at H W ig a SF hw l a k Broadwater y camping area 6

H Hinchinbrook Abe a rg w o lookout

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Wallaman Falls R C o r a e 1 1 2 3 d ek R oad Scale Trebonne 0 5 10km 15 Ingham Hinchinbrook Island Nowakowski © Stephen Photo:

Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Feel your heart beat to nature’s rhythm as you climb rugged mountain Must dos slopes, explore the forested depths and wander the sweeping beaches • Hike up Nina Peak and enjoy the of Hinchinbrook’s world-renowned wilderness. breathtaking view over the east coast of the island with not Home to the iconic Thorsborne Trail, a sign of civilisation in sight. Things to do Hinchinbrook Island is a wild paradise • Swim at pristine Zoe Falls then rising dramatically from the surrounding Walk the Thorsborne Trail bask on a warm granite boulder Great Barrier Reef waters. Boasting craggy If you have 4–7 days to spare, you can with the local skinks as you mountain peaks, wind-swept heathlands, explore the breathtaking wilderness dry off. lush rainforest, unspoiled beaches and of Hinchinbrook Island on this world • Challenge yourself on the crystal-water creeks, the island is rich in renowned trail. Walker numbers are Thorsborne Trail to discover varied landscapes waiting for discovery. limited. Obtain your camping permit well untouched wilderness and in advance and be very well prepared. Aboriginal people lived on the island for stunning vistas around Find out more at qld.gov.au/NationalParks thousands of years. Remaining middens every corner. and fish traps tell of their lives spent Kayaking • Fish the famed Hinchinbrook caring for and being sustained by the Paddle around the eastern side of the Channel for a big barra while you island’s cultural landscape. island and soak up the stunning views, spot crocodiles, dugong, turtles visit deserted beaches and look for and dolphins sharing the turtles, dolphins and dugong. Take your unspoilt waterway. Ranger’s tip own kayak or book a guided tour. Check Immerse yourself in Hinchinbrook’s the weather forecast before you set off. Getting there rugged natural beauty, trek the Launch your own boat or travel with Thorsborne Trail or just laze around and Fishing a tourist operator from Dungeness soak up the atmosphere at beautiful Try your luck for a fresh barramundi (24km east of Ingham) or Cardwell. Zoe Falls. However you decide to do dinner in the Hinchinbrook Channel or at Hinchinbrook is about 5km offshore Hinchinbrook please remember to Missionary Bay. Fishing regulations and of the mainland. You can’t take take your rubbish with you. marine park zoning restrictions apply vehicles or mountain bikes onto the Ranger Evan (see page 27). island—the only means of getting Sunrise at Hinchinbrook around is on foot or by vessel from Photo: © Garry Hutcheson bay to bay.

16 Places to go Places to camp Safety Zoe Falls is a 1km easy walk from South North 1 and South Macushla 2 Be well prepared for your visit to Zoe Bay camping and day-use areas. camping areas are shady with easy boat Hinchinbrook Island. It is remote and Refresh in the cool water then follow the access. Toilets are provided at both areas. there are no facilities. Mobile phone trail another 225m to the top of the falls South Macushla is an ideal base for coverage is unreliable—consider taking for a breathtaking view over Zoe Bay. fishing in Missionary Bay. a satellite phone and a personal locator The return trip back to South Zoe Bay beacon (PLB). The Haven camping area 3 is sheltered, is about 30min. has a toilet and is an excellent base Be crocwise in croc country Missionary Bay should be on every for fishing the Hinchinbrook Channel. (see page 27). angler’s bucket list. With eight mangrove- Be crocwise and remain behind the lined channels to choose from and crocodile barriers at all times. extensive estuarine flats, the ‘big one’ is Numerous camping areas are located never far away! Take your own boat and at the beaches and bays on the eastern camp at South Macushla or book a local side of the island for Thorsborne Trail charter vessel to find all the secret spots. walkers, sea kayakers and visitors with George Point is an easy boat or kayak private vessels. trip from Lucinda. Enjoy the beach and blue water views from the southern end of the island.

Hiking the Thorsborne trail (bottom left); cooling off on top of Zoe Falls (left); Little Ramsay Bay camping area (right) Photos: © Stephen Nowakowski (bottom left); Tamara Vallance © Qld Govt (left/right)

Scale 0 5 10km

Cape Macushla to Cape Richards Richards track North Shepherd 1 Bay South Shepherd Hecate 2 Bay Cape Sandwich Point South Shepherd Sunset Beach Bay track camping area Mt Pitt Missionary Banshee Bay Muhr Amalee Bay camping area (restricted Ramsay Bay The Haven 3 access area) Barra Castle Hill Blacksand Beach camping area (sea kayaks only) Hinchinbrook Channel Banksia Bay Mt Burnett Nina Peak Nina Bay camping area Agnes Beach Hinchinbrook To Cardwell camping area Island NP Agnes Island Mt Bowen Thorsborne Bay North Zoe Bay B r uc Thorsborne Trail camping area e H Zoe Bay ighw South Zoe Bay ay Zoe Falls camping and day-use areas Mt Diamantina Sunken Reef Bay Mulligan Falls camping area (sea kayaks only) Mt Straloch Mulligan Bay Haycock camping area Island Picnic Beach George Point camping and day-use areas Hinchinbrook lookout Lucinda

To Ingham 17 Murray Falls day-use area North Queensland Tropical © Tourism Photo:

Girramay National Park

Wander the wild windswept beach and mangrove forests at Edmund Kennedy Must dos or enjoy a peaceful picnic near picturesque Murray Falls. • Enjoy a stroll at Wreck Creek beach, strewn with large From the rainforest-clad mountains to the At Murray Falls driftwood from nearby swamps. paperbark wetlands, sedge swamps and 2 Murray Falls day-use area • Delight in a misty spritz on the mangroves along the coast, the Murray Take a dip in the cold waters of the Murray boardwalk as water tumbles River links the Murray Falls and Edmund River surrounded by rainforest then dry off over huge granite slabs at Kennedy sections of the park. with a picnic in the shady day-use area. Murray Falls. Getting there Things to do 3 River boardwalk 300m return (10min). Grade: easy Edmund Kennedy section is 1km Wildlife spotting Stroll along this pleasant, easy walk to the along Clift Road. Turn off the Bruce Look for orange-footed scrubfowl tending river to view the cascading Murray Falls. Highway 4km north of Cardwell. their raked mounds of leaves and sticks at To access Murray Falls section Edmund Kennedy, and the many colourful 4 Yalgay Ginja Bulumi walk travel 21km north of Cardwell and birds at Murray Falls camping area. 1.8km return (1.5hr). Grade: moderate turn west onto Bilyana Road. Follow Learn about Aboriginal culture on this the signs for 20km to Murray Falls Places to go walk through the rainforest to a lookout camping and day-use areas. over the falls. At Edmund Kennedy 1 Wreck Creek walk Places to camp Safety 2.5km (1.5hr). Grade: easy Camp at Murray Falls camping area , Walk along the beach to Wreck Creek 1 Be careful around Murray Falls. an open grassy area with shady trees. Serious injuries and deaths have and admire serene ocean views with happened here. Obey all safety signs. a backdrop of Hinchinbrook Island’s craggy skyline. Bullrouts (venomous freshwater stonefish) live in Murray River—wear shoes when

To Tully

Scale

swimming at Murray Falls day-use area

0 10 20km

Murrigal B (see page 27). r r

e u Girramay v

i c R e NP Be crocwise in croc country at y a H Murr i Edmund Kennedy (see page 27). g h w Bilyana a y Goold Murray Falls Girramay Edmund Kennedy Island NP 1 2 3 4 NP 1

Cardwell Five Mile Creek Hinchinbrook Girringun Island NP 18 NP To Ingham Murray Falls camping area, Photo: © John Augusteyn Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland Events and © Tourism Photo: White water rafting

Tully Gorge National Park

Get your adrenaline pumping in the wilds of Tully Gorge and Must dos feel the whitewater rush in one of Australia’s wettest places. • Challenge your limits and try whitewater rafting—strap on your Lush vegetation, boulder-strewn waters 2 Butterfly walk helmet, hold on tight and enjoy and spectacular rainforest views await 375m return (20min). Grade: easy the ride! you. The mighty Tully River dominates the Wander through tropical rainforest • Enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic and landscape, plunging from the hillslopes spotting tropical butterflies along the way. refreshing swim at Alligators Nest. high above and forming roaring rapids as it races towards the coast. 3 Mount Tyson Getting there 6.4km return (3–5hr). Grade: difficult Tully Gorge is a 41km drive west Did you know? Climb the very steep hillside to the of Tully via Jarra Creek and Alligators Nest day-use area is named 674m summit overlooking Tully and the Cardstone roads. after a local scout group—not the reptile— coastline, or trek the shorter option to Drive a further 12km along Cardstone and it is a great place for a swim! Scouts Rock, 5km return. and Cochable Creek/H roads to Interested in a remote rainforest hike? Cochable Creek camping area. Things to do Check out the Misty Mountain wilderness To access Alligators Nest day-use Wildlife spotting tracks at qld.gov.au/NationalParks area drive 6km north from Tully Take the Butterfly walk to see colourful via Murray Street and Bulgan and varied butterflies including tailed Places to camp and Lizzio roads. emperors, banded demons and Ulysses. Tully Gorge camping area 1 , beside The warmer months of September to Mount Tyson walking track begins at Tully River, is suitable for tents, caravans February are best for butterfly spotting. the end of Brannigan Street in Tully. and motorhomes and has picnic tables, Don’t forget to look up! cold showers and wheelchair accessible toilets. Cochable Creek camping area Places to go 2 Safety has picnic tables and a toilet, is for Do not enter the water at Tully Gorge. 1 Alligators Nest day-use area has a tents only and is the trailhead for the swimming platform, picnic tables,

To Tully Water released from the dam upstream Misty Mountains wilderness tracks.

Scale

toilets and a gas barbecue.

0 10 20km can cause river levels to rise rapidly

Murrigal B

r r u without warning. e Girramay v i c R e NP Tully 2 Wooroonooran To Innisfail y a H Murr Be crocwise in croc country. i Falls NP Cochable Creek NP g h Do not swim at Tully Gorge camping camping area Bilyana w End a of road y and day-use areas, estuarine crocodiles Goold Cochable Creek/H Road Murray Falls Girramay Edmund Kennedy Kareeya Island NP may be present (see page 27). C hydro-power a 1 2 3 4 NP 1 r El Arish station Tully Gorge ds 1 2 to camping area n Tully y e a R Gorge NP w oa Alligators h Tu d g lly 1 i R Nest H Cardwell Koombooloomba i ve e Dam r a c Hinchinbrook J rra ru Five Mile Creek C B Island NP r Girringun Mt Tyson e Scale e NP 0 5 10km 3 k 19 To Ingham R Tully Tully Gorge, Photo: © Tourism Tropical North Qld d View from Bicton Hill © Qld Govt Coquard Maxime Photo:

Djiru and Clump Mountain national parks

Hike through lush fan palm forest, soak up exquisite tropical island views Must dos and spot an iconic cassowary, all a stone’s throw from Mission Beach. • Wander in the dappled shade under the beautiful splayed Wander through lowland rainforest and Places to go fronds of rare palms on the Fan rare fan palm forest. Now surrounded by From Licuala day-use area enjoy a 1.3km Palm walk in Djiru National Park. agricultural land, these parks are a refuge return stroll through a fan palm forest • From Bicton Hill lookout in Clump rich in tropical forest life and Aboriginal on the Fan Palm walk 1 . Kids—find the Mountain National Park admire cassowary nest on the 400m Children’s the expansive coastal views, just cultural history. walk 2 . Mountain bike or hike the 6km as the Djiru Aboriginal people one-way Musgravea track 3 . have done for many years. Things to do From Lacey Creek day-use area look for Getting there Wildlife spotting saw-shelled turtles on the 1.5km return Djiru National Park Look for cassowaries roaming through the Lacey Creek walk 4 or explore the Licuala day-use area in Djiru rainforest or lace monitors scrambling up 3.2km Dreaming trail 5 . National Park is at the end of an tree trunks. unsealed road off Tully-Mission 6 Bicton Hill track Mountain biking Beach road about 8km south-west 3.9km return (2.5hr). Grade: moderate Cycle the easy 6km Musgravea trail, of Mission Beach. Turn off Tully- Climb Bicton Hill for amazing blue-water an old logging road in days gone by. Mission Beach road at the sign. views of Dunk Island and beyond. To access Lacey Creek day-use area drive 7.5km west from Mission Places to stay Beach along El Arish-Mission To El You can’t camp in the park but there Beach Road. Arish Bingil Bay are many accommodation options Bicton at Mission Beach. Find out more at Clump Mountain National Park Lacey Creek Hill 6 day-use area tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au Access to the car park for Bicton Clump Hill walking track is 4.3km north of 4 Clump Point jetty Mission Beach on Alexander Drive. Mountain 5 NP Dreaming trail Mission Safety Beach Remember to be cass-o-wary Djiru (see page 27). NP Musgravea track 3 Fan Palm walk, Djiru National Park Photo: © Tourism Tropical Licuala North Queensland day-use area 1 2 Wongaling T Beach ull Scale y t 0 1 2km 20 o M To Tully is sio n Beach ro ad Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland Events and © Tourism Photo: Eubenangee Swamp

Eubenangee Swamp and Russell River national parks

Spot crocs and waterbirds in a scenic paperbark swamp. Fish a pristine coastal Must dos river or sit back, relax and watch a brilliant sunrise from a beach-side camp. • Feel the excitement of spotting a croc or watching waterbirds Rich in coastal wetlands, lowland Places to camp at Eubenangee Swamp. rainforest and mangrove-fringed tidal Graham Range camping area 1 • Revel in the solitude of your rivers, these coastal parks are set against is a secluded spot by the beach, beach-side camp at Graham the scenic backdrop of Bartle Frere surrounded by paperbark and mangrove Range camping area. and Bellenden Ker, Queensland’s two forests for self-sufficient campers. highest peaks. Getting there There are no facilities but campfires are allowed. Eubenangee Swamp National Park Things to do From Babinda, drive 6.7km south on the Bruce Highway then turn east Wildlife spotting onto Bramston Beach Road. Travel See resident and migratory waterbirds 7.3km, turn onto Cartwright Road such as black-necked storks and and drive 1.3km to the Eubenangee spoonbills at the globally-significant Swamp car park. waterbird habitat of Eubenangee Swamp.

Russell River National Park Fishing If you have a 4WD—continue on Fish in the Russell River, its tributaries Bramston Beach Road to Bramston and along the coastal section of the Scale To Cairns 0 4 8km Beach, turn north onto Sassafras park. Fishing regulations and marine Street and drive 6km to the park B park zoning restrictions apply ru ce and Graham Range camping area. H (see page 27). i g h Frankland w a Be crocwise in croc country y Group NP Intermediate egret (below); (see page 27). Graham Range camping area (right) Photos: © Greg Watson (below); © Les Jackson (right) Deeral Places to go

G 1 Swamp walk o ld Russell f i Bellenden Ker 1.5km return (30min). Grade: easye River NP l d Walk through rainforest and tr Graham Range ail ascend a grassy hill for views The Boulders camping area over Eubenangee Swamp. Scenic Reserve 1

BabindaR The k u Bramston e s B re s

Boulders ab C e Beach l

in l

Road R

i v Bramston e r Beach Road Josephine Falls Miriwinni 1 Eubenangee 21 Swamp NP Josephine Falls © Qld Govt Coquard Maxime Photo:

Wooroonooran National Park

Breathe in the rainforest-filtered air and refresh body and soul Must dos as you explore the depths and heights of Wooroonooran, in the • Admire the view from Crawfords heart of Queensland’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Lookout then tick off a few waterfalls in the Palmerston. Wooroonooran stretches along the Things to do • Be mesmerised at Josephine Falls coastal hinterland from Innisfail to as you watch the clear cold waters Gordonvale. In the south, you can Wildlife spotting thundering down from the 1622m explore the rugged rainforest-clad Look for musky rat-kangaroos and summit of Bartle Frere. mountain slopes, gorges and sparkling emerald doves foraging on the forest • Tackle the exhilarating heights waterfalls of the Palmerston. Marvel at floor and rainforest birds and brilliant of 922m Walshs Pyramid for Queensland’s highest peak, Bartle Frere, butterflies flitting through the forest outstanding views over the the birthplace of Josephine Creek, which canopy. Spot azure kingfishers swooping coastal lowlands. becomes the cascading Josephine Falls. down to the water or spy jungle perch, • Set up camp in Goldsborough In the north, the distinctive landmark rainbowfish, and long-finned eels below Valley where you (and your kids) of Walshs Pyramid and the picturesque the river surface. can swim, fish, paddle, explore Goldsborough Valley along the Mulgrave and relax to your heart’s content. River will impress you. Canoeing Launch your canoe into the Mulgrave River Getting there from the Goldsborough Valley camping Turn west off the Bruce Highway 5km or day-use area. north of Innisfail onto the Palmerston Hot tip! Explore the Highway and travel 27km to the Mamu Tropical Skywalk Mountain biking and venture into the rainforest Palmerston section of the park. 1 Mountain bike in the Misty Mountains canopy on elevated walkways and Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Crawfords along the 26km Gorrell trail. Bike 8km of an observation tower. Lookout, Henrietta Creek camping the Goldfield trail between Goldsborough area and various walking tracks are all Valley camping area and the Mulgrave accessed off the Palmerston Highway. causeway, then return the same way. To visit Josephine Falls, turn west off the Bruce Highway 8km south of Fishing Babinda onto Bartle Frere Road and Fish in the Mulgrave River. follow the signs to the car park. Fishing regulations apply (see page 27). To access Walshs Pyramid turn west off the Bruce Highway 24km south of Cairns onto Moss Road and follow the signs for 500m. Goldsborough Valley camping area is accessible via the Gillies Highway from Gordonvale, south of Cairns. Drive 6km to the Goldsborough Valley turn-off then travel 16km 22 through farms and cane fields. Places to go Around the south 2 Josephine Falls walking track 3 Bartle Frere trail Avoid stinging trees—plants with 1.2km return (30min). Grade: easy 15km (2 days). Grade: difficult large heart-shaped leaves with serrated Walk through lush tropical rainforest to Not for the faint-hearted, this strenuous edges—touching the leaves will cause an viewing platforms overlooking Josephine trail climbs to the Bartle Frere summit. extremely painful sting (see page 27). Falls. Wheelchair access is possible to A 10km return walk—Broken Nose trail— Wear repellent and protective clothing the top platform. is a shorter but still difficult alternative to discourage leeches and stinging to explore the mountain. march flies. Water conditions here are hazardous and unpredictable. Serious injuries and 4 Palmerston walking tracks Around the north deaths have happened here. Obey all From 800m to 6km in length, numerous 5 Walshs Pyramid walking track safety signs. tracks begin at Crawfords Lookout, 6km return (6hr). Grade: difficult Gooligans picnic area and Henrietta A steep rocky track to the summit of the Creek camping area along the Palmerston pyramid-shaped mountain rewards walkers Highway in the Palmerston section of the with 360 degree views of the surrounding Mamu Tropical Skywalk (bottom left); family on Wajil walk (bottom middle); park. Discover dense rainforest, sparkling tropical landscape. kids playing at Goldsborough Valley (bottom right) waterfalls, crystal-clear creeks, wildlife Photos: © Qld Govt (bottom left); Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (bottom middle/right) and lookouts with breathtaking views. 6 Wajil walk 1.7km return (1.5hr). Grade: easy Discover the stories of the local Aboriginal To Cairns Gordonvale people as you meander through the r e iv 5 rainforest to the scenic Kearneys Falls. R e v Walshs ra g ul Pyramid M 7 Goldfield trail

Lake Tinaroo G o 19km (9hr). Grade: moderate ld sb Follow a historic gold prospecting trail R o ay d ro w u over a saddle in the Bellenden Ker Range. igh g H h Wajil walk s ie You can also take mountain bikes on the ill 3 6 G Lake Barrine trail between Goldsborough Valley and the

Yungaburra R Bellenden Ker u Mulgrave River causeway. Bikes are not

s Lake Eacham 7 s e

l permitted on the causeway or on the trail l

i The Boulders v east of the causeway. er e v r ve Ri Scenic Reserve lgra u T To M h

pa t e z R s Bo Babinda d e ulde Places to camp

W r Malanda s Rd G o Henrietta Creek camping area 1 ur ka−Gourka Rd 3 Bartle Frere is nestled beside Henrietta Creek with Miriwinni grassy camp sites tucked into pockets B of rainforest. Caravan access, toilets 2 ruc N e or H and gas barbecues are provided. th ig J h o Josephine Falls w h a n y South Johnstone camping area s 2 t o n lies deep in the rainforest near the Millaa e R Wooroonooran Millaa iv South Johnstone River. Sheltered picnic e r NP Innisfail tables and toilets are provided. To Ravenshoe Goldsborough Valley camping area 3 4 1 Highway South ston beside the Mulgrave River has open, grassy Crawfords er Johnstone To Ravenshoe Nandroya Falls m Lookout al camp sites. Toilets and gas barbecues are P provided and campfires are allowed. S o e u re th -t K d J Mamu Tropical o R 1 h Skywalk n s to ne er Mena Riv 2 G orrell trail Mena Creek d Creek R Misty Mountains Scale To Townsville 0 10 20km 23 Mountain biking in Smithfi eld Conservation Park North Queensland Tropical © Tourism Photo:

Smithfield and Mount Whitfield conservation parks

Explore surprising trails winding through rainforest and open forest close Must dos to the city—paradise for mountain bikers, trail runners and walkers! • Ride your mountain bike, or just take a walk, on Smithfield’s Up for a challenge? Smithfield is home Places to go shady and easy shared trails. to internationally-renowned mountain • Join Cairns locals as they stroll, bike trails, ranging from easy meandering Mount Whitfield power-walk and jog on Mount paths to extreme downhill trails. If you 1 Red Arrow circuit

Whitfield’s popular trails. prefer a good walk then climb through 1.5km return (1hr). Grade: moderate Walk through rainforest and open rainforest and open forest on Lumley Hill woodland to two lookouts over Cairns. Getting there and soak up the scenic views of Cairns Smithfield and the coast at Mount Whitfield. 2 Blue Arrow circuit Smithfield Conservation Park is 6km return (5hr). Grade: moderate 11km north of Cairns off the Captain Things to do A steep track through rainforest and open Cook Highway. Turn into McGregor grassland. Climb to the Lumley Hill summit Road and drive 1km to the park Wildlife spotting for views from Red Peak to Green Island. entrance and car park. Look for spectacled monarchs and 3 Green Arrow Macleay’s fig-parrots in the foliage, and 3km (1.5hr). Grade: moderate Mount Whitfield noisy pittas and orange-footed scrubfowls Mount Whitfield Conservation on the forest floor at Smithfield. Climb a steep ridgeline to the Park is 5km north of the Cairns city 364m summit of Mount Whitfield. centre. Turn off Sheridan Street Mountain biking onto Collins Avenue and drive At Smithfield, ride more than 12km of 400m to the car park and walking cross-country and downhill rainforest track entrance. trails suitable for beginners to Scale 0 1km The walking track entrances are near world-class athletes. the Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre and Tanks Art Centre. Visit Earl Hill Conservation Park— To Trinity Beach and Earl Hill C a new park offering walking with a Conservation p spectacular views of the Coral Sea. t a Park i Lumley Hill n Travel to Flagship Drive, Trinity Beach. C C a A o p e o t r k a Mount o H in g ig l h C Whitfield e w o n a D y o r k iv e

Legend Smithfield H

i Mount 2 CP g High-use h Whitfield w mountain-bike area a CP y S Restricted access h e area—permit to James r 1 i enter required d Cook 3 a Botanic Gardens Scale n Trail (easy) University 0 1km Visitor Centre S To t Trail (intermediate) McGregor McGregor Rd Cairns Collins AvenueTo Cairns Trail (difficult) Rd entrance Photo: © Tourism Tropical North Queensland Tropical © Tourism Photo: Fitzroy Island

Tropical island national parks

Find your own personal paradise on a tropical island as you relax on Must dos sun-kissed sands lapped by the sparkling waters of the Great Barrier Reef. • Don mask and snorkel and be enthralled at the diversity, Like green jewels, the Great Barrier movement and colour of the Fishing Reef’s tropical islands float on vibrant Fish off the beaches or from your boat— Great Barrier Reef! azure seas. High forested slopes, golden snapper, barred javelin and • Wander secluded sandy shores secluded beaches nestled between rocky trevally are likely catches. Marine park and have a picnic on the beach headlands, and colourful fringing reefs zoning and fishing regulations apply with only shorebirds for company. characterise most island parks, while (see page 27). Green Island is a tiny coral cay cloaked Getting there with rainforest. You can get to all the island parks Places to camp with your own boat or with a tourist Orpheus, Goold, Family, Barnard and Things to do operator from neighbouring towns on Frankland island national parks have the mainland. Visit queensland.com Wildlife spotting camping areas. You need to be totally self- for more information. Look for dolphins, dugong and turtles sufficient when camping on these islands. On the islands, explore the walking from your boat, watch shorebirds feeding See qld.gov.au/NationalParks tracks on foot. You can’t take on the water’s edge and birds of prey for more information. vehicles or mountain bikes onto the soaring overhead. Spot humpback islands (except for Magnetic Island). whales during the whale watching season (June to November).

Be pest-free—keep the Great Barrier Snorkelling Reef islands free from pests and Scale Thrill to the wonders of the Great Barrier 0 1km disease (see page 27). Reef—snorkel off the beaches around Orpheus, Family, Barnard, Frankland, Safety Green and Fitzroy island national parks. To Trinity Beach and Earl Hill Dangerous stinging jellyfish may be Conservation present in coastal waters at any time. Boating Park Explore the blue tropical waters and many A full-body lycra suit may provide good Snorkelling Fitzroy Island (below left); kayaking C secluded beaches with your own boat. near Dunk Island (below); Orpheus island (above) a protection or avoid swimming during the p Photos: © Tourism and Events Qld (below left/below); ta Reduce your speed in seagrass areas— in warmer months (see page 27). If you Aaron Dean © Qld Govt (above) C o dugongs feed here. o are not a confident swimmer please k

wear a personal flotation device Legend Smithfield H i CP g while snorkelling. High-use h w mountain-bike area a y Be crocwise in croc country Restricted access (see page 27). area—permit to James enter required Cook Trail (easy) University To Trail (intermediate) McGregor McGregor Rd Cairns 25 Trail (difficult) Rd entrance Trekking in Hinchinbrook Island National Park Hutcheson © Garry Photo:

Camping in parks

To camp in national parks and State forests along the Tropical Coast, you How to book a camp site need to book your camp sites and purchase camping permits before you • go to qld.gov.au/camping arrive—mobile reception may not be available. It’s best to book well in using a payment card or advance as camp sites in popular parks are in high demand during peak online Gift Card periods such as long weekends and school holidays. • visit an over-the-counter permit booking office accepting cash, eftpos and payment card or Stay informed Using generators use a self-service kiosk. Regularly check: In some parks, you can use generators Locations are listed at • park alerts at qld.gov.au/ParkAlerts that operate at a noise level less than qld.gov.au/CampingBookingOffices for conditions and closures 65dB(A) when measured at a distance of 7m from the generator. When booking • bushfire alerts atqfes.qld.gov.au your camp site, check whether generators for fire danger and fire bans are permitted in your selected camping • current and forecast weather area and note specified operating times. conditions at bom.gov.au • traffic and travel information Other places to stay at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au for road conditions. For accommodation options outside national parks visit townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au and Enjoy camping (inset), Witts lookout, Paluma Range National Park (below) tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au Photos: © Qld Govt (inset); © Keith Dyson (below)

26 Be responsible Fishing Fishing regulations apply to fishing and • Obey all directional and safety signs. • Be pest-free—remove soil, seeds, parts collecting in national and marine parks. • Do not enter restricted access areas— of plants, insects, eggs, lizards, toads, For details visit Fisheries Queensland they exist for your safety. rats and mice from your camping gear, at fisheries.qld.gov.au clothes, shoes and vessels before visiting an island park. All waters adjacent to coastal national Caring for parks parks are protected within the Great • Avoid disturbing animals and plants. • Don’t place rubbish or contents of Barrier Reef Marine Park and the • Leave your pets at home. chemical toilet tanks in the toilets. Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. • Don’t feed wildlife or leave food • Camp only in the sites provided. Check marine park zoning maps and or scraps around camp sites or • Minimise your use of soaps and fishing information atgbrmpa.gov.au picnic areas. detergents near waterways. • Light campfires responsibly using • Where toilets are not provided, bury Be safe existing fire rings. Put your campfire human waste and toilet paper at least • In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). out with water. Campfires are not 15cm deep and 100m away from camp permitted in some parks. See page 2. sites, tracks and watercourses. • Keep to the walking tracks. Stay back from cliff edges. Take care on uneven slippery track surfaces, especially when wet. Be cass-o-wary • Wear sunscreen, a hat, protective The wet tropics coast is home to clothing and sturdy footwear and the cassowary—Australia’s largest always carry water. rainforest animal. This bird can cause serious injuries to people. • Never dive or jump into the water. • Never approach cassowaries. It may be shallower than it looks and • Never approach chicks—male there could be hidden, submerged cassowaries will defend them. objects. Supervise children • Never feed cassowaries—it is around water. illegal and dangerous and has • Venomous stinging fish called bullrouts caused cassowary deaths. live in some rivers and creeks. • Always discard food scraps Wear sandshoes or similar footwear in closed bins. when wading or swimming. • Always slow down when driving • Beware of stinging trees. The heart- in cassowary territory. shaped leaves, stems and red fruits of • Never stop your vehicle on the road these shrubby plants are covered with to look at cassowaries. tiny silica hairs which inject toxins. The very painful sting can persist for months. If stung, and symptoms are Be crocwise severe, seek medical advice. The Tropical Coast is crocodile country. • Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) • Don’t be ambushed—stay out of the may be present in tropical coastal water and away from the water’s edge, waters at any time, but occur more especially when fishing. frequently in the warmer months. • Watch children closely—they can be A full-body lycra suit or equivalent easily distracted and may forget the may provide protection against potential danger. stinging jellyfish and sunburn. • Camp as far from the water as • If you are not a confident swimmer possible—make it difficult for a please wear a personal flotation crocodile to visit your camp. device while snorkelling. • Don’t leave food scraps or fish waste around—this attracts crocodiles • Check weather forecasts before and endangers lives. heading to parks, especially • Never approach, feed or harass islands. Parks can be closed crocodiles—stay well away! in extreme conditions.

Photos: Paul Candlin © Qld Govt (cassowary); Kate Pelling © Qld Govt (crocodile) 27 Further information qld.gov.au/NationalParks

qld.gov.au/Camping qld.gov.au/ParkAlerts (access, closures and conditions) qldnationalparks Scan to check park alerts @QldParks; #QldParks

This brochure is also available online at qld.gov.au/ParkBrochures

Useful contacts For help planning your holiday, visit queensland.com

Tourism information: Townsville Enterprise Pty Ltd townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

Tourism Tropical North Queensland tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au

©State of Queensland 2019. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science. BP2138 May 2019. Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources. Front cover: Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Qld Back cover: Wooroonooran National Park, Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government