Experience the beauty and diversity of Tropical North Queensland’s World Heritage rainforest with a ride down the historic Goldfield Trail.
This shared walking/biking trail through Wooroonooran National Park travels along a low saddle between Queensland’s two highest peaks, Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker, crossing a series of stunning creeks and waterfalls along the way.
Originally carved out by gold prospectors seeking to reach the north-west slopes of Bartle Frere in the 1930s, the trail was eventually abandoned before being reopened in 1986 as an international volunteer project.
The Goldfield Trail links The Boulders Scenic Reserve near Babinda with the picturesque Goldsborough Valley day-use and camping area.
To access the Goldfield Trail, head south from Cairns on the Bruce Highway, then turn right onto the Gillies Range Road at Gordonvale and continue for 6km to the Goldsborough Valley turn-off on the left. After crossing Peet’s Bridge, continue on Goldsborough Road for 16km to the Goldsborough Valley camping area.
Mountain bikes can be ridden on an 8km stretch of the trail from the Goldsborough Valley camping area to the top causeway over the Mulgrave River but not beyond the causeway.
This part of the trail follows the banks of the Mulgrave River through sections of high grass into the rainforest, offering spectacular views and opportunities to glimpse giant strangler figs, cassowaries, paradise kingfishers and other Tropical North Queensland flora and fauna.
A bush camping area (sans facilities) is located at the Mulgrave River top causeway. Campers must be completely self-sufficient, carrying food, water and a fuel or gas stove. Camping permits are required and fees apply
The Goldsborough Valley camping area has picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities and is also the starting point for a 1.7km return walk to the spectacular cascades and granite cliffs of Kearneys Falls. Again, camping permits are required and fees apply
Everything you need to know about Goldfield Trail.
You live for adventure on two wheels in exotic landscapes. And the most exotic landscape of all, the awe-inspiring World Heritage rainforest of Tropical North Queensland, is calling out to you.
Trail runners and bushwalkers are spoilt for choice in Tropical North Queensland. It’s hard to put a figure on how many trails there are but trust me, there are hundreds. Situated in lush, heritage-listed rainforest, the Goldfields Trail, between Babinda and Goldsborough Valley, is one of the most iconic in the region.
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