Walk, hike or stroll your way through the tropics
Whether you’re an expert bushwalker up for a long-haul hike or a Sunday stroller looking for something more leisurely, there’s a huge range of walks to suit every desire and ability.
The terrain in Tropical North Queensland covers an entire geographical and botanical spectrum, from coastal lowland to mountains; treks through dense rainforest in places like Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain, to the cloud forests of Walsh’s Pyramid, the wet sclerophyll forest of Kahlpahlim Rock and Lambs Head and the open woodlands and savannahs of the Undara National Park.
Water is everywhere – bays, streams, waterholes and falls, some perfect for a refreshing swim. Wildlife abounds, so keep an eye out for musky rat-kangaroos, red-legged pademelons, cassowaries, lace monitors and iridescent blue Ulysses butterflies. Feathered residents include king parrots, honeyeaters, black-throated finches, magpie geese and more.
If short and instantly gratifying is more your style, take a stroll along the boardwalks at Cairns or the series of boardwalks in the Daintree National Park, walk the loop along the Mossman River, traverse the circuit around Green Island or witness the power and majesty of Barron Falls from the lookout.
If you have mobility issues or small children, there are tracks in some of Tropical North Queensland’s many national parks that are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
As you hike it
Where to find scenic walking trails, from a challenging trek to a relaxed stroll.
Incredible hikes you need to conquer near Cairns
Surrounded by national parks, World Heritage rainforest and the Great Dividing Range, find countless bush walks or hikes within a short distance of Cairns.
Guide to the Red Arrow walking trail in Cairns
Throw on your best activewear and prepare to stretch your legs as you venture into the natural playground of Mount Whitfield. You’ll feel worlds away from city life as you delve into the depths of the rainforest, despite being less than ten minutes from Cairns CBD.
Walks in Kuranda
Experience the famous village in the rainforest along a network of easy trails that introduce you to the surrounding Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Accommodating all types of walkers, discover the amazing scenery that exists a stone’s throw from Kuranda’s shopping experience.
Trail running the Goldfield Trail at Babinda Boulders
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.
An active traveller’s guide to Cairns
Boasting nature’s ultimate keep-fit playground, nutritious local produce for those post-workout gains, and plenty of idyllic spots for some all-important recovery time, Tropical North Queensland is an active traveller’s dream. Here are our top tips to exploring the region like a top athlete:
Adventure and discovery in Tropical North Queensland
Welcome to Tropical North Queensland, a destination that’s more famous than Indiana Jones when it comes to adventure and discovery.
12 other things to do when visiting the Cardwell Spa Pool
Whether you’re out to catch a barra, hike Australia’s largest island National Park or adventure your way through a scenic 4WD track, Cardwell is the perfect launch pad for an outdoorsy weekend with a friendly local twist.
Explore Hiking & Walking Trails
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eco certified
Barefoot Tours
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cairns northern beaches
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
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free
Kennedy Walking Track
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atherton tablelands
Lambs Head (Kahlpahlim Rock)
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adventure
Walshs Pyramid
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bird watching
Back Country Bliss Adventures
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atherton tablelands
Malanda Falls
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adventure
Mt. Bartle Frere
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atherton tablelands
Dinner Falls
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atherton tablelands
Mungalli Falls
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free
Wallicher Falls
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free
Behana Gorge
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free
Spring Creek Falls
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free
Kearneys Falls
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atherton tablelands
Windin Falls
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atherton tablelands
Tchupala Falls
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free
Flagstaff Hill
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atherton tablelands
Misty Mountains Wilderness Tracks
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geological wonders
Boodjamulla National Park (Aboriginal Land)
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hiking walking trails
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park
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camping
The Gamaay Dreaming Track
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atherton tablelands
Davies Creek National Park and Dinden National Park
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atherton tablelands
Emerald Creek, Dinden West Forest Reserve
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atherton tablelands
Hallorans Hill Conservation Park
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accessible
Josephine Falls walking track, Wooroonooran National Park
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cairns northern beaches
Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park
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cape york
Mount Cook National Park
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hiking walking trails
Undara Volcanic National Park
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free
Jumrum Creek walk, Jumrum Creek Conservation Park
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free
Barron Gorge National Park
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accessible
Din Din Barron Falls Lookout track, Barron Gorge National Park
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bird watching
Eubenangee Swamp National Park
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free
Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park
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daintree cape tribulation
Jungle Adventures Night Walks
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daintree cape tribulation
Mount Sorrow ridge trail, Daintree National Park (CYPAL)
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