Cairns isn’t just about the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Venture away from the small city to find beautiful walks and hikes through the jungle. From mountain peaks to secret waterfalls, here are some of the best hikes around Cairns.
Walsh’s Pyramid
This mountain is the highest natural pyramid in the world. If I had to describe this hike in one word it would probably be – Hell. Do what we DIDN’T do and leave REAL EARLY in the morning. Unfortunately due to work, my friends and I started at around 3pm, when it was around 40 degrees, and the sun sets at 6pm. The elevation goes to 922m and is not for the feint hearted. It took us two hours up, and two hours down (since we were in the dark). I can’t even tell you the view was worth it because when we got to the very top, we were SURROUNDED by cloud. (However from looking at pics on Instagram, the view does look pretty incredible). The sense of triumph was worth though, as well as the stories we got to tell after (including hiking back down in the dark, having a police officer waiting for us, and a scary encounter with a very large and aggressive snake). Would I do this hike again? Most definitely.
How to get there: The pyramid is a 30min drive south of Cairns, turn right onto Moss Access Rd. Drive along a cane field for 200m and the car park will be on your left (follow the arrows). NOTE: Google Maps will tell you to turn right onto Behana Gorge Rd unless you search for “Walsh’s Pyramid Parking and Walking Track” – this will give you the right directions.
The Arrows
These ones are close to town and easily accessible by bus, just get off at the Botanic Gardens stop! Simply follow the coloured arrows for the trail you want. The Red Arrow trail is the shorter one that goes up Mt Whitfield. It’s only 1.5km but takes one hour return as it goes up a steep hill/over 250 steps. The view is mainly of the airport, but you can see the rainforest below you and the Coral Sea beyond it.
The Blue Arrow trail takes 3.5 hours and is 6km, which includes the Red Arrow trail in it. Less people do this trail; it isn’t paved and it takes you through dense vegetation, you’ll forget how close you are to the city! We also spotted many wallabies and a huge lizard which was pretty cool.
There is also the Green Arrow trail (3km one way) which we chose not to do as we would’ve had to come back the same way or walk back through the suburbs. Instead we chose to continue on the Blue Arrow loop. Since we’ve left the Yellow Arrow trail (1.9km one way) has been added, and a soon to be White Arrow trail.
How to get there: The start of the trail is just past the Botanic Gardens, follow the signs!
Behana Gorge
This 6km return track is paved and fairly easy, but there are a couple steep hills for a bit of a challenge. The best part of this trail is what awaits you at the end. An amazing waterfall swimming hole that is mainly frequented by only a few locals.
How to get there: Behana is 30min south of Cairns. Follow the highway and turn right on Behana Gorge Rd (past The Pyramid). Drive through cane fields to the very end of this road for the car park, and walk past the yellow gate. If you’re walking on a paved path that follows along the water pipe, you’re going the right way!
Nandroya Falls
Holy guacamole was this the best waterfall I saw during my 5 months in Cairns. Another great swimming spot that is a total secret, we had the whole place to ourselves. The whole loop takes about 2 hours (6km), but you can choose to go there and back along the shorter (30 min) trail.
How to get there: Nandroya is a 1hr 30mins drive south of Cairns. There is a lack of signs, so turn right when you see Henrietta Creek campground. Drive all the way to the left end of the campground for the car park for the falls. From here there are signs for the trail, which is a loop. At the fork you can choose to go to the left (1.5km – 30min) or to the right (3.5km -1.5 hrs), both are relatively easy. We decided to walk the whole loop, starting with the longer trail.
Looking for more information on Behana Gorge and Nandroya Falls? Read my post about the best swimming holes around Cairns!
Barron Gorge National Park
There are multiple tracks through the park of various lengths and difficulty levels. The main attraction here is the mighty and impressive Barron Falls. Unfortunately I visited Barron Falls in the dry season when it was barely a trickle. (You should probably Google “Barron Falls” to see how intense it gets during the wet season).
How to get there: Drive 40min north of Cairns towards the tourist town of Kuranda. For the falls, from Kuranda it’s 3.5km along Barron Falls Rd, just follow the signs to the car park.
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