Joanna James
Home of the famed Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a coastal city in Far North Queensland that boasts some exhilarating hikes packed with unforgettable views. Here is a list of incredible hiking trails to explore around Cairns.
If you're looking for a relatively easy yet spectacular scenic hike, then head to the Arrow trails in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park. Located just a few minutes away from central Cairns, the Arrow trails are 4 walking trails categorised by colours, ranging between 1.5-6km in length and differing in their scenery. The Red and Blue Arrow trails are the longest, while the Yellow and Green Arrow tracks are shorter.
Earl Hill is another effortless hike located close to Trinity Beach, a Northern Beaches suburb. If your hotel accommodation in Cairns is in the heart of the city, the Earl Hill summit track is located only 20-25 minutes away. After your 2-3km walk, enjoy a glorious view of the beach and converging blues of the sea and sky at the height of 200m. The track leads down to Half Moon Bay or the southern end of Trinity Beach.
Interested in a slightly challenging yet mildly elementary hike? Then head to Stoney Creek to begin your 6km Glacier Rock trek via the Douglas Track. It is located only 25 minutes away from hotels and resorts the likes of Oaks Cairns Hotel in central Cairns. Traverse through a rainforest, cross the Kuranda Scenic Railway line and delight in captivating views of Cairns and Barron River at the summit, among others.
Head 25-30 minutes south of Cairns to discover Walsh's Pyramid, as the name suggests, a pyramid-shaped peak. Standing at 922m, Walsh's Pyramid features a 6km-trail replete with steep inclines and rocky pathways. The summit affords dazzling views of Cairns, sugarcane farmlands and the verdant rainforests of the Bellenden Ker Range.
If you've still got some energy after hiking Walsh's Pyramid, consider venturing just a tad south to discover the 6.6km Behana Gorge walking track. Located within the Wooroonooran National Park, Behana Gorge is a seemingly endless waterway beginning its cascade from Mount Bellenden Ker. End your hike with a much needed, relaxing soak in the serene waters of Clamshell Falls.
Experience a Cairns sunrise amid peaceful lush green surroundings at Queensland's tallest peak. Standing at 1622m, Mount Bartle Frere features two hiking trails, the Eastern and Western trailheads. Hiking experience is required as the trails traverse through thick rainforest, boulder fields and slippery creeks. Consider hiking the Eastern track, which begins at Josephine Falls. Soak in the sweeping views and consider camping overnight.
Kahlpahlim Rock is a lone rock towering at over 1200m above an endless sea of tropical rainforest. The trek consists of two strenuous trails that converge just before the summit: the Ridge trail and the Kahlpahlim Rock trail. Consider hiking this as a loop and end your challenging trek at Davies Creek. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Morris and Cairns at the top.
Another physically demanding trail ideal for experienced hikers is Devil's Thumb (Manjal Jimalji). This 10.6km trail near Mossman Gorge takes you through thick rainforest and steep and slippery terrains. The highlight is the granite thumb-like boulder standing at over 1200m and affording spectacular views of the Daintree rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Cape Grafton and Port Douglas.
Fancy a hike with nothing but the majestic blue ocean around you? Then head to Fitzroy Island. The island, located 45-minutes away from Cairns via ferry, is a unique hiking experience, the summit affording unparalleled views of Cairns' coastline, surrounding rainforests and sublime peaks. The double-trail trek, best done as a loop, features a historic lighthouse on the way.
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