Hiking in Queensland is one of the best ways to discover some of Australia’s best nature and wildlife. Far North Queensland is particularly renowned for its rainforest walks, which lead you through heritage-listed rainforest to some of the most incredible views of waterfalls, coastline and rivers.
Looking for the best rainforest walks and hikes in Queensland? Read on for six hiking areas you shouldn’t miss.
Mossman Gorge is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ destinations in the Daintree National Park. It’s renowned for its giant granite boulders, which are covered in moss and rise out of the crystalline waters of Mossman River. The Mossman Gorge
Rainforest Circuit Track is great for all fitness levels and includes the boulders, waterfall views and birdwatching.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more elevated view, take the Rex Creek Bridge track. This suspension bridge hangs high above Rex Creek, where you can sometimes spot turtles and fish in the rockpools. You should also keep an eye out for the rare forest dragons and beautiful cassowaries.
Cape Tribulation is within a 1.5-hour drive from the Daintree Ecolodge. It’s still one of the most rewarding day trips from the lodge, taking into account that it’s where the rainforest meets the sea. To access Cape Tribulation Lookout, known for its swoon-worthy vista of the surrounding environment, walk along the Kulki Boardwalk which captures panoramic views over Cape Tribulation Beach, the Coral Sea and Mount Sorrow.
The walk is about 600 metres return and takes around 10 minutes. If you’ve still got some energy, add on the walking trail to Cape Tribulation Beach and Myall Beach, which are perfect for a picnic.
Barron Gorge National Park is filled with a network of historic Aboriginal walking tracks. These were used by the indigenous Djabugandgi Bama people for gathering food, trading and visiting sacred sites. These trails now offer visitors a variety of ways to explore Barron Gorge.
One of the best introductions to Barron Gorge is the Barron Falls Lookout Track. Located in the upper section of the national park, it’s an elevated walkway that reveals lush rainforest, open eucalypt canopy and forest wildlife. It also has signs along the way that teach you more about the rainforest and its inhabitants. The highlight is finally reaching Barron Falls and watching the 125-metre-high cascade tumble into the forested gorge.
The Madja Boardwalk is a relaxed and easy stroll perfect for any fitness level. The sturdy boardwalk leads you through dense lowland rainforest, which soon turns into mangrove-lined creek habitat. As you walk along the boardwalk, keep an eye out for fish and eels swimming in the creek. You might also see crabs and other crustaceans living on the muddy banks during low tide.
The path is lined with placards highlighting the various plants along the way. Take your time and really immerse yourself in the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest around Noah Creek. It typically takes 45 minutes to complete the 1.2-kilometre-long circuit. While you’re in the area, check out the nearby Noah Beach and Noah Creek Bridge. The latter has some of the best views over the creek.
Found just outside of the Cape Tribulation township, the Mt Sorrow Ridge Walk is a rewarding yet difficult hike. It’s recommended for experienced trekkers only, as it has a steep and strenuous climb up to the ridge behind Cape Tribulation. The final section of the trail is particularly challenging. You’ll often need to use tree roots and rock handholds to pull yourself up.
Once you reach the ridge, you can relax at the viewing platform. Stay a while and admire the incredible views across a carpet of rainforest canopy out to the golden sand and blue ocean. On a clear day you can easily see Cape Tribulation Beach and Snapper Island. The return hike takes about six hours and includes almost 680 metres of ascent
The Cow Bay Creek Walk begins at the airstrip in Cow Bay. It’s about seven kilometres to complete the walk, but the terrain offers easy walking the entire way. Notable highlights along the way include the Diwan Community Centre in Tea Tree Road and the ice-cream factory. The latter is surrounded by fruit orchards, which provide the ingredients for seasonal homemade ice cream flavours.
Don’t forget to go for a swim at Hutchinson Creek on your way back to the airstrip. There’s also incredibly pristine rainforest to admire, which is home to an array of native wildlife. Various species of bird and butterfly are spotted here, including southern cassowaries and Ulysses butterflies.
These amazing rainforest hikes in Queensland can all be accessed from the luxurious oasis at Daintree Ecolodge. Book your next Queensland holiday at Daintree Ecolodge to discover magnificent nature and one-of-a-kind adventure while enjoying gourmet dining, treetop accommodation and pampering spa treatments.
