Walking
Trail features
The Bartle Frere trail provides opportunities for fit, experienced and well-prepared bushwalkers to access the rugged wilderness of the Bellenden Ker Range, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
You will discover the unique vegetation and wildlife of the upland and lowland rainforests as you climb to the summit of Bartle Frere, Queensland's highest peak. On a clear day, enjoy stunning views stretching from the coast to the Atherton Tableland.
Natural, cultural and historical values make this walk special.
Read more about the nature, culture and history of Bartle Frere, Wooroonooran National Park.
Walking options
The Bartle Frere trail is not for everyone. Be aware that walkers have been lost for several days in this area, despite widespread searches. Walkers must be well-prepared and responsible for their own safety. See things to know before you go and staying safe for further information.
Although well marked, the trail is unformed and very steep. Walkers must be prepared for rock scrambling in places. Only experienced and extremely fit bushwalkers should attempt the trail. For your safety, walkers should always walk in groups and stay on the trail.
Walk times are approximate only. They are based on what an average walker would expect to travel in good conditions. You will need to adjust these times to suit your group's level of experience and fitness. Remember to allow plenty of extra time for rest, meal breaks and sightseeing.
When walking, always follow your movements on a map. Distance markers have been placed along the entire length of the trail at 1km intervals. These indicate the distance to the east or west trailheads for the walk. For example, '3W' means 3km to the west trailhead. This can help to accurately pinpoint your location and monitor your progress.
From the summit you can return to your starting point or continue to the other side. If you plan to walk from one end of the trail to the other, be sure to make private transport arrangements.
Walks from Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls to Broken Nose
Distance: 10km return
Time: allow 8hr
Josephine Falls to Big Rock camping area (2hr)
The walk from Josephine Falls car park to Big Rock camping area is relatively easy, with only a moderate climb (rising 400m over 3km; allow about 2hr).
Big Rock camping area to Broken Nose (2hr)
The trail to Broken Nose branches off the main Bartle Frere trail at Big Rock camping area. The climb from Big Rock camping area to Broken Nose is steep (rising 400m over 2km; allow about 2hr) and there is no water along the trail. Broken Nose offers excellent views of the coast and the Atherton Tableland. The trail returns to Josephine Falls along the same route.
Many campers choose to leave their overnight packs at Big Rock camping area and carry only day packs on the climb.
Josephine Falls to Bartle Frere summit
Distance: 15km return
Time: allow 2 days
Details: The trail starts at an altitude of 100m and rises to 1,611m at the summit; an average gradient of 1 in 5.
Josephine Falls to Big Rock camping area (2hr)
The walk from Josephine Falls car park to Big Rock camping area is relatively easy, with only a moderate climb (rising 400m over 3km; allow about 2hr). Many campers choose to leave their overnight packs at Big Rock camping area and carry only day packs to the Bartle Frere summit.
Big Rock camping area to Eastern Summit camping area (5hr)
This section is a steep climb (rising 1,000m over 4km; allow about 5hr). There is a camping pad at Eastern Summit camping area to reduce impacts on the environment. Do not leave equipment on the camping pad during the day as the pad may be used to land a helicopter in an emergency.
Those camping overnight will enjoy the beautiful sunset and sunrise, weather permitting.
Eastern Summit camping area to Bartle Frere summit (1hr)
The final ascent (rising 300m over 500m; allow about 1hr) to the broad summit of Bartle Frere requires scrambling over boulders and can be slippery when wet. For your safety, grip bars have been installed to help you through the boulder field. Enjoy fabulous views over the township of Innisfail and the coast to the east. To the west you will see the undulating landscape of the Atherton Tableland.
From the summit, walkers can either return to Josephine Falls or continue on to Junction camping area.
Josephine Falls to Junction camping area
Distance: 15km one way
Time: allow 10–12hr
Details: The trail from Josephine Falls to Bartle Frere summit is described above. The trail from the summit to the Atherton Tableland is described below under: Walks from Atherton Tableland.
Walks from the Atherton Tableland
Junction camping area to Bartle Frere summit
Distance: 15km return
Time: allow 2 days
Details: The trail starts at 700m altitude and rises to 1,611m at the summit; an average gradient of 1 in 8.
Junction camping area to North West Peak (5hr)
The trail starts at Junction camping area. A short distance from the start of the trail is a turn-off to the picturesque Bobbin Bobbin Falls. The trail to North West Peak is steep (rising 700m over 5km). This part of the trail has occasional rock scrambles and long sections of continuous uphill walking.
North West Peak to Western Summit camping area (2hr)
On a clear day, enjoy excellent views of Bellenden Ker and the Mulgrave River valley from an exposed outcrop of rocks 1km from North West Peak. The trail continues to Western Summit camping area. This camping area is in a very small clearing beside a creek. The site is suitable as a rest point before the climb to the summit, or as a camping area for an overnight stay.
Western Summit camping area to Bartle Frere summit (1hr)
From Western Summit camp it is 750m to the summit. The trail becomes a scramble over and through numerous granite boulders to the broad summit of Bartle Frere. This part of the climb can be very slippery when wet. Enjoy fabulous views over the township of Innisfail and the coast to the east. To the west, enjoy views of the undulating landscape of the Atherton Tableland.
From the summit, walkers can either return to Junction camping area or continue to Josephine Falls.
Junction camp to Josephine Falls
Distance: 15km one way
Time: allow 2 days
Details: The trail from Junction camping area to Bartle Frere summit is described above. The trail from the summit to Josephine Falls is described under: Walks from Josephine Falls.