Visiting Blencoe Falls safely
Getting there and getting around
Blencoe Falls can be accessed from both inland and from the coast via unsealed roads that should only be attempted in dry conditions by 4WD vehicles only. Be aware that flooding may occur during the wetter months (December to April), particularly at Cashmere Crossing and Blencoe Creek bridge.
Access from the coast is via Kirrama Range Road. At Kennedy, 10km north of Cardwell, turn west and travel 6km to the base of Kirrama Range and a further 24km to Society Flat, Kirrama Range National Park. Continue another 44km to Blencoe Falls camping area. To access Herbert River Gorge lookout and Blencoe Falls lookout, continue 1.4km past the camping area to the signposted turn-off, then 5.2km to the parking area.
If travelling from inland, follow Gunnawarra Road (from its junction with the Kennedy Highway, 4km west of Mount Garnet) 55km then turn left onto Kirrama–Cashmere Road. Travel 45km along Kirrama-Cashmere Road to the signposted track to the Blencoe Falls and Herbert River Gorge lookouts. From here either turn and follow the track 5.2km to the lookout parking area, or continue another 1.4km to Blencoe Falls camping area.
Check park alerts and with the Department of Transport and Main Roads for local road conditions and river heights. The Bureau of Meteorology provides updated weather reports.
Wheelchair accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible tracks or facilities are provided at Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park.
Staying safe
Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park is remote and help can be hours away. Remember to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a contingency plan in place if you fail to contact them by the agreed time. If you change your plans, inform them. Be aware that mobile phone coverage is limited.
- Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on.
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Download the Triple Zero emergency app—it could save your life.
- Cattle may be encountered in the camping area. Never startle or approach these animals and ensure they have a clear path to get away.
- Never jump or dive into water.
- Take care around cliffs, steep slopes and rock faces along tracks and at lookouts.
- Supervise children closely.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Carry adequate drinking water. Drinking water is not provided.
- Estuarine crocodiles live in the Herbert River Gorge. Please remember to be crocwise in croc country.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park is remote and help can be hours away. Remember to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a contingency plan in place if you fail to contact them by the agreed time. If you change your plans, inform them. Be aware that mobile phone coverage is limited.
Essentials to bring
Blencoe Falls is a remote area and visitors must be self-sufficient. Remember to pack:
- a first-aid kit including a space blanket
- adequate clothing including wet-weather gear
- sturdy, reliable footwear
- a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- insect repellent
- adequate water-carrying containers
- adequate drinking water
- carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on.
- rubbish bags
- firewood (collecting firewood in Girringun National Park is prohibited).
Opening hours
Girringun National Park is open 24 hours a day. Some walks may be closed during the wetter months, between December and April. Additional closures may occur for management purposes including pest plant and pest animal control. See park alerts for up-to-date information.
Permits and fees
Camping permit
Camping permits are required and fees apply for camping in Girringun National Park. Your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
- Find out more about camping at Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park.
Other permits
Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Girringun National Park.
Climate and weather
High rainfall summers and drier winters characterise the North-East Queensland tropical savanna region. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. In July the average overnight minimum temperatures are between 9°C and 18°C. Temperatures may drop as low as 0°C and frosts can occur in elevated areas. Please carry suitable clothing to accommodate all extremes. July to October are generally the driest months, but heavy rain can fall at any time.
For more information see the tourism information links.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies to the west are available from local towns such as Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet. Other locations with supplies include Kennedy and Cardwell to the north-east and Ingham to the south-east.