Bowling Green Bay National Park Townsville

Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park. Photo credit: Phill Copp © Queensland Government

Bowling Green Bay National Park—a stunning a mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops. Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

Alligator Falls trail, Mount Elliot

Wade across creeks, venture through eucalypt woodlands and scramble over boulders in the rainforest for a view of Alligator Falls.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
17km return from the Alligator Creek day-use area trail head return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 5-6hr walking time.
Grade
Grade 5 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Important information. This  rugged, difficult trail should only be undertaken by prepared, fit and experienced hikers and should never be attempted during or after heavy rain or if heavy rain is forecast. Rain in the upper catchment can cause rapid rises in water (flash flooding), making creek crossings dangerous. Hikers can also become stranded between crossings.

Follow the Alligator Falls trail through the different environments of Mount Elliot. Venture through eucalypt woodlands, wade across creek crossings (there is three of them!), ascend a series of steps then scramble over boulders in the rainforest to arrive beside the creek at the base of the cascading falls. There is no access to or above the falls. Do not climb the cliff face, or dive or jump into the water. Serious injuries have occurred.

Savour the creek crossings on the way to falls! With overhanging bottlebrush trees, damselflies skimming the water and butterflies fluttering above the surface, the creek crossings are a perfect place to rest and catch your breath.

Make sure to begin this hike with enough time to return the same way before dark—unless to plan to stay the night at Alligator Falls camping area. Remember, a pre-booked camping permit is required.

Getting there and getting around

The Alligator Falls trail is in the Mount Elliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park about 25km south of Townsville.

  • From the day-use area follow the Alligator Creek lookout track. Just before the lookout is the track junction to the Cockatoo Creek and Alligator Falls walking trail.
  • Follow the Cockatoo Creek trail then cross the creek to the Cockatoo Creek camping area.
  • From Cockatoo Creek camping area, the Alligator Falls trail crosses the creek 3 times and follows the same path as a management access road which is quite exposed and can be very hot. Follow the trail for 6.4km one way to Alligator Falls camping area.
  • From Alligator Falls camping area follow the marked trail a further 400m, scrambling over boulders, to arrive beside the creek at the base of Alligator Falls. Return the same way. There is no access to or above the falls.
  • Refer to Cockatoo Creek and Alligator Falls walking trails map (PDF, 917.1KB) . Please take note of all safety advice.

Wheelchair access

There is no wheelchair access to the Alligator Falls trail.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Alligator Falls trail is open 24 hours a day.

Seasonal closures

Access to the Alligator Falls trail may be closed at times due to localised flooding, extreme weather conditions and park management activities.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Bowling Green Bay safely and Walk with care.