Visiting Dalrymple Gap safely
Getting there and getting around
The Dalrymple Gap walking track can be accessed by conventional vehicle from both the northern and southern sides of the Cardwell Range.
Northern access
Turn west off the Bruce Highway at the Dalrymple Gap walking track sign, 13km south of Cardwell near Damper Creek crossing. From here it is 1km on an unsealed road to the car park.
Southern access
The southern end of the track can be accessed via two routes from Ingham.
Travel 9km west of Ingham to Trebonne, along Abergowrie Road. Continue on this road for another 18km before turning right into Elphinstone Pocket Road. After 4km turn left at the sign for Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest.
Alternatively, travel 2km north of Ingham and turn left off the Bruce Highway at Hawkins Creek Road (just north of the Herbert River). Travel 26km along Hawkins Creek Road. Turn right at the sign for Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest.
These routes converge just outside the state forest boundary. Travel for 1km before turning right where signposted for the Dalrymple Gap walking track. The carpark is a further 4km. The last 5km of road is unsealed, but can be accessed using a conventional vehicle.
Logging trucks use the access roads to Broadwater and the southern end of the Dalrymple Gap walking track. To reduce the risk of collision, a 3km section of the road between the Dalrymple Gap walking track and Broadwater has been designated for one-way traffic (east to west) only. Please use caution when travelling in this area and obey all signs. Sudden flooding during the wet season (December to April), or during or after times of heavy rain, can close access roads and the walking track. Contact the RACQ to enquire about local road conditions. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Dalrymple Gap walking track is not wheelchair accessible.
Staying safe
Walkers must be responsible for their own safety. Consider your ability and the track conditions carefully before setting out.
- Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. There is no mobile phone coverage.
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Download the Triple Zero emergency app—it could save your life.
- This track is for fit and experienced walkers only.
- Carry adequate drinking water.
- Dalrymple Creek floods after heavy rain. Never attempt to cross flooded creeks.
- Take care crossing riverbeds—the rocks can be slippery.
- Sunlight can fade quickly in a rainforest. Start early enough to complete the walk before dusk.
- Avoid stinging trees. These plants are found at rainforest edges and alongside the tracks. They grow to 4m high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Do not touch these plants as it will almost certainly result in a very painful sting. If stung, and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
- Leeches are common along the track. Wear protective clothing and insect repellent for protection against stings, scratches and insect bites.
- Cassowaries live in some areas. Never approach or feed these animals and remember to Be CassoWARY.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Detour around snakes. Never provoke them.
- Inform someone of your itinerary including starting and finishing times.
- Stay on the walking track at all times.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
No facilities are provided along the Dalrymple Gap walking track. Walkers must be completely self-sufficient. Remember to pack:
- a first-aid kit
- drinking water
- a sealable container for rubbish
- a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- a trowel to bury all toilet waste
- Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. There is no mobile phone coverage.
Opening hours
The Dalrymple Gap walking track, Girringun National Park is generally accessible from May to October. During the wet season (December to April) the road into the park may be inaccessible. Contact the RACQ to enquire about local road conditions.
For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.
Permits and fees
No permits or fees apply to day visitors. Permits are required for commercial activities or organised activities. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Girringun National Park.
Climate and weather
Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. Please carry suitable clothing to accommodate all extremes. July to October is generally the driest period and the best time to visit, but heavy rain can fall at any time. During times of heavy rainfall, especially in the wet season (December to April), access may become difficult to impossible. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Ingham and Cardwell. For more information see the tourism information links below.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.