Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

Drive up into the often misty forests of the Lamb Range on the Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads. Photo credit: Mike Prociv © Queensland Government

Lake Tinaroo is the heart of Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: ‘Slow camping’ at Danbulla where families enjoy the ‘little things in life’

‘Because one day you will look back and realise they were big things’. Writer Kurt Vonnegut was so right. Time is fleeting and we wish we could ‘bonsai’ our kids, but before we know it, they’ve grown and flown. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Chasing volcanoes (and waterfalls) in the tropical north

They say ‘don’t go chasing waterfalls’ but we suggest you do, and volcanoes too! Photo credit: Steven Nowakowski © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Legendary fish, aquatic adrenaline and waterfront vistas—Danbulla offers all this and more!

Does the smell of sunscreen and insect spray evoke childhood memories of dangling a fishing line with Dad, bucket-washing the dishes with Mum and building a camp fire with your siblings? Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: Queensland National Parks’ best-loved camping areas

We are truly a nation of coast dwellers, so when it comes to camping holidays, where do we head? To the water, of course! Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads

Drive or pedal through the rugged Lamb Range beneath ever-changing forests, along lush valleys and over graceful mountain streams.

Journey type
Walk, cycle, 4WD, trail bike
Distance
43km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
Allow 2hr driving time and 3–6 hr cycling.
Grade
Unrated

Accessible by

  • 4WD
  • Bicycle

Journey facilities

  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Cycling
  • Trail bike riding

As you climb 450m into the range, you'll travel through a variety of shifting landscapes—from tall, open forests to wet sclerophyll and rainforest.

See if you can spot the giant fronds of the unique orania palm peeking out from the dark understorey, and grab a photo as you pass under the massive rose gums that tower over the road.

This mixed landscape supports nine species of dasyurids (carnivorous marsupials) and is a haven for near threatened and threatened wildlife.

The Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads, Danbulla National Park are part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of the record of life, evolutionary history and remarkable diversity.

Getting there and getting around

Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads are in Danbulla National Park, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hr) from Cairns.

  • The roads form a loop that starts and finishes on Danbulla Road. Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles.
  • Kauri Creek Road is 10.9km from the western entrance and 17.1km from the eastern entrance.
  • Mount Edith Road is 13.2km from the western entrance and 14.8km from the eastern entrance.
  • You will need a high-clearance vehicle to drive the Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads.

Refer to number 7 reference on Danbulla National Park and State Forest locality and road maps (PDF, 207.2KB) .

For more information see visiting safely—getting there and getting around.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads is open 24 hours a day.

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

Seasonal closures

The road network can be closed temporarily during the wet season between December and April.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see: