About Misty Mountains

Walk features

The Misty Mountains wilderness tracks extend from the coastal plain to the tablelands. The area forms part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and is recognised for its diversity of rainforest types, plant species and outstanding landscape features.

Four long tracks—the Koolmoon Creek, Cannabullen Creek, Cardwell Range and Gorrell tracks—make up the Misty Mountains wilderness tracks. Some tracks are suitable only for bushwalkers, while others are shared tracks with mountain biking permitted. See things to do for more information.

Tracks are remote and can be indistinct with encroaching vegetation. See staying safe for more information.

Looking after the walk

• Everything in these national parks, living or dead, is protected. Please leave everything as you find it and do not disturb native wildlife.
• Leave your pets at home. Domestic animals are not permitted.
• Stay on marked trails and formed roads. Shortcutting damages vegetation and causes erosion, and may misdirect other walkers.
• Carry all of your rubbish out with you.
• Bury human waste and toilet paper at least 15cm deep and 100m from tracks, camp sites and waterways to guard against pollution and the spread of disease.
• Fires are prohibited—bring a fuel stove for cooking.
• Do not use soap or detergent in creeks.
• Avoid the spread of weeds—regularly check your clothing, shoes, bikes and other equipment for seeds and place in your rubbish.

Phytophthora

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a destructive disease blamed for causing ‘forest dieback’ by feeding on plant tissue and killing its host by interfering with its ability to take in and circulate water. It is spread easily by water and moist, infected soil that may be carried on vehicles, earth-moving equipment, camping equipment and footwear. To prevent its spread, visitors are asked to wash mud and dirt from all vehicles, clothes, footwear and tent pegs before and after visiting the Misty Mountains.

Frog chytrid fungus

This is a water-borne skin disease that is common in stream-dwelling frogs within the Wet Tropics. It is particularly virulent in the cooler, upland areas. To prevent its spread, please do not handle frogs or tadpoles or transport them from one area to another.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Walk management

The Misty Mountains wilderness tracks traverse sections of Tully Gorge, Tully Falls and Wooroonooran national parks. They also lie within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Declared in 1988, the World Heritage area stretches from Townsville in the south to Cooktown in the north, and contains some of the oldest continuously surviving rainforests in the world.

These tracks are part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network and were constructed under a unique partnership between the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the then shires of Eacham, Herberton, Cardwell and Johnstone, Traditional Owners, and volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia. Officially opened in August 2003, they were severely affected by Cyclone Larry in March 2006 and Cyclone Yasi in 2011. Disturbance to the forest will be evident for several years.

Tourism information links

Tully Visitor and Heritage Centre
Bruce Highway, Tully QLD 4854
ph: 07 4068 2288
email: tullytourism@ccrc.qld.gov.au

Ravenshoe Visitor Centre
www.trc.qld.gov.au
24 Moore Street, Ravenshoe QLD 4888
ph: 07 4089 2243
email: info@ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au

Atherton Information Centre
www.athertoninformationcentre.com.au
Corner Main Street and Silo Road, Atherton QLD 4883
ph: 07 4091 4222 or 07 4091 7394
email: athinfocentre@trc.qld.gov.au

Innisfail Information Centre
www.tropicalcoasttourism.com.au/innisfail
ANZAC Park, Bruce Highway, Innisfail QLD 4860
ph: 0428 228 962
email: innisfailtourism@ccrc.qld.gov.au

Malanda Falls Visitor Centre
www.trc.qld.gov.au/explore/visitor-centres
132 Malanda-Atherton Road, Malanda QLD 4885
ph (07) 4089 2583
email malandafallsvic@trc.qld.gov.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.