Things to do
View from Cannabullen Falls.
Photo credit: Barry Schmith © Queensland Government
Walking and mountain biking
Some of the Misty Mountains wilderness tracks are suitable only for bushwalkers, while others are shared tracks with mountain biking permitted. Each track can be undertaken partially (by going to a point of interest and return), in its entirety (one way or return), or as part of a longer journey (linking two or more tracks together).
Navigation skills required
Tracks are remote and can be indistinct in places—all visitors must be experienced and carry maps and navigation equipment. See staying safe for more information.
Encroaching vegetation
Stinging trees, lawyer vine, guinea grass and giant bramble can encroach on tracks where the canopy has been disturbed—appropriate protective clothing should be worn. See staying safe for more information.
Map: Misty Mountains wilderness tracks map
Track notes
- Koolmoon Creek track (orange track)
- Cannabullen Creek track (blue track)
- Cardwell Range track (red track)
- Gorrell track (yellow track)
Not permitted| Track | Track notes | Distance | Grade | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cannabullen Creek track Cochable Creek camping area to Hinson Creek trailhead | This track follows the steep ridges above Cannabullen and Cochable creeks, with several stream crossings and views to the scenic Whispey Falls. | 13.6km one way |
| Walkers: 2 days one way (approx 8hr per day) |
| Track | Track notes | Distance | Grade | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cardwell Range track Cardwell Range trailhead to Hinson Creek trailhead | This track follows the rolling slopes of the Cardwell Range. You will pass through rainforest typical of the uplands of the eastern tablelands and along the fringes of the Wet Tropics. | 19km one way (Cardwell Range track 16.9km, Cannabullen Creek track 2.1km) | Intermediate to difficult—see map | Walkers: 2 days one way (approx 8hr per day) Mountain bikers: 6–8hr one way |
Majors Mountain From Cardwell Range trailhead | Follow Cardwell Range track for 2.1km to the turn-off to Majors Mountain lookout where a 900m walkers-only track leads to panoramic views from Majors Mountain. | 6km return from Cardwell Range trailhead |
| Walkers: 3hr return |
Cannabullen Falls From Hinson Creek trailhead | Follow Cannabullen Creek track for 2.1km before joining Cardwell Range track. Follow the main track 2.5km to the turn-off to Cannabullen Falls where a 2.2km track leads you to the top of Cannabullen Falls—stay clear of the cliff edge. | 13.6km return (Cannabullen Creek track 2.1km, Cardwell Range track 4.7km to the viewing point, and return) | Intermediate to difficult—see map . Mountain bikes are not permitted all the way to the falls due to an extremely steep section; the final 300m must be walked. | Walkers: 8hr return Mountain bikers: 3–4hr return |
| Track | Track notes | Distance | Grade | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gorrell track Gorrell trailhead (eastern) to Gorrell trailhead (western) | The Gorrell (storm bird) track takes you through the Downey Creek catchment. The Downey Creek area has been used by the Australian army to test the durability of military equipment in tropical conditions. King ferns, bunya pines, epiphytes and giant strangler figs are features of the forest in this area. | 25.7km one way | Intermediate to difficult—see map | Walkers: 2.5 days one way (approx 8hr per day) Mountain bikers: 5–10hr one way |
McNamee Creek From Gorrell trailhead (eastern) | Venture into the rainforest and visit McNamee Creek near a tranquil waterhole with cascades over rock faces and clear pools. | 7.2km return from Gorrell trailhead (eastern) | Walkers: 4hr return Mountain bikers: 1–2hr return | |
Downey Creek camping area From Gorrell trailhead (western) | Leave civilisation behind as you venture down the western end of the Gorrell track to the remote Downey Creek camping area. | 21.8km return from Gorrell trailhead (western) | Walkers: 10hr return Mountain bikers: 4–5hr return |
Driving
Map: Misty Mountains wilderness tracks map
The Misty Mountains road network
Take a scenic drive through picturesque rainforest between the Palmerston Highway (near Henrietta Creek camping area) and the Ravenshoe–Millaa Millaa scenic drive (Old Palmerston Highway). This drive is made up of a number of unsealed roads: Sutties Gap, Maple Creek, K-tree, Bora Ground and Maalan roads. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for Sutties Gap, Maple Creek, Bora Ground and Maalan roads. All roads are unsuitable for caravans, motor homes or buses.
Roads may be slippery when wet. Gates at the entrance to these roads may be locked to stop access during times of extremely wet weather or for road works—check for park alerts.
Vehicles are not permitted off-road or on internal roads and tracks that are closed for management purposes. Drivers must be licensed and vehicles must be road-registered. For more information, see four-wheel drive with care.
These roads are shared with walkers and mountain bikers—be courteous and careful.
- Temporary partial track closure: Koolmoon Creek track, Misty Mountains wilderness tracks 19 August 2020 to 30 April 2022