Things to do

The viewing platform at the crater.

Photo credit: Tamara Vallance

A tier of Dinner Falls.

Photo credit: Tamara Vallance

Victoria's riflebird.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Camping is not permitted at Mount Hypipamee National Park.

Other accommodation

There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Atherton, Yungaburra, Malanda, Herberton and Ravenshoe. For more information, see the tourism information links.

Walking

There are two walking tracks in Mount Hypipamee National Park. These tracks can be walked independently or as a circuit.

Crater track (Grade: easy)

Distance: 800m return
Time: allow 30min walking time
Details: A sealed track through the rainforest leads to a viewing platform overlooking the crater. Return along the same track.

Dinner Falls circuit (Grade: moderate)

Distance: 1.2km return
Time: allow 45min walking time
Details: An alternative route back to the car park from the crater, this track leads to Dinner Falls, a series of cascades in the headwaters of the Barron River. The track surface is uneven with exposed rocks and roots and can be slippery when wet. Some sections are reasonably steep. This circuit can be walked in either direction.

Picnic and day-use areas

Picnic tables and toilets are provided. Rubbish bins are not provided and visitors need to be responsible for their own rubbish. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.

Viewing wildlife

The diverse vegetation supports a number of different animals and this park is a great place to see several species of possum and Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos. During the day most are sleeping in dens but occasionally green ringtail possums and Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos are seen dozing on branches.

Look for upland rainforest birds, including a number of Wet Tropics endemic species. These include Victoria's riflebird, bridled honeyeater and golden and tooth-billed bowerbirds.

Go spotlighting and see the possums that live in the park as well as fungi and invertebrates, some of which glow with an eerie bioluminescence. Spotlighting from the open space of the road allows you to view the canopy and gives the best chance of seeing animals. Listen for a rustle or a distinctive scent and look for the animal's eye shine. This reflected light from a nocturnal animal's eyes can be very bright and varies from red through yellow to white depending on species and sex.

• Read more about the natural history of Mount Hypipamee National Park.