Visiting Mount Hypipamee safely

Avoid stinging trees.

Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government

Southern cassowary at Mount Hypipamee.

Photo credit: Michael Overland, Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Tablelands parks and forests (south) map (PDF, 201.4KB)

Mount Hypipamee National Park is on the Kennedy Highway, 25km south of Atherton. Atherton is 96km from Cairns via the Kennedy Highway and 80km via the Gillies Highway. The park can also be reached from Malanda (15km) via Upper Barron Road.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities or tracks although the track to the viewing platform is sealed.

Staying safe

• Remain on the walking tracks at all times and stay behind the fence at the viewing platform. Supervise children closely.
• Avoid stinging trees. These plants grow to 4 m high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Do not touch these plants as it will result in a very painful sting. If you are stung and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.

Be cass-o-wary

Cassowaries, which are occasionally seen in Mount Hypipamee National Park, are potentially dangerous. Avoid unnecessary risks and help protect cassowaries by following these guidelines:

• never approach cassowaries
• never approach chicks—male cassowaries will defend them
• never feed cassowaries—it is illegal and dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths
• always discard food scraps in closed bins
• always slow down when driving in cassowary territory
• never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road
• keep dogs behind fences or on a leash; dogs are not permitted in national parks.

For more information, read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

To enjoy your time at Mount Hypipamee National Park remember to bring:

• spotlights or torches
• warm clothing for cool nights.

Opening hours

Mount Hypipamee National Park is open 24 hours a day.

Permits and fees

Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. View permits and fees for further information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Mount Hypipamee National Park.

Climate and weather

Mount Hypipamee is almost 1000m above sea level so temperatures and humidity are lower than at the coast. Maximum summer temperatures are around 29°C while winter temperatures can fall below 10°C at night. For more information, see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Ravenshoe, Herberton and Atherton. For more information, see the tourism information links.