Visiting Speewah safely
Speewah Conservation Park, an open rainforest-fringed grassy area, is adjacent to the Barron Gorge National Park.
Photo credit: Tourism Kuranda
Orientation information is provided at the trailhead.
Photo credit: Julie Swartz, Queensland Government
Walkers should be prepared with suitable shoes and clothing as well as drinking water and insect repellant.
Photo credit: Julie Swartz, Queensland Government
Douglas track crosses several small creeks.
Photo credit: Julie Swartz, Queensland Government
Walking tracks are well sign-posted.
Photo credit: Julie Swartz, Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
Maps
From Cairns, travel north along the Captain Cook Highway. Follow the Kuranda signs and turn left onto the Kennedy Highway, which winds up the coastal mountain range. Continue past the Kuranda turn-off for 6.5km and then turn left onto Speewah Road. Continue through the Speewah township and follow the signs for 5.2km along Speewah Road. Turn left onto the winding Stoney Creek Road and then left onto the steep Smiths Track road, which leads to the conservation park.
Smiths Track road, the entrance road into Speewah Conservation Park, is not suitable for towing caravans.
See the Department of Transport and Main Roads for information about road and travel conditions.
Wheelchair accessibility
The toilets and shower facilities at Speewah camping area are wheelchair accessible. Assistance may be required in grassy areas of the camping area.
Staying safe
Take some simple precautions to ensure a safe, enjoyable visit.
- Keep on the walking tracks and boardwalks at all times.
- Always carry water, wear hats, sunscreen and sturdy footwear.
- Wear protective clothing and insect repellent for protection against stings, scratches and insect bites, especially bites from ticks.
- Take care on uneven, slippery track surfaces, especially when wet.
- Be aware that stinging trees are found alongside many walking tracks. They grow to 4m high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Do not touch this plant as it may result in a very painful sting.
- Cassowaries are potentially dangerous. Avoid unnecessary risks and help protect cassowaries—be cass-o-wary.
- Stay clear of feral pigs—they can be dangerous if provoked.
Bushfires
Beware of bushfires. If there is a bushfire, follow the track to the nearest road or creek for refuge. Large logs, a ditch or burnt ground can also provide protection in some situations. Avoid areas of heavy fuel, such as deep leaf litter or thick vegetation, and stay low to the ground where the air is coolest and contains the least smoke. In high fire danger conditions, walking tracks and other areas may be closed. It is essential for your safety to follow the instructions on signs in these conditions. If you see a bushfire, please alert a ranger or the police as soon as possible.
For more information, please read the general guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit always bring:
- drinking water
- sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- insect repellent and suitable clothing to protect against insect bites
- sturdy reliable footwear
- rubbish bags
- first-aid kit
- campers should bring screened tents or mosquito nets for protection from insects at night.
Opening hours
Speewah Conservation Park is open 24hrs a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only. The Kuranda Visitor Information Centre is open 10.00am to 4.00pm every day, except Christmas Day.
Permits and fees
Camping permits
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
Other permits
Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Speewah Conservation Park.
Climate and weather
Speewah Conservation Park has a tropical climate. In summer, maximum temperatures range from 27°C to 33°C with high humidity, and between December and April, there are frequent heavy downpours of rain and the possibility of thunderstorms and tropical cyclones.
Although you can visit the park all year round, the cooler, drier months of the year (from May to September) are the best times to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm with reduced humidity and average maximum temperatures of 26°C.
For more information, see the tourism information links.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meterology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and limited supplies are available at Speewah township and in nearby Kuranda. For more information, see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.