Palmerston (Doongan), Wooroonooran National Park Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: Paul Curtis © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Wallicher Falls.

    Wallicher Falls.

    Photo credit: © Nicole Nash, Queensland Government

    Tchapala Falls.

    Tchapala Falls.

    Photo credit: © Nicole Nash, Queensland Government

    Male Cairns birdwing.

    Male Cairns birdwing.

    Photo credit: © WTMA

    Mamu Tropical Skywalk

    Mamu Tropical Skywalk.

    Photo credit: © Queensland Government

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    There are two camping areas; Henrietta Creek camping area and South Johnstone camping area.

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. Your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Other accommodation

    A range of holiday accommodation is available in and around Innisfail, the Atherton Tableland and Cairns. For more information, see the tourism information links.

    Walking

    There are a variety of walks at Palmerston (Doongan), Wooroonooran National Park. For more information see Journeys.

    Maps

    Swimming

    There are pleasant swimming holes at South Johnstone camping area, Gooligans day-use area and Henrietta Creek camping area.

    Driving

    To the south of the Palmerston Highway, a 36km scenic drive winds through picturesque rainforest from the Palmerston Highway, via the K-tree, Maple Creek and Sutties Gap roads, to the Ravenshoe–Millaa Millaa scenic drive (Old Palmerston Highway) about 12.5km east of Ravenshoe.

    Sutties Gap, K-tree, Maple Creek, Bora Ground and Maalan roads are all unsealed—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.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Henrietta Creek camping area has picnic tables, free gas barbecues and toilet facilities. Toilets are wheelchair accessible.

    Gooligans picnic area, 1km down the Palmerston Highway from Henrietta Creek camping area, has picnic tables and toilets.

    South Johnstone camping area, 12.8km along K-tree Road, has picnic tables and toilets. It is on the banks of the South Johnstone River, near a pleasant swimming hole.

    Bicycling

    Unless otherwise indicated, bicycles are only allowed on gazetted roads—they are not generally permitted on Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service walking tracks. Expect to share the roads with pedestrians, vehicles, trail-bikes and other cyclists.

    Some of the nearby Misty Mountains wilderness tracks are shared tracks with mountain biking permitted.

    Viewing wildlife

    The dense rainforest, with over 500 tree species, attracts a diverse range of animals and provides many opportunities for viewing them in their natural environment. Bright butterflies are commonly encountered. Observant visitors may see a platypus swimming in the creek or a musky rat-kangaroo hopping through the forest.

    See the description of the park’s natural environment for more details about the area’s wildlife.

    Other things to do

    Mamu Tropical Skywalk

    This elevated walkway and tower, 1km east of Crawfords lookout, has sweeping views of the North Johnstone River gorge and surrounding rainforest-clad mountains. It allows visitors to get close to plants and animals, from the forest floor to the canopy. Information signs explain the complex web of rainforest life and the rich cultural history of the area which has great significance for the Mamu Aboriginal people.

    Lookout

    Stop at Crawfords lookout to admire the view through a gap in the forest down to the North Johnstone River far below.