Explore the top rainforest walks and hikes in Cairns and the nearby Wet Tropics area.
Cairns is the starting point for exploring the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which includes places like the Daintree Rainforest and Wooroonooran National Park. These protected areas are full of unique plants and animals.
Cairns has many hiking options, from short walks to spots like Glacier Rock to longer, overnight hikes, including climbing Queensland’s highest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere. It’s one of the best places in Australia for tropical hikes.
Here are some amazing hiking trails around Cairns.
Hikes & Trails Around Cairns
Here are some amazing hiking trails in Far North Queensland. They’re easy to reach from Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Atherton Tablelands if you have your own vehicle. However, getting there without a car can be tricky since public transport is limited, especially to the more remote rainforest areas.
White Rock Lookout
Hike Distance: 5 km (round trip on the same path)
Time: ~2 hours (for the round trip)
Elevation: 315 m uphill
White Rock Height: ~510 m above sea level
Difficulty: Medium
The White Rock hike is a return trail that takes you to White Rock Lookout, one of the best viewpoints close to Cairns city.
White Rock Lookout is found on the Lamb Range, near Mount Sheridan. The trail is part of Dinden National Park, next to the Lake Morris Reserve in the hills above Cairns.
Starting Point GPS Coordinates: -16.97026,145.71117
Be sure not to confuse this trail with the White Rock suburb near Cairns. The hike actually starts higher up, near the top of Lake Morris Road, which is steep and winding.
From the lookout, you get wide views stretching from Cairns to Walsh’s Pyramid and the Gillies Range.
The Arrow Tracks
Hike Distance: 8.5 km (loop)
Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Elevation: 465 m
Lumley Hill Lookout: 315 m above sea level
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Cairns Arrow Tracks are a well-known group of walking paths near Cairns. Each trail is marked with colored arrows—red, blue, yellow, and green.
These tracks are popular because they are easy to get to and close to Cairns city center. Starting from the Cairns Botanical Gardens, you can choose from several paths in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
Walsh’s Pyramid
Hike Distance: ~6.2 km (round trip)
Time: 3.5 to 5 hours (round trip)
Elevation: About 900 m
Walsh’s Pyramid: 922 m above sea level
Difficulty: Moderate
Walsh’s Pyramid is a famous hike near Cairns. It’s known for being the tallest freestanding natural pyramid in the world. Hikers who reach the top enjoy amazing views of Cairns and the Innisfail Coast.
Starting Point GPS Coordinates: -17.10709, 145.7928
The pyramid is around 922 meters high, but hikers usually begin their climb near sea level, so they’ll climb about 900 meters. The hike is relatively direct because of its pyramid shape.
Mount William Track
Distance: ~13 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation: 1220 meters
Summit Elevation: ~1000 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Hard
The Mt William hike is a quiet trail that starts from Smiths Track near Stoney Creek, just north of Cairns. It’s easy to get to, but the hike is tough with steep sections, dense vegetation, and lots of leeches!
Starting Point GPS Coordinates: -37.28681,142.5943
At the top of Mount William, you’ll see the wreckage of a plane crash from 1986, which sadly took the lives of eight people. The hike doesn’t have great views, but if you’re looking for a challenging trek with changing plant life as you climb, this hike could be worth it.
Glacier Rock Lookout
Distance: ~5.9 km round trip
Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Elevation: ~395 meters
Glacier Rock Lookout: ~450 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Easy
The Glacier Rock hike is a moderate trail that takes you out and back, with stunning views of the coast from Cairns to the Northern Beaches. It’s a great hike if you’re near Cairns or Kuranda and want a rewarding outdoor adventure.
Starting Point GPS Coordinates: -16.87555,145.66691
At the Glacier Rock lookout, you’ll see amazing views of the coast, including the Northern Beaches, Cairns city center, the Barron River, Earl Hill, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, and the distant Lamb Range mountains.
Crystal Cascades And Fairy Falls
Distance: Under 1 km
Time: About 15 minutes
Elevation: Minimal, just a slight uphill to the falls
Difficulty: Very Easy
Crystal Cascades is a quick and easy walk to see two beautiful waterfalls: the main Crystal Cascades waterfall and the more hidden Fairy Falls.
You can get to both waterfalls from the same starting point, just a short drive from Cairns. Each waterfall is reached by a separate trail, with both walks taking about 15 minutes.
Fitzroy Island Lookout Track (Summit)
Walking Distance: 3 km round trip from Welcome Bay
Time Needed: 1 to 1.5 hours for the round trip
Elevation: 269 meters uphill
Difficulty Level: Medium
Fitzroy Island is one of the nearest islands to Cairns and is great for trail hiking. Ferries to Fitzroy leave often from the Cairns Reef Fleet terminal and take about 45 minutes.
Whether you want to take a quick walk to Nudey Beach or hike to the island’s peak, Fitzroy Island has you covered.
The hike to Fitzroy Island’s summit is a loop that you can extend with a visit to the island’s lighthouse, located at the back of the island.
The trail starts near the beach by the ferry terminal and climbs steeply on a mostly paved path. The views from the top are amazing and make the hike one of the best in Cairns!
Babinda Boulders and Devil’s Pool
Distance: 1.3 km round trip (Devils Pool track)
Time: 20 minutes for the round trip
Terrain: Mostly flat
Difficulty: Easy
Babinda Boulders is a well-known freshwater swimming spot close to the town of Babinda.
The water is clear and great for a swim, especially on hot days in tropical Cairns. There’s also a short and easy walk called the “Devils Pool Track” that takes you along the river to see the beautiful granite boulders.
The trail is mostly flat, and you’ll find a few viewing spots where you can watch the river flowing through the smooth granite rocks.
Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit
The Millaa Millaa WaterfallCircuit is a group of three beautiful waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, near Cairns.
Don’t worry, it’s not a long hiking trail. Instead, you drive or take a bus along Theresa Creek Road in Millaa Millaa and walk a short distance to each waterfall.
For visitors coming from Cairns who love hiking and waterfalls, this spot is a must-see. While the walks are easy and not very long, the scenery is some of the best in Far North Queensland.
There’s no need for hiking details since the walks are short from the car parks to the waterfalls. Millaa Millaa Falls is even easier—you can drive right up to it.
Stoney Creek Falls
Hike Distance: 4 km (round trip)
Time: 40 minutes (round trip)
Height Change: 100 meters
Difficulty: Easy to walk
Stoney Creek is a popular place for freshwater swimming, just 20 minutes by car from Cairns city. There is a parking area with a swimming spot right next to it.
If you want to walk a bit further for a better waterfall, you can take the easy trail to Old Weir Falls. The track starts from the footbridge and follows a wide dirt path.
This walk is easy and not too long, with only a small uphill section. It’s perfect for people looking for an easy bushwalk with a refreshing swim at the end.
Behana Gorge Track and Clamshell Falls
Distance: 6.6 km
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Elevation: 220 m (gentle ups and downs)
Difficulty: Easy
Behana Gorge walking track is located in Wooroonooran National Park, about 35 minutes south of Cairns. The mostly paved path follows a water pipe alongside the beautiful cascades of Behana Gorge.
After an easy walk, you’ll arrive at Clamshell Falls, a stunning waterfall that’s great for swimming. For those seeking adventure, you can also try canyoneering here for an exciting experience.
Saddle Mountain Summit Hike
Hike Distance: 10.5 km round trip
Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 670 meters
Saddle Mountain Summit: 640 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Hard, with steep and muddy paths
Saddle Mountain is a hiking trail located between Kuranda and Smithfield, starting from the Northern Beaches. The hike begins by crossing the Smithfield mountain bike tracks before joining the unmarked Saddle Mountain walking path.
This Cairns hike is challenging and steep, but the views from the top are amazing, marked by the large weather radar at the summit. The trail is narrow and easy to overlook at first, so be sure to follow the track below if you’re planning to try this tough but rewarding hike.
Starting GPS Coordinates: -16.81515,145.68581
Josephine Falls Track
Walk Distance: 1.4 km round trip
Time: 25 minutes round trip
Elevation: None
Difficulty: Super Easy
Even though it’s a bit of a drive from Cairns, Josephine Falls is one of the most famous waterfall swimming spots in Far North Queensland.
The walking track to the falls shares a parking area with the Mount Bartle Frere trail, and it’s an easy, scenic walk through the rainforest to reach the clear, turquoise pools.
If you’re taking a road trip from Cairns, visiting Josephine Falls is a must!
Hiking In Cairns FAQs
Best Hike Near Cairns CBD?
Many of the best hiking trails are far from the city center. But there are some good ones close by, like the White Rock Hike, the Arrow Tracks, Crystal Cascades, and Fairy Falls.
Best Time To Go Hiking In Cairns?
Cairns can be hot and rainy during the Wet Season. It’s best to plan your hiking trips in the Dry Season, from June to October.
