Mount Bartle Frere is the highest mountain in Queensland at an elevation of 1,622 metres. The mountain was named after Sir Henry Bartle Frere, a British colonial administrator and then president of the Royal Geographical Society by George Elphinstone Dalrymple in 1873. Bartle Frere was British Governor of Cape Colony at the outset of the Zulu Wars.

The Aboriginal name is Chooreechillum. Noongyanbudda Ngadjon are the Traditional Owners of this area. It is located 70 km south of Cairns in the Wooroonooran National Park next to the town of Babinda on the edge of the Atherton Tablelands. Mount Bartle Frere is in the wilderness of the Bellenden Ker Range and the watershed of Russell River.

The foothill to the summit is entirely covered by rainforest, ranging from typical tropical rainforest in the lowlands to low "cloud forest" at the cooler summit, where temperatures can be from below zero degrees Celsius in winter to a balmy 30 degrees Celsius with 90 percent humidity during the day in summer (the nights can still be quite cool in summer).

View of Mt Bartle Frere amongst the clouds from Gentle Annie

The first European to scale the mountain was Christie Palmerston in 1886. Its immediate neighbour Mount Bellenden Ker is the second highest mountain in Queensland at 1,611 metres.

On 21st April, 1942 an American Air Corp B-25 Mitchell medium range bomber, from the Bomb Squadron crashed on the mountain with the loss of all seven crew members. This particular aircraft had only recently returned from the famous Royce Raid against Japanese forces in the Philippines.

The summit of Mt Bartle Frere, when it is not covered in cloud, offers the chance to view both the coastal lowlands and the Atherton Tablelands. The climb can be quite steep in places with rock scrambling being required. Sudden weather changes have been known to occur in the area.
The ascent to the summit can be quite treacherous and many tourists have become lost while climbing the mountain. The main reasons for this are the unpredictable weather, poor preparation and occasionally obscure track markers. Nonetheless, an experienced climber should have no problem summiting after an early start from the Josephine Falls car park.

Mt Bartle Frere with its 'Broken Nose' on the front

The total distance from Josephine Falls is 15 km return and would normally take between 10-12 hours. The vertical elevation gained is around 1500 metres. This area of Queensland records several metres of rain every year, so it is not unusual for the peak to be covered in cloud. The best time to climb Bartle Frere is during winter when the weather is cooler and lower likelihood of rain.

There are orange markers every kilometre along the trail although several of these are difficult to spot. An easier alternative is to approach from a small camp site at the western side. It is reachable by car via Topaz Road and Gourka Road. From this starting point (at an altitude of 700 m), it's relatively easy to complete the climb and descent in a day. It is a favourite with local bushwalking clubs and is best attempted in the dry winter months, from June to October. Walking during the wet season (December to April) brings with it the risks of torrential tropical downpours, poor visibility and leeches.

Rhododendron lochiae can be found on both Mount Bartle Frere & Mount Bellenden Ker

Rock slips occur occasionally. There is a shorter 10 km return trail to 'Broken Nose', a spur feature on the southern side from Josephine Falls. Although there is a large map at the Joesephene Falls car park, there are no other maps or ranger station before the climb. You would need to purchase a map prior to attempting the walk. Despite the treacherous climb, reaching the top offers an amazing view of the surrounding area.

Although no rain gauge exists on the mountain, data at nearby Mount Bellenden Ker suggest an annual average rainfall of around 10,000 mm. The highest recorded annual rainfall for the summit was 11,850mm in 1999. Both of which would make the mountain one of the wettest places in the world.

Wooroonooran National Park

17°08?47?S 145°47?36?E 17.14639°S 145.79333°E
Area: 798 km²
Altitude from 80m to 1622m above sea level,
Wooroonooran is a National Park in Queensland (Australia), 1367 km northwest of Brisbane, between Innisfail and Cairns and a short drive from Millaa Millaa..

Pademelon

The park is one of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area series of national parks, and is a gazetted World Heritage site. Declared in 1988, the World Heritage area stretches from Townsville in the south to Cooktown in the north, and contains some of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world. The national park includes Queensland's two highest mountains, Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker. Walshs Pyramid, 922m, is located just south of Gordonvale and is one of the highest free-standing natural pyramids in the world.

Waterfalls in the Park:
The Josephine Falls visitor area was developed and opened to the public in the 1970s. The water in Josephine Creek originates from the slopes of Bartle Frere and flows into the Russell River. A 600 meter walking track leads through rainforest to recently constructed platforms which allow safe views of the falls. Thirty kilometers west of the Bruce Highway along the Palmerston Highway, tracks lead to Tchupala Falls and Wallicher Falls. The Tchupala Falls track is approximately 600 meters. and the track to Wallicher Falls is approximately 800 meters. Both falls are part of Henrietta Creek.

Nandroya Falls may be accessed from a walking track originating at Henrietta Creek Campground. The walk is 2.2km by the shortest route. At Nandroya Falls, the Douglas Creek drops in a narrow, uninterrupted, 50 meter fall from basalt rocks. Silver Creek Falls is also visible from the track.

Jospehine Falls

The flora is primarily tropical rainforest which changes in species and density the higher the altitude. The flora is quiet diverse and includes habitats for numerous threatened species.
Please visit our Flora and Fauna page for more information on the types of plants and animals you may encounter in the Wooroonooran National Park.

Camping permits are required. For more details please contact EPA - Wooroonooran National Park. Josephine Falls, ph (07) 4067 6304.

Bellenden-Ker Range

This mountain is Queensland's second highest peak, topped only by its neighbour, Mount Bartle Frere. There is a variety of wildlife and vegetation ranging from tropical rain forests to scrub-covered peaks.

It is 65 km along the coast northeast from Nerada to Gordonvale, just south of Cairns. Its boundaries are the Mulgrave River (east), the Innisfail Downs (south), and the Atherton Tablelands (west). Named after the Scottish Botanist John Bellenden-Ker it culminates at Mt. Bartle Frere, 1,622m. In 1921 the area was made a national park, which encompasses 325 sq km.

Remember to wear and travel with adequate clothing since the extreme temperatures are 30°C - 40°C in Summer, down to 4°C with a much colder wind-chill during the winter on top of the mountain. There are many little creeks to cross too. This national park holds so much in store for the nature lover. Natural attractions nearby include Josephine Falls, about 20 minutes' drive south of Bellenden Ker.

Goldfield Trail, Wooroonooran National Park

Both ends of the Goldfield trail can be reached by conventional vehicle. The Goldfield trail allows visitors to experience some of the beauty and diversity of Wooroonooran National Park. The trail travels through a lush tropical rainforest with plenty of creek crossings. The north-west part of the trail follows the banks of the East Mulgrave River along an old logging track, through trees and sections of high grass.

Scrub Turkey

From The Boulders Scenic Reserve near Babinda, the Goldfield trail follows Babinda Creek upstream. After 1km, the trail enters the Wooroonooran National Park and leaves the creek edge but continues along flat ground. The ground is quite rough, care should be taken, especially after wet weather.

Some of the birds you may encounter here are sulphur-crested cockatoos, scrub wrens, thornbills and brush-turkeys.

When you reach the top you come upon the saddle between the peaks of the Bellenden Ker Range. Here you will find the Kearney Falls as you approach the Goldsborough Valley campground.

Facilities: Picnic tables, shelter sheds, gas barbecues and toilets
Fishing is permitted on the Mulgrave River. Regulations apply. The Goldfield trail may be closed during the wet season, from December to April. Camping and fishing permits are required.
For more information please contact: EPA Wooroonooran National Park - Josephine Falls, Bartle Frere Road, Bartle Frere, ph (07) 4067 6304

Palmerston Section of the Wooroonooran National Park

25km east of Millaa Millaa, Wooroonooran is a bushwalking haven for keen, experienced, fit walkers. The Mt Bartle Frere trail leads to the summit from Josephine Falls or the Atherton Tablelands. Both routes are 7·5km, steep and very challenging.

This section of National Park is named after the pioneer bushman, Christie Palmerston. It is located on the Frances Range along the Palmerston Highway, between Innisfail and Millaa Millaa
On the North side of the highway you will find the Johnstone Gorge with the North Johnstone River, on the south side of the highway you will see the South Johnstone River

There are over 11 kilometres of walking tracks, several picnic areas, camping is allowed at Henrietta Creek. In this area you will find Crawford's Lookout, Tchupala Falls, Wallicher Falls, Nandroya Falls, Goolagan's picnic area lowland and upland rainforest, wild rivers, plenty of flora and if your quiet lots of wildlife too.

Crawfords Lookout

More than 500 rainforest trees occur here, including black bean, milky pine, water gum and red tulip oak. Much wildlife lives in this part of the park, including the tiny musky rat-kangaroo, double-eyed fig-parrot and chowchilla. Look for platypus and freshwater turtles in Henrietta Creek. Go bird watching during the day or spotlight for possums at night. There is white water rafting on the North Johnstone River. Permits apply.

Possum drying off after Cyclone Larry 2006

Tent and caravan sites are at Henrietta Creek, toilets, a shelter shed and picnic tables are provided. Boil the creek water for five minutes before drinking. The toilets in the camping area are wheelchair-accessible.
For more information contact: EPA Innisfail, Flying Fish Point Road
ph (07) 4061 5900.

Mount Father Clancy

"Grandfather Clancy" is a mountain 1086m above sea level within the State Forest near Millaa Millaa, 8.51km away, it is clearly visible from the "Gentle Annie" lookout on McHugh Road just out of town. The nearest road to Mount Father Clancy is an unnamed and unsealed road. The nearest sealed road is the Palmerston Highway (2.83km away).

View of Mount Father Clancy from Gentle Annie

Recent sightings of the Sharp-snouted dayfrog (Taudactylus acutirostris) (Endangered) have reminded us of how special Mount Father Clancy is. Described as a small frog with narrow wedge shaped snout with a dark V or W on its back. Ranging in size from 18mm - 31mm whilst difficult to spot , they are a pretty frog.

The locals at Millaa Millaa keep a watchful eye on "Clancy", when the weather comes in around the mountain they know it's time to bring the washing in.

MISTY MOUNTAINS TRAILS

This 130km walking network offers a variety of rainforest walks from shorter half day and day walks to longer treks requiring overnight camping. Several of the Misty Mountain walking tracks follow the routes traditionally used by the Ma:Mu and Jirrbal Traditional Owners. Stunning waterfalls, spectacular rainforest and crystal clear creeks are just the beginning. Misty Mountains is Australia's first network of long distance walking trails in a high altitude rainforest environment.

Highlights of Misty Mountains include stunning views of Elizabeth Grant Falls and Cannabullen Falls, short walks to secluded fresh water creeks and extended walks through some of North Queensland's most pristine rainforest.

Cannabullen Falls

The Cannabullen Falls Track can be walked in a day or as a part of a longer walk along the Cardwell Range. Once you reach the turnoff to Cannabullen falls lookout, the access track heads south-east, gently descending the basaltic plateau to the eastern edge of the gorge where the sheer drop at Cannabullen Falls is about 70m. There are spectacular views from the top of the falls. There are camping and toilet facilities at Hinson Campsite.

The Cannabullen Falls Track is accessible from Millaa Millaa.
Please note: some parts of the Misty Mountains Trails may be closed during the wet season due to flooding rivers and closed access roads.

Contact the Wet Tropics Management Authority for all required permits.

Elizabeth Grant Falls Lookout (Misty Mountains Trails)

Elizabeth Grant Falls Lookout is a relatively easy half to full day walk from Cochable Creek Causeway. Mostly undulating, the walk climbs about 160m to the lookout which offers scenic views of Elizabeth Grant Falls cascading over 300m into Koolmoon Creek below. Keep an eye out for magnificent strangler figs with canopies up to 50 m in diameter. Cochable Creek offers camping and toilet facilities, you will need to obtain a permit if you wish to camp overnight. Facilities: picnic tables camping, toilets, car park and water.

For more information please contact: EPA Wooroonooran National Park - Josephine Falls, Bartle Frere Road, Bartle Frere, ph (07) 4067 6304

Mount Fisher Walk

This is a comfortable half day walk which has a large number of tree kangaroos in resident as well as spectacular scenery and imposing tree fern Cyathea Celebica which occurs only in rainforests at higher altitudes. Here you will find the most elevated volcano in northern Australia. The beginning of the walk is opposite the site where the world famous Ernst Kjellberg (a Swedish chiropractor) held his clinic offering another tourist opportunity to view the impressive terraces built at "Beachview" at this time. Film footage of this historic period in Millaa Millaa's past is available at the State Archives in Townsville.

Before visiting our wonderful rainforests, walks, waterfalls and camping facilities please visit the following links:
safety in parks and forests.
caring for parks

For more information on any of the walks or camp sites please contact the following:

The Wet Tropics Management Authority:
EPA Wooroonooran National Park - Josephine Falls, Bartle Frere Road, Bartle Frere,
ph (07) 4067 6304
EPA Innisfail, Flying Fish Point Road ph (07) 4061 5900.