About
- Getting there and getting around
- Things to do
- Things to know before you go
- Staying safe
- Looking after the park
- Park management
- Tourism information links
- Further information
Getting there and getting around
The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is 115km (90mins drive) south of Cairns and 30km north-west of Innisfail. Turn off the Bruce Highway onto the Palmerston Highway and drive west for 27km.
From Atherton, the walkway is 73km (50mins drive). Take the Atherton-Malanda road to Malanda (20km), then take the Malanda-Millaa Millaa road to Millaa Millaa (23km) then continue east along the Palmerston Highway for another 30km.
Access is possible by conventional vehicle and parking is available for caravans and long vehicles.
Accessibility
The walkway offers a safe and comfortable nature-based experience for all visitors.
All facilities and walking tracks except the top viewing deck of the observation tower are accessible for wheelchairs with assistance. Alternative routes suitable for wheelchairs and strollers are provided along the Forest walk (indicated by directional signs).
All facilities and walking tracks are accessible for visitors with vision-impairment. Tap rails, hand rails, and tactile directional signs are provided along all tracks and walkways. Braille and large print guides are available from the ticket office.
Walkway features
The Mamu walkway allows visitors to explore the rainforest from the forest floor to the canopy, in comfort and safety. The walkway passes through one of the largest remaining continuous stands of complex vine forest on basalt soils in the Wet Tropics. Enjoy close-up views of rainforest plants, insects and birds, and take in sweeping vistas of World Heritage rainforest landscapes. Information signs tell of the rainforest's complex web of life and the rich culture and history of the area.
The walkway features:
- a 350m elevated walkway, rising from ground level to 15m high in the canopy of lush tropical rainforest
- a 10m cantilever and a 37m high observation tower with two viewing decks, providing spectacular views over the North Johnstone River gorge and surrounding rainforest-clad peaks of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
- more than 1100m of forest walking tracks, connecting the elevated walkway, cantilever and tower
- rest shelters presenting information about the history and heritage of Mamu rainforest.
Facts and statistics
- About 156 tonnes of hot dipped galvanized steel are in the elevated walkway.
- Almost 22,000 bolts are in the elevated walkway.
- About 563 cubic metres of concrete are in tower footings.
- More than 900,000 plastic 2-litre milk bottles are in the recycled plastic decking on walkways.
- Steel structures were pre-fabricated off-site in Innisfail and Cairns, pre-assembled on-site then erected with a self-erecting tower crane.
- More than 3.5m of rain fell during construction.
- The walkway is built to withstand cyclonic winds.
- The walkway cost $10 million and took 16 months to build.
- Read more about the nature, culture and history of the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway, Wooroonooran National Park.
Things to do
Walking
To see all the features of the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway requires a 2.5km return walk and takes at least one hour. Ninety minutes to two hours is recommended to allow for rest stops in the shelters and time to enjoy the scenery.
If you have limited time or are unable to walk the entire distance, you may choose to do only part of the walk.
Distances
Entrance to cantilever |
500m one way |
Entrance to start of the elevated walkway |
730m one way |
Entrance to observation tower |
1120m one way |
An electric buggy is available on request to help elderly visitors or visitors in wheelchairs.
Forest walk
The Forest walk serves as the access track to the cantilever, elevated walkway and observation tower and provides the opportunity to experience tropical rainforest at ground-level. Alternative routes suitable for wheelchairs and strollers are provided along the Forest walk (indicated by directional signs). This track is suitable for visitors with vision-impairment with tap rails forming a continuous "shoreline" on the left hand side of the track. Seats are provided along the way.
Cantilever
To the left, just past the first rest shelter, a 40m long elevated walkway rises gently as the ground below drops away steeply, providing visitors with their first chance to experience the rainforest canopy. The viewing platform at the end of the 10m long cantilever offers magnificent views of the river gorge below. Return the way you came to rejoin the Forest walk which continues on to the elevated walkway.
Elevated walkway
From the second rest shelter, the elevated walkway meanders for 350m through the rainforest canopy. Along the way visitors can view rainforest plants and animals at close quarters and gain tantalising glimpses of the river valley far below. Two small shelters positioned at regular intervals along the walkway provide shade. From these shelters there is the option to leave the elevated walkway and return to the ground-level Forest walk. A third ground-level rest shelter is located at the base of the walkway leaving from the second canopy-level shelter.
Observation tower
Access to the observation tower is from the fourth ground-level rest shelter at the end of the Forest walk (past the elevated walkway). From here a short elevated walkway leads to the tower's lower viewing deck. The top of the tower is reached by stairway (not wheelchair accessible) and at 37m above ground-level offers spectacular, uninterrupted vistas of World Heritage landscapes.
Picnic and day-use areas
- Picnic tables are provided near the entrance.
- Nearby Gooligans and Henrietta Creek day-use areas have picnic facilities and are accessed from the Palmerston Highway.
Things to know before you go
Facilities
- Toilets are located near the entrance; there are no toilet facilities along the walkways and tracks.
- Drinking water for refilling personal water bottles is available near the toilets and ticket office only.
- No retail items are for sale except a biodegradable poncho-style plastic raincoat.
- There are no restaurant or cafe facilities on site however a privately-owned food van offers a range of snacks and drinks.
- Mobile phone reception is unreliable.
Essentials to bring
- Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear sensible walking shoes, sunhats and sunscreen.
- Drink/water bottles - drinking water is available on site.
- Cameras and binoculars are recommended.
Opening hours
- The walkway is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.
- Mamu is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
- In the interest of public safety the walkway will close during severe weather conditions. Please check park alerts or contact Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway to confirm closures.
- Group bookings out-of-hours are by pre-arrangement only and are subject to an additional fee. For details contact the Manager Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway.
- Children are welcomed but must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times to ensure their rainforest experience is safe and enjoyable.
Admission fees
The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is managed and operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Admission fees apply:
- Adult: $20
- Child: $10 (4-14 years, children under four are free)
- Family: $50 (two adults, two children)
- Concession: $16
- 20% discount applies for local residents (proof of residence in Cairns, Tablelands or Cassowary Coast regional council areas required).
School programs
Schools and other education groups are welcome. For prices and further information, see Schools Information.
To download and photocopy the students' Mamu Explorer Guide before your visit, see Explorer Guide.
Pets
Please leave your pets at home; domestic animals are not permitted in Wooroonooran National Park.
Climate and weather
The best time to visit tropical north Queensland is during the cooler part of the year - from April to October. Please note that high daytime temperatures and humidity are possible at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. August to September is generally the driest period, but heavy rain can fall at any time - this area averages more than 4m of rain each year! Carry clothing suitable for all weather. Wet or dry, Mamu offers a delightful rainforest experience. Biodegradable plastic ponchos can be purchased on site for a small fee. In the interest of public safety the walkway will close during severe weather conditions. Please check park alerts or contact Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway to confirm closures.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available from local towns including Millaa Millaa, Malanda, Innisfail and Cairns.
Staying safe
- Be aware of your response to heights. If you feel unwell, take the nearest exit walkway to a rest area on the ground-level Forest walk.
- On elevated sections do not climb on or lean over the handrails and take care of your belongings. If you drop an item over the side, do not attempt to find it. Provide details to staff.
- Supervise children closely at all times. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Stay on tracks and walkways at all times and take care on uneven surfaces, especially in wet conditions.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable, non-slip footwear.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. High temperatures and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion - rest often in the shade and drink plenty of water.
- Do not handle, damage, collect or taste plants or fruits. Many rainforest fruits are toxic and some plants, such as stinging trees and lawyer cane, are painful to touch.
- Avoid stinging trees. These plants are found along the tracks at rainforest edges. They grow to four metres high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Do not touch these plants as it will almost certainly result in a very painful sting. If you are stung, and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
- Avoid lawyer cane (wait-a-while). Long tendrils of this climbing palm hang down along track edges. They have hooked barbs that catch on, and tear, clothing or skin.
- Do not disturb, approach, attempt to touch or feed native animals. Wild animals can be dangerous.
- Show consideration for other visitors. Keep to the left as you walk along the track and walkways. Be aware of visitors who are vision-impaired or in wheelchairs.
Be Cass-O-Wary
Cassowaries are occasionally seen around Mamu. They are potentially dangerous - avoid unnecessary risks and help protect these endangered animals by following these guidelines in cassowary country.
- 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.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
- Remember, this is a national park - all plants and animals are protected.
- Do not drop rubbish on the ground. Place rubbish in the bins provided or take it home with you. Bins are provided at the entrance only.
- Smoking is allowed only in the carpark - it is prohibited in all other areas of Mamu. Dispose of cigarette butts appropriately.
- Stay on tracks and walkways at all times. This reduces the risks of injury, prevents disturbance to native plants and animals and reduces erosion.
- Domestic animals are prohibited - they can disturb and harm wildlife and be a nuisance to other park visitors.
- Keep noise to a minimum to allow others to enjoy a nature-based experience.
See the guidelines on caring for parks and forests for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is managed and operated by the EPA. An Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Ma:Mu Aboriginal people, Traditional Owners of the area, underpins the project.
Wooroonooran National Park is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA). Proclaimed in 1988, the WTWHA extends for about 450km between Cooktown and Townsville. Consisting of nearly 900,000ha, vegetation is primarily tropical rainforest, but also includes open eucalypt forest, wetlands and mangrove forests. The WTWHA meets all four natural criteria for World Heritage listing. These criteria recognise the area's exceptional natural beauty and the importance of its biological diversity and evolutionary history, including providing habitat for numerous threatened species. The WTWHA also has cultural significance for Aboriginal people who have traditional links with the area and its surrounds.
For more information visit Wet Tropics Management Authority's website.
Tourism information links
- The Gateway Discovery Centre
- www.tropicalaustralia.com.au
- 51 The Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870
- ph (07) 4051 3588
- fax (07) 4051 7509
- email info@tropicalaustralia.com.au
- Malanda Falls Visitors Centre
- Atherton Road, Malanda QLD 4885
- ph (07) 4096 6957
- email malandafalls@bigpond.com
- Innisfail Visitor Information Centre
- www.innisfailtourism.com.au
- Bruce Highway, Mourilyan QLD 4858
- ph (07) 4063 2655
- email innisfailinfocentre@znet.net.au
- Canecutter Way Visitor Information Centre
- 1 Eslick Street (Cnr Bruce Highway), Innisfail QLD 4860
- ph (07) 4061 4361
- fax (07) 4061 4391
- email info@canecutterway.com.au
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
- Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway
- Palmerston Highway, Innisfail QLD 4860
- PO Box 2066, Cairns QLD 4870
- ph (07) 4064 5294
- fax (07) 4064 5293
- email mamu.rainforestcanopywalkway@epa.qld.gov.au
- Open 9.30am-5.30pm daily, except Christmas Day and during hazardous weather conditions. Last entry 4.30pm
- EPA Cairns Information Centre
- 5B Sheridan Street
- PO Box 2066, Cairns QLD 4870
- ph (07) 4046 6600
- fax (07) 4046 6751
- email cic@epa.qld.gov.au
- EPA Customer Service Centre
- 160 Ann Street, Brisbane
- PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
- ph 1300 130 372
- fax (07) 3227 8749
- email csc@epa.qld.gov.au
- Open 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday, except public holidays and Christmas to New Year
Last updated: 10 June 2009