About Speewah CP
- Getting there and getting around
- Park features
- Camping and accommodation
- 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
From Cairns, travel north along the Captain Cook Highway. Follow the Kuranda signs and turn onto the Kennedy Highway, which winds up the coastal mountain range. Continue past the Kuranda turn-off for 6.5 km. Turn left onto Speewah Road and follow the signs for 5.2 km. A steep, winding road leads through Speewah township to the conservation park. Some sections of this road may be in poor condition during the wet season (December to April).
Speewah Road is not suitable for towing caravans.
Wheelchair accessibility
The toilets and shower facilities at Speewah campground are wheelchair accessible. Assistance may be required in grassy areas of the campground.
Park features
Speewah Conservation Park, covering an area of 15.2 ha, was gazetted as a conservation park on 17 December 2004, following a donation of land to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) by local residents Ron and Pam Elgar. It is adjacent to Barron Gorge National Park.
Smooth, green-trunked cadagi trees (Corymbia torelliana) and tall kauri pines (Agathis robusta) provide a scenic setting and the surrounding rainforest provides a tranquil backdrop for the campground and day-use area.
Speewah campground is a convenient base for exploring the walking track network in nearby Barron Gorge National Park.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
- Speewah campground map (PDF, 504K)*
Speewah is the nearest campground to Barron Gorge National Park and has three campervan sites and a communal tent area. Facilities include two gas barbecues and a wheelchair-accessible amenities block with a cold shower and toilets.
All camp sites in Speewah Conservation Park require a camping permit and fees apply.
- Find out more about camping at Speewah campground.
- Complete a camping permit and lodge fees at the on-site self-registration shelter.
Other accommodation
Accommodation is available nearby in and around Kuranda, Mareeba and Cairns. For more information see the tourism information links.
Things to do
Barbecue and day-use area, Speewah Conservation Park. Photo: DERM.
Relax and enjoy this area of easily-accessible rainforest—have a picnic or barbecue, go for a short walk or do some birdwatching.
Walking
A range of walking opportunities is available from Speewah Conservation Park from short circuit walks to one-day hikes in Barron Gorge National Park.
Djina-Wu (Get ready to walk) track—765 m (30 mins) one way Grade: easy
This track links Speewah campground to the historic Douglas and Smiths tracks of Barron Gorge National Park. It is an easy walk through spectacular rainforest with several creek crossings, boardwalks and a high bridge over a major gully. When you reach the Douglas and Smiths tracks junction retrace your steps to return to the Speewah campground.
See Barron Gorge National Park for more information on the walking tracks accessible from Speewah Conservation Park.
Picnic and day-use area
Speewah Conservation Park has barbecue facilities near the campground and platform tables near the creek. There is also a wheelchair-accessible amenities block with a cold shower and toilets.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
- Pack a first-aid kit, water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Bring suitable clothing, including sturdy shoes, hat and raincoat. Temperatures in the area are around 33 °C in summer. Winter nights can be a little cool.
- Bring rubbish bags, and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave.
- Campers should bring screened tents or mosquito nets for protection from insects at night.
Opening hours
Speewah Conservation Park is open 24 hours every day.
Permits and fees
All camp sites in Speewah Conservation Park require a camping permit and fees apply. On arrival you will need to complete a camping permit and lodge fees at the self-registration shelter on site. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
Permits are required for all commercial activities or group functions within the park.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Speewah Conservation Park.
Climate and weather
This region has a tropical climate, with generally hot and humid summers, and milder drier winters. Most rainfall occurs between December and April. Monsoonal conditions bring the possibility of thunderstorms and tropical cyclones.
Summer temperatures are around 33 °C, while winter averages a more pleasant 26 °C, but nights can be cool. The cooler, dry months of the year (from May to September) are the best times to visit.
For more information see the tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and limited supplies are available at Speewah township and in nearby Kuranda. For more information see the tourism information links.
Staying safe
Take some simple precautions to ensure a safe, enjoyable visit.
- When walking, always carry water, wear a hat and sturdy footwear, and try to walk in the cooler part of the day.
- Wear protective clothing and insect repellent for protection against stings, scratches and insect bites, especially bites from ticks.
- 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.
- Take care around cassowaries. These large birds are potentially dangerous. Stay well away from any cassowaries and never feed them. Be Cass-o-wary.
- Stay clear of feral pigs—they can be dangerous if provoked.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
- Leave all pets at home. Domestic animals are not permitted in this conservation park.
- Do not bury rubbish—take it with you when you leave.
- Do not remove plant material, living or dead.
- Do not feed wildlife or leave food or scraps around the campground or day-use area.
- Open fires are not allowed. Gas barbecue facilities are provided.
See caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
Speewah Conservation Park is managed by QPWS to conserve its natural and cultural values, while providing nature-based recreational opportunities for visitors.
Tourism information links
Kuranda Visitor Information Centre
www.kuranda.org
Centenary Park, Coondoo St, Kuranda Qld 4881
ph (07) 4093 9311
email info@kuranda.org
Cairns and Tropical North Visitor Information Centre
www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au
51 The Esplanade, Cairns Qld 4870
ph (07) 4051 3588
email info@tnq.org.au
For information on current road conditions contact:
RACQ (The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland)
www.racq.com.au
ph 1300 130 595 for 24-hour road reports
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 28 October 2011