About Goldsborough Valley
- 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
- Wooroonooran National Park map (PDF, 523K)*
- Goldsborough Valley map (PDF, 93K)*
From Cairns travel 23 kilometres south to Gordonvale and turn right onto the Gillies Highway. Continue along the highway for about six kilometres and turn left onto Downings Road at the signposted Goldsborough Valley turn-off. Cross Peets Bridge and continue for 16 kilometres to the Goldsborough Valley camping and day-use areas. The last five kilometres of this road is unsealed but well graded, although it can be slippery in wet conditions. It is suitable for conventional vehicles, but please drive with caution. Drive slowly and watch for wildlife and oncoming traffic. It is not recommended for caravans, buses or trailers.
From Atherton head through Yungaburra and down the Gillies Highway. Turn right onto Downings Road at the signposted turn-off to Goldsborough Valley, then follow the directions as above.
The road into Goldsborough Valley may be closed during the wet season (November to April) or after heavy rain.
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided.
Park features
Nestled below the rugged Bellenden Ker Range, Goldsborough Valley protects stunning lowland rainforest along the scenic Mulgrave River. The clear flowing water and deep pools of the Mulgrave River support a healthy freshwater ecosystem.
This area is the traditional country of the Malanbarra Yidinji Aboriginal people. The Malanbarra Yidinji people have an intimate knowledge of the rainforest and the seasonal availability of local bush foods. They have a strong and continuing connection to the area today. Read more about the traditional culture from a series of signs in the camping and day-use areas.
Many recreational opportunities are available at Goldsborough Valley. Learn more about Aboriginal culture on the Wajil walk (a short walk to the base of Kearneys Falls). Walk or mountain bike in the footsteps of early prospectors on the historic Goldfields trail. Enjoy canoeing in the picturesque Mulgrave River. Camp in the surrounds of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and enjoy the natural environment.
Read more about the nature, culture and history of Goldsborough Valley.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
A number of campsites are available alongside the Mulgrave River. Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
A limited number of permits can be booked in advance. Otherwise, camping permits can be obtained from the self-registration shelter at the start of the camping area. This is also where fees are to be deposited.
- Find out more about camping at Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park
- Book your campsite online
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
A range of accommodation is available in and around Cairns and also on the nearby Atherton Tableland. These include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, caravan parks and commercial camping areas. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Walking
- Wajil walk map (PDF, 74K)*
- Goldfield trail map (PDF, 109K)*
Wajil walk—1.7 kilometres return (1–1.5 hours) Grade: easy
The walk begins at the camping area and winds through lowland rainforest to the base of the scenic Kearneys Falls. The walk is mostly graded, with sections of stairs and a short boardwalk at the end with good views of the falls. Discover the unique culture and stories of the Malanbarra Yidinji Aboriginal people through interpretive signs along the walk.
Goldfield trail—19 kilometres one way (7–9 hours) Grade: moderate
Follow the footsteps of the gold prospectors on the historic Goldfield trail. The trail starts at the far end of the camping area and follows the Mulgrave River. Passing out of the valley the trail climbs to a saddle in the Bellenden Ker Range and then descends to follow Babinda Creek, finishing at the Boulders Scenic Reserve near Babinda. The trail is long and crosses moderately steep terrain. The section of trail between Goldsborough Valley and the East Mulgrave causeway (eight kilometres) is also used by mountain bikers. Walkers need to arrange for transport at the other end of the trail.
See the Goldfield trail web page for more information.
Picnic and day-use areas
The serene and shady day-use area on the bank of the Mulgrave River provides picnic tables, barbecues, wheelchair-accessible toilets and tap water. All water must be treated before drinking.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Mulgrave River. Fisheries regulations apply—information on bag and size limits, restricted species and seasonal closures is available from the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries. See fishing for more information about the rules relating to fishing in national parks.
Viewing wildlife
Many birds and butterflies may be seen in Goldsborough Valley. Buff-breasted paradise-kingfishers (Tanysiptera sylvia) migrate from New Guinea between October and April. Australian brush-turkeys (Alectura lathami) and orange-footed scrubfowls (Megapodius reinwardt) can be seen scraping the forest floor for leaf litter to build their large mound nests. Look for flashes of colour as butterflies, such as the Cairns birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion), flutter by.
At night listen for the distinctive call of the lesser sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa multipunctata)—a piercing descending whistle like a falling bomb. The 'toc' call of males of the tapping green-eyed frog (Litoria genimaculata) may also be heard in the night.
By the river you may see eastern water dragons (Physignathus lesueurii). These large, shy lizards can be seen sitting on tree limbs overhanging the river. When disturbed they will drop quickly into the water and disappear.
The river is home to numerous freshwater fish, such as rainbowfish (Melanotaenia spp.) and flyspecked hardyheads (Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum). Be aware that bullrouts (Notesthes robusta)—well-camouflaged freshwater stonefish with venomous spines—live in the river and can inflict a painful wound. Seek medical attention if stung.
See the description of Goldsborough Valley’s natural environment for more details about the area’s diverse wildlife.
Other things to do
Mountain biking
The Goldsborough Valley end of the Goldfield trail provides excellent mountain-bike riding opportunities. Mountain bikers do not require a permit to use the Goldfield trail but are asked to ride in small groups of up to 10 people. Mountain biking is restricted to an 8km section of the trail from the Goldsborough Valley camping area to the East Mulgrave causeway. Riding across the causeway, and on the 11 kilometres section of the trail between the causeway and the Babinda Boulders Scenic Reserve, is not allowed.
Mountain bikers are asked to follow these rules on the trail:
- help protect trail surfaces by waiting for the trail to dry out after rain before riding
- remain on the trail at all times
- always give way to other trail users—slow down when approaching or passing walkers.
For more information about mountain biking in natural areas contact Mountain Bike Australia.
River access
There are a number of access points to the Mulgrave River in both the camping and day-use areas. Be aware that the water is often fast flowing and the river banks and rocks can be slippery.
Canoeing conditions are best between March and May—at other times the water may be flowing too fast, or water levels may not be high enough to allow safe passage.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
- a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent
- drinking water
- sturdy, reliable footwear
- a first-aid kit
- rubbish bags.
Opening hours
Wooroonooran National Park is open 24 hours a day. The Goldsborough Valley section may be closed after heavy rain, particularly in the wet season (between November and April). Additional closures may occur for management purposes, including weed and feral animal control.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
A limited number of permits can be booked in advance. Otherwise, camping permits can be obtained from the self-registration shelter at the start of the camping area. This is also where fees are to be deposited.
- Book your campsite online
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Permits are required for commercial and organised activities, including large groups and educational groups. Please contact us for more information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Wooroonooran National Park.
Climate and weather
Goldsborough Valley has a tropical climate. During the wet season (November to April) it is mostly hot, wet and humid with temperatures often above 30 degrees Celsius. The dry season (May to September) is the best time to visit—daytime temperatures are cooler and conditions are generally drier.
For more information see the tourism information links below.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available from Cairns, Gordonvale and towns on the Atherton Tableland.
Staying safe
- For your safety, access to Kearneys Falls, including the rock pools at the bottom of the falls, is prohibited.
- Never jump or dive into the water.
- Take care when walking near the river—the river banks and rocks can be slippery.
- Be aware of rapidly rising water levels after heavy rainfall.
- Stay on the tracks and boardwalk and take care on slippery surfaces, especially in wet conditions.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Wear protective clothing and insect repellent to protect you from scratches, stings and bites.
- Treat all water before drinking, including tap water.
- Be aware that stinging trees are found alongside tracks. They grow to four metres high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves, stems and red fruits are covered with tiny silica hairs that inject toxins when touched, resulting in a painful sting that can persist for months. If you are stung, and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
- Bullrouts (freshwater stonefish) live in the river. Wear shoes when wading or swimming. If stung, seek medical attention.
- Take care around cassowaries. These large birds are potentially dangerous. Stay well away from any cassowaries sighted and never feed them. Be cass-o-wary (PDF, 432K)*.
- Detour around snakes—never provoke them.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
Help the Traditional Owners and rangers to preserve the natural and cultural values of the area. Please aim to leave no trace of your visit.
- Camp only in the designated camping areas.
- Use toilets provided.
- Wash at least 50 metres from all watercourses. Use gritty sand and a scourer instead of soap to clean dishes, and scatter washing water so that it filters through the soil before returning to the watercourse.
- Do not scare, chase or feed animals.
- Leave pets at home—domestic animals are not allowed in national parks.
- Use gas or wood barbecues and fire rings provided. Do not collect firewood within the park.
- Rubbish bins are not provided. Do not bury rubbish—take it with you when you leave.
- Everything in the park, living or dead is protected. Please leave everything as you found it.
See the guidelines on caring for parks and forests for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
Wooroonooran National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. All sections of the park are managed for the purposes of nature conservation and nature-based recreation.
Tourism information links
Cairns and Tropical North Visitor Information Centre
www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au
The Esplanade, Cairns Qld 4870
ph 07 4051 3588
fax 07 4051 7509
email info@ttnq.org.au
Babinda Information Centre
Munro Street, Babinda Qld 4861
ph 07 4067 1008
fax 07 4067 1118
email babindainfo@qld.chariot.net.au
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
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Last updated 7 June 2011