About Palmerston
- 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)*
The Palmerston Highway runs through this section of Wooroonooran National Park. The northern side of the highway is well-developed for visitors, with easy access to Henrietta Creek camping area, Gooligans picnic area, Crawfords Lookout and trail heads. The southern side of the highway is part of the Misty Mountains, an area featuring a wilderness walking track network.
- From Cairns, travel south along the Bruce Highway towards Innisfail. Five km north of Innisfail (83 km south of Cairns) turn right on to the Palmerston Highway. The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is 27 km from the turn-off and Henrietta Creek camping area is a further 5 km up the highway.
- From the Atherton and Evelyn tablelands, join the Palmerston Highway at Millaa Millaa. The first site you will reach is the Henrietta Creek camping area, about 25 km from Millaa Millaa.
For access to Misty Mountains wilderness walking tracks, turn south off the Palmerston Highway on to K-tree Road, about 30 km from the junction of the Bruce and Palmerston highways. This unsealed road is on the opposite side of the highway to the Tchupala and Wallicher falls walking track. The South Johnstone camping area is 12.3 km along this road and the start of the Gorrell track is 2.4 km beyond the camping area. The roads in this part of the Misty Mountains are unsealed gravel roads; four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. During times of extremely wet weather, these roads may be closed. For an alternative walking track access, drive south from Innisfail to South Johnstone and Mena Creek (20 km) and continue on the partially sealed Mena Creek Road for 10 km to the end of the Gorrell track and the McNamee Creek day walk. Mena Creek Road is suitable for conventional vehicles.
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are at Henrietta Creek camping area. Apart from this, access by wheelchair is not advisable.
Park features
The Palmerston (Doongan) section of Wooroonooran National Park is included in the traditional lands of the Ma:Mu Aboriginal people. At the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, it is a place of very high biodiversity, due to the high rainfall and fertile soils derived from basalt rocks. More than 500 rainforest tree species grow here, including black bean, milky pine, water gum and red tulip oak. The area also has a profusion of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants without harming them) including ferns, mosses and basket ferns. This intermingling of plant species creates a haven for wildlife, such as the little musky rat-kangaroo, the double-eyed fig-parrot and the endemic chowchilla.
- Read more about the nature, culture and history of Palmerston (Doongan) section, Wooroonooran National Park.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
The Henrietta Creek camping area is near the Palmerston Highway.
South Johnstone camping area, a tent camping site in the Misty Mountains, is 12.3 km from the highway.
Camping permits are required at all camping areas and fees apply.
- Find out more about these camping areas.
- Book your Henrietta Creek or South Johnstone camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Innisfail, the Atherton Tableland and Cairns. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Walking
- Palmerston (Doongan) map (PDF, 99K)*
Several access points along the Palmerston Highway allow walkers to explore the ancient rainforest of the southern end of Wooroonooran National Park.
North Johnstone lookout track—4 km return (1–1.5 hrs) Grade: difficult
Starting from Crawfords Lookout, a steep, winding track drops 500 m in 1.5 km to a lookout that is about 150 m from the main track. An open grassy area here overlooks the North Johnstone River and Douglas Creek. Follow the track down a further 500 m to reach the river.
Tchupala Falls track—1.2 km return (40 mins) Grade: easy
About 2 km uphill from Crawfords Lookout, via the highway, a track leads to Tchupala Falls. After about 200 m, the track splits. The right-hand track continues for 400 m to Tchupala Falls where Henrietta Creek tumbles over a basalt barricade, one of many created by past volcanic activity. This is a permanently damp place supporting ferns, mosses and other moisture-loving plants.
Wallicher Falls and Gooligans picnic area track—3 km one way (1–2 hrs) Grade: easy
About 2 km uphill from Crawfords Lookout, via the highway, a track leads to Wallicher Falls. After about 200 m, the track splits. The left-hand track leads to Wallicher Falls (800 m) and then continues for another 2 km to Gooligans picnic area.
Gooligans picnic area to Henrietta camping area track—800 m one way (30 mins) Grade: easy
This short track involves wading across Henrietta Creek.
Nandroya Falls circuit track—6 km return (full circuit, 2–3 hrs) Grade: moderate
At Nandroya Falls, Douglas Creek drops in a narrow, uninterrupted, 50 m fall from a basalt parapet. Cross the footbridge at the west of the Henrietta Creek camping area. From here it is 2.2 km to the falls by the shortest route.
After a short distance the track divides. The branch on the left leads directly to Nandroya Falls, a distance from here of 1.7 km. It winds along the upper valley of Douglas Creek, passing the pretty, 10 m high Silver Creek Falls on the way. The right-hand branch is a longer 3.5 km route to the falls. Those wishing to do a circuit walk can return by the alternative route.
Driving
To the south of the Palmerston Highway, a 36 km scenic drive winds through picturesque rainforest from the Palmerston Highway, via the K-tree, Maple Creek and Sutties Gap roads, to the Ravenshoe–Millaa Millaa scenic drive (Old Palmerston Highway) about 10 km east of Ravenshoe. A shorter route is via Bora Ground and Maalan roads but this route is more likely to be boggy after rain.
All these roads are unsealed but K-tree Road is well-formed with gravel as far as the Gorrell trailhead (western). Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended and all roads are unsuitable for caravans, motorhomes or buses.
Gates at the entrance to these roads may be locked to stop access during times of extremely wet weather or for road works. Contact us to enquire about local road conditions.
Picnic and day-use areas
Henrietta Creek camping area has picnic tables, free gas barbecues and toilet facilities. Toilets are wheelchair accessible. Treat water collected from the creek or from taps near the facilities block before drinking it, or bring your own drinking water.
Gooligans picnic area, 500 m down the Palmerston Highway from Henrietta Creek camping area, has picnic tables and toilets.
The South Johnstone camping area, 12.3 km along K-tree Road, has picnic tables and toilets. It is on the banks of the South Johnstone River, near a nice swimming hole.
McNamee Creek day-use area, 3.7 km along the Gorrell walking track from the end of Mena Creek Road, has no facilities.
Viewing wildlife
The dense rainforest, with over 500 tree species, attracts a diverse range of animals and provides many opportunities for viewing them in their natural environment. Bright butterflies are commonly encountered and observant visitors may see a platypus swimming in the creek or a musky rat-kangaroo hopping through the forest.
See the description of the park’s natural environment for more details about the area’s wildlife.
Other things to do
Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway
This elevated walkway and tower, 1 km east of Crawfords Lookout, has sweeping views of the North Johnstone River gorge and surrounding rainforest-clad mountains. It allows visitors to get close to plants and animals, from the forest floor to the canopy. Information signs explain the complex web of rainforest life and the rich cultural history of the area which has great significance for the Ma:Mu Aboriginal people.
Lookout
- Stop at Crawfords Lookout to admire the view through a gap in the forest down to the North Johnstone River far below.
Swimming
- There is a pleasant swimming hole at South Johnstone camping area, Gooligans day-use area and Henrietta Creek campground. Visitors might also like to take a dip at Nandroya Falls.
For more information about things to do in this area, see the tourism information links below.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
- Sturdy, reliable footwear for walking.
- A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing to avoid sunburn and plenty of water if walking.
- Eco-friendly insect repellent and biodegradable phosphate and chlorine-free soaps. This will help protect this unique ecosystem.
- Drinking water or a water treatment device if you are planning to use water from the creek or taps at Henrietta Creek camping area for drinking and cooking.
- Rubbish bags. There are no bins, so please take your rubbish with you when you leave.
Opening hours
Wooroonooran National Park is open 24 hrs a day. Some walks may be closed during the wet season (December to April), because of flooding creeks. Roads in the Misty Mountains may be closed in periods of wet weather or for other management purposes.
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. Permits can be bought from the self-registration shelter or in advance.
- Find out more about camping areas.
- Book your Henrietta Creek or South Johnstone campsite online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Wooroonooran National Park.
Climate and weather
The area in which Wooroonooran National Park is located has one of the wettest climates in Australia. During the wet season (from December to April) there are heavy, frequent downpours. Some areas receive more than 4 m of rain annually. Maximum temperatures through the wet season range from 28–31 °C, with high humidity. The cooler, drier months, from May to September, are the best time to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm at this time, with an average maximum temperature of 26 °C, and humidity is significantly reduced.
For more information see the tourism information links below.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at various locations in Cairns, Innisfail and the Atherton Tableland. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Staying safe
- It is not advisable to undertake the Misty Mountains long-distance walks during the wet season (December to April) due to slippery and hazardous tracks.
- Special care should be taken when driving on the Misty Mountain roads.
- Beware of stinging trees. The heart-shaped leaves, stems and red fruits of these shrubby plants are covered with tiny silica hairs that inject toxins. The very painful sting can persist for months. If stung, and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
- Diving or jumping into water can cause serious injury or may result in death. Swimmers are responsible for their own behaviour. Please ensure you check the depth of the water before entering.
- Take extreme care when walking near streams and creeks. Rocks can be slippery.
- Do not attempt to cross strong flowing creeks and streams—flooding can occur during and after heavy or prolonged periods of rain.
- Treat tap and creek water before drinking.
- Keep to the tracks and heed safety signs.
- Although not dangerous, March flies during the months of September to December can be extremely annoying. Leeches are commonly encountered on the walking tracks. Insect repellent can help.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
- Take your rubbish with you when you leave.
- Stay on walking tracks, as taking short cuts leads to erosion and adjacent areas may be unstable.
- Respect Indigenous culture and protect places of special significance to Aboriginal people. Never disturb any historic sites or remove artefacts.
- Protect native wildlife by leaving your pets at home. You will be more likely to see and hear native animals.
- Keep wildlife wild. Never chase, scare or feed native animals—you might get bitten or scratched. Let animals find their own food. Human foods may be harmful.
- Avoid the use of soaps and detergents near water, as the health of frogs and other aquatic life can be seriously affected. Sand is a wonderful scourer.
See the guidelines on caring for parks 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.
Tourism information links
Innisfail Information Centre
www.innisfailtourism.com.au
Bruce Highway, Innisfail Qld 4858
ph 07 4061 2655
fax 07 4061 2199
email innisfailtourism@ccrc.qld.gov.au
Malanda Falls Visitor Information Centre
www.malandafalls.com
Atherton Road , Malanda Qld 4885
ph 07 4096 6957
email info@malandafalls.com
Ravenshoe Visitor Centre
www.ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au
24 Moore Street, Ravenshoe Qld 4888
ph 07 4097 7700
fax 07 4097 7700
email info@ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
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Last updated 15 May 2012