Short walks
Wallaman Falls
Experience the changing landscapes of Girringun National Park. From tranquil lush rainforest to rugged Australian bush, discover it all with the Wet Tropics Great Walk short walks.
Short walk opportunities are located at both Wallaman (PDF)* and Blencoe Falls (PDF, 300K)*.
Getting there
- Wallaman Falls Section, Wet Tropics Short Walk map (PDF, 107K)*
- Blencoe Falls Section, Wet Tropics Short Walk map (PDF, 300K)*
Access to Wallaman Falls is from Ingham. Blencoe Falls can be accessed via the coast from Kennedy or inland via Mt Garnet. Local flooding may restrict access during the wet season between September and May. Contact the RACQ online at www.racq.com.au to enquire about local road conditions.
Wallaman Falls
Wallaman Falls is 51km south-west of Ingham, about a 1hr drive through rural properties. Travel west from Ingham along Abergowrie Road to Trebonne. From here, the route is well sign-posted. While part of the road is unsealed, it can still be accessed using a conventional vehicle. Care is required on the range, which is slippery when wet. Towing caravans is not recommended.
Blencoe Falls
Access from both the coast and inland should only be attempted in dry conditions, and 4WD vehicles are recommended.
- From Kennedy - turn west off the Bruce Highway, 11km north of Cardwell at Kennedy. Drive a further 7km along the Kennedy Creek Road and turn right into Kirrama Range Road. Follow the signs through the scenic Kirrama Range. Most of the road is unsealed, steep and windy. Allow at least 2hrs to travel the 66km.
- From Mt Garnet - Blencoe Falls is 96km south-east of Mt Garnet. The 2hr drive passes through several cattle stations along the Kennedy Development Road, Kirrama-Mt Garnet Road and Kirrama-Cashmere Road.
Climate
To ensure your walk is fun and comfortable try to walk between April and September when the weather and track conditions are at their best.
Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. Temperatures may reach as low as 0 degrees Celsius and frosts can occur in some elevated areas. Please carry suitable clothing to accommodate all extremes. July to October is generally the driest period, but heavy rain can fall at any time.
The track
The Great Walk passes through the traditional lands of three Aboriginal groups - the Warrgamay, Warungnu and Girramay. All of the walking tracks have been given language names by the Traditional Owners. They hope you will enjoy the walks and respect this sacred place.
Some walks may be closed during the wet season, between September and May. Additional closures may occur for management purposes including weed and feral animal control programs.
Walking from Wallaman Falls
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Banggurru (turtle) walk- (Bun-gu-roo) |
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Take the family for a stroll through the rainforest, along the banks of Stony Creek. Discover the different strategies that rainforest plants use to fight for their survival.
Don't forget to spend a moment peering into the rock pools - you could be rewarded with a glimpse of a platypus, or hear the plop of a water dragon seeking refuge in the stream. Saw-shelled turtles can be seen basking on logs or peeking through the surface of the water.
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Jinda (falls) walk - (Yin-da) | |
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The walk begins 300m from the Wallaman Falls lookout. The track weaves through open forest along the escarpment. Take a moment to enjoy the amazing views of the Herbert River Valley.
As you wander into the gorge, open forest gives way abruptly to vine-thicket rainforest. Notice how the air becomes cooler and thicker as sunlight struggles to reach the rainforest floor. Moss droops from vines and covers rocks, creating an eerie green glow.
In the rainforest remember to keep watch for the brilliant blue of the Ulysses butterfly. You might even catch a glimpse of an Australian brush turkey as it scratches through leaf litter for food. Continue along the track to the base of the falls, and look up. The mist from the falls creates a rainbow of colour.
Walking from Blencoe Falls
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Jabali (whiptail wallaby) walk- (Ju-bah-li) | |
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For a more enjoyable experience, walk in the early morning or late afternoon. Take a walk through open eucalypt forest as you meander your way to the Blencoe Falls lookout.
This country is rugged and one of extremes. In the dry season, the land is parched and vulnerable to fire. Grasses die back and some trees lose their leaves. During the wet season, rain soaks the land and the plants spring back to life.
As stark as the countryside may be, this walk offers a lot to see. Look for emus and kangaroos resting from the heat, and listen for laughing kookaburras or screeching sulphur-crested cockatoos. Along the way, sensational views over Blencoe Gorge reward your efforts.
Once you reach the escarpment, look down and enjoy the spectacular views of Blencoe Falls as they tumble to the hoop pine-studded valley below.
Facilities
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Wallaman Falls Picnic tables, toilets and water are provided at the campsite, day-use area and the falls lookout. Treat water before use. Barbeques and shelter sheds are available at the campsite and day-use area. A cold-water shower is provided at the campsite. Camping must be booked in advance. Fees apply. For more information about camping and facilities at Wallaman Falls see the Wallaman Falls Section of Girringun National Park. |
Blencoe Falls
Toilets are provided at the campsite and water is located nearby. Treat all water before use.
Camping must be booked in advance. Fees apply. For more information about camping and facilities at Blencoe Falls see the Blencoe Falls Section of Girringun National Park.
* Requires Acrobat Reader
Last updated: 28 September 2005