Due to the large number of National Parks, State Forests and general
wilderness areas, North Queensland is an
excellent destination for bush walkers. Permits are not required
for day visits to National Parks but they are required if you intend
to camp.
There
are easy walks that are accessible by people of all ages and fitness
levels. From a gentle stroll to tracks that are only suitable for
very experienced hikers. Walking tracks are well sign posted, well
maintained and reasonably accurate with regards to distances and
facilities offered. The most well known walking tracks close to
Cairns are the Red and Blue Arrow tracks on Mt Whitfield. At times
they are quite steep but once the summit is reached (about 30 minutes)
you are rewarded with magnificent views over the Coral Sea. These
tracks are well sign posted and easy to get to (a taxi fare of $6
to $7 from the Cairns CBD).
All
National Parks have walking tracks. Bush walkers can see abundant
wildlife including birds, butterflies, small mammals and reptiles.
Lush tropical rainforest, colourful flowering trees and plants,
orchids, fig trees and stunning waterfalls, mountain back drops
and coastal plains can make any bush walk an absolute pleasure.
Bush
walking safety tips - follow these simple guidelines whenever walking
in the bush
- Be
prepared - let someone know where you are going, take a small
first aid kit, raincoat, a hat, water, a watch, insect repellent
and sunscreen.
- Take
care near water - rocks can be slippery, currents strong and submerged
rocks and logs common in Creeks and Rivers. Always check for signs
before swimming as hazards can include crocodiles, stingers and
slippery waterfalls.
- Stay
on the track - read maps and signs carefully.
- Never
feed or play with animals - human food can be harmful and some
animals will bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
- Leave
pets at home - cats and dogs kill thousands of native animals
every year. If you are travelling with pets leave them in a boarding
kennel if you are planning to visit a National Park.
- Be
Considerate - keep your noise down so that others can enjoy the
Bush.
- Be
careful with fires - use fireplaces or designated BBQ's.
- Take
all of your rubbish with you.
Maps
and information booklets on the various Bushwalking areas are readily
available throughout Cairns. An excellent book called "50 Walks
in North Queensland" by Tyron Thomas outlines the most popular walks
in the region. The information contained details the length of the
walks, duration, conditions, grade (easy to hard) and what to expect
along the walk. This book is readily available from bookstores in
Cairns.
Many
day tour operators in Cairns specialise in taking visitors on bush
walking tours. They can accommodate any fitness level and degree
of experience. The Australian wilderness is very beautiful however
if proper care is not taken it can be a dangerous environment. For
this reason we recommend exploring with an experienced guide.
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