5 Best Hikes Near Cairns, According to a Local

 

Looking for the best hikes near Cairns? These five are my personal picks for rainforest, waterfalls and summit views, from Glacier Rock to the demanding Manjal Jimalji trail. They range from moderate walks to strenuous full-day hikes, so choose one that suits your fitness and experience.

I’m Jacinta Pink and I was born and raised in Cairns, with a lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether I’m hiking, riding or chasing the next beautiful scene with a camera in hand, I’m happiest outside. I’ve explored trails around the world, from the Pacific Crest Trail in the US to the mountains of Switzerland and Italy. But no matter how far I roam, I always come back to what I love most, the lush tropical trails in North Queensland.

 

Out on the trail. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

Cairns is an incredible base for hiking, with the reef, rainforest and rugged rural landscapes all right on our doorstep. You really do get the best of all worlds!

From the CBD of Cairns you can access trails that edge over 100m waterfalls, overlook the city or traverse through thick rainforest. A hire car is your best bet to get to the trailheads of these hikes, which range from a 20-minute to a 2-hour drive from the CBD.

Whenever I meet someone who hasn’t explored the hiking around Cairns, these are the trails I send them to first to get a taste of what the tropics really have to offer.

 

The Hikes at a Glance

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1. Glacier Rock via Douglas Track

Best known for its incredible summit views. Glacier Rock is the perfect introduction to Cairns’ hiking scene. It’s got rainforest, views out towards the reef, and was one of the first hikes I ever did! It’s the trail that sparked my love for exploring nature.

• Location: Barron Gorge National Park, Stoney Creek, Cairns
• Distance: 9km return
• Time: 2.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 262m
• Drive from Cairns: 20 minutes
• Trail type: Return
• Best time to go: Morning
• Facilities: None
• Dogs: Not allowed

 

The trail winds steadily uphill through rainforest before reaching a section of boardwalk and stairs. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Kuranda Scenic Railway passing beneath you!

The rainforest then gives you glimpses of the view before opening into an exposed section, the perfect spot for a snack and water break.

One final push through the rainforest and you’ll notice the landscape changing as you climb. Keep your eyes on the treetops and ears open for birds.

Then comes the reward: sweeping views across the rainforest-covered mountains and out to the ocean, with Green Island visible on a clear day.

 

Local Tips:

• The trailhead can often be difficult to find. Park at the Stoney Creek Trailhead, at the end of Stoney Creek Road. Then around 100m in there will be a turn-off onto the Douglas Track Glacier Rock trail.
• Sunrise is amazing from the top!

 

Sunrise at Glacier Rock. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

What I’d Take on This Hike

Along with the usual hiking essentials like first aid, sun protection, plenty of food, water and snacks, here are a few things I’d recommend for this trail.

The terrain is fairly well maintained, so I like to keep things light with my Altra Olympus trail runners and a Salomon Active Skin hydration vest.

And if you’re chasing sunrise at the summit, don’t forget a Black Diamond headlamp because you’ll want both hands free for the climb and to safely navigate those early morning sections.

 

Glacier Rock, Cairns. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

2. Windin Falls, Best know for its 100m waterfall!

This is a very Tropical North Queensland coded hike, massive waterfall overlooking an expansive valley of rainforest.

Often spotted on this trail is the incredible cassowaries.

 

• Location: Wooroonooran National Park - Atherton Tablelands
• Distance: 8.7km Return.
• Time: 2.5-3hrs Return
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 271m
• Drive from Cairns: 1hr 37min.
• Trail type: Return
• Best time to go: Morning
• Facilities: None
• Dogs: Not allowed

 

Windin Falls, Atherton Tablelands. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

The trail is an easy-to-follow red clay path that winds its way through the lush, tropical rainforest, with gradual rises and dips.

Just when you think you’re almost there, the final 50m takes a steep drop and you’ll hear it before you see it. The roar of the incredible waterfall.

A few rocky steps later, the trees open up to the magnificent view and a natural infinity pool!

Take extra care here because the edges are extremely dangerous, and serious injuries and deaths have occurred at this location. Stay well back from the edge, watch your footing and don’t risk the perfect photo.

 

Local Tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings as this hike is known to have Red Belly Black snakes. You should be fine, but keep your distance if you see any. Before you head out, listen to our Wild Chats episode with snake expert Dr Christina Zdenek for practical advice on snake encounters, bite prevention and first aid.
• Be mindful of the weather, the clay can be extremely slippery and flash flooding can occur.

 

What I’d take on this hike:

This hike is a little more remote, so I like to carry a small day pack like the Osprey Daylite to keep the essentials close.

I’d pack a PLB, first aid kit, plenty of food and water, and an Arc'teryx Beta Waterproof Jacket, because in the tropics, you never know when the weather might turn!

 

Stunning views at Windin Falls, Atherton Tablelands. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

3. Walshs Pyramid, Best known for its 360° summit views.

Walsh’s Pyramid is one of Cairns' most iconic mountains, once you know what you’re looking for, you can spot its unmistakable pyramid shaped peak from across the region.

This hike is no walk in the park, but the challenge is worth it. Reach the summit and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360° views stretching across the mountains, rainforest and coastline.

• Location: Wooroonooran National Park - Cairns.
• Distance: 6.4km Return.
• Time: 5-6hrs Return
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation gain: 922m
• Drive from Cairns: 26 min.
• Trail type: Return
• Best time to go: Morning
• Facilities: None
• Dogs: Not allowed

 

Summit views at Walshs Pyramid, Cairns. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

From the car park, the trail goes straight up, no gentle warm-up here!

The track will quickly test your agility, with plenty of loose rocks making foot placement important. Unlike many of the rainforest hikes around Cairns, Walsh’s Pyramid is much drier, with the trail winding through bloodwood and white mahogany trees.

As you climb, you’ll encounter smooth granite sections where you’ll sometimes need to use your hands for a little scrambling, along with a few rock-climbing-style challenges.

Around the quarter and halfway marks, the vegetation opens up to reveal views across the surrounding sugar cane fields.

The climb continues steeply over natural rock steps, and eventually, the point of the Pyramid comes into view.

You’ll reach a big flat boulder, which makes for an epic rest stop and lookout, with 360° panoramic views across the region. There are also a few little side tracks at the top leading to some incredible viewpoints, so take the time to explore.

And if you hit it at the right time of day, look across to the surrounding mountains and you might even catch the Pyramid’s unmistakable shadow cast across the landscape.

 

Local Tip

• This is a dry and exposed hike, starting early is essential. I love to do this for sunrise, it's a spectacular view point.

 

More epic views at Walshs Pyramid, Cairns. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

What you should bring:

I like to carry a small day pack like the Osprey Daylite to keep the essentials close. Having enough water on this dry hike is key, I Like to take big Nalgene 1.5L bottles so I have plenty to get me through the climb.

And for the steep, rocky and often off-camber terrain, Black Diamond hiking poles are honestly essential. They give you that extra bit of stability when the trail gets technical.

 

4. Kahlpahlim Rock, Best Known for it’s spectacular granite boulders.

Undoubtedly one of my favourite hikes around Cairns , the environment, the views and the feeling of being completely immersed in the wilderness make this one pretty special.

Kahlpahlim Rock is the highest point on the Lamb Range, tucked away in Davies Creek National Park. As you climb higher, the rainforest opens up to incredible views across the surrounding ranges, making every step worth it.

• Location: Davies Creek National Park - Mareeba Shire
• Distance: 11.4km Return.
• Time: 4.5-5hrs Return
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation gain: 668m
• Drive from Cairns: 2hrs.
• Trail type: Return
• Best time to go: Morning
• Facilities: None
• Dogs: Not allowed

Kahlpahlim Rock, Davies Creek National Park. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

Starting at the end of the Davies Creek dirt road, the trail begins at a crystal clear creek, winding through rainforest with birdsong all around.

Then you reach another creek and a log crossing. This is where the elevation really kicks in. Expect plenty of big log steps, so push through!

The vegetation soon changes to dry scrub as you weave between giant boulders. Near the top navigation takes a little more focus as you follow the trail markers along the final spine.

The last rainforest climb is steep, squeezing between trees and huge boulders before reaching a communication tower.

One final short push and suddenly — the rainforest opens up to an incredible, jaw-dropping view of the Cairns coastline.

 

Hiking with Friends at Kahlpahlim Rock, Davies Creek National Park. Photo: Jacinta Pink

Local Tip:

• When you're almost at the top there is a junction with a little hand drawn map that takes you to another epic viewpoint when you turn right, this requires a challenging rope climb and is not for the faint-hearted.

 

What to bring:

Come prepared with the essentials, PLB, first aid, plenty of food and water.

For this trail, I’d also recommend Black Diamond hiking poles to help with the big steps, grippy Altra trail runners for the steep sections, and a rain jacket in case the weather changes or to block the wind once you reach the exposed viewpoint.

 

Rest Break at Kahlpahlim Rock, Davies Creek National Park. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

5. Manjal Jimalji (Devil's Thumb) Known for it’s incredible challenge and views.

Devils Thumb has so many elements that make this hike incredibly special.

You’ll wind your way through dense rainforest before reaching the incredible coral fern field, which is honestly worth the hike in itself. Then come the huge granite boulders, perched high above the coast and opening up to some seriously spectacular views.

It’s a hike packed with variety, adventure and a few “how is this even real?” moments.

Your knees will definitely know you’ve been hiking.

• Location: Daintree National Park - Mossman
• Distance: 12.6km Return.
• Time: 7-8hrs Return
• Difficulty: Hard
• Elevation gain: 1,220m
• Drive from Cairns: 2hrs.
• Trail type: Return
• Best time to go: Morning
• Facilities: None
• Dogs: Not allowed

Manjal Jimalji (Devil’s Thumb), Mossman. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

From the car park, keep a close eye on the trail tags, the first kilometre can be easy to lose if you’re not paying attention.

After the creek crossing, the climbing begins through dense rainforest. There’s an optional waterfall detour before the trail gets steeper, turning into a series of challenging root steps.

Eventually, the rainforest opens into the incredible coral fern field, where the trail winds through a carpet of low ferns with a view to match.

One final push through the rainforest and you’ll start spotting the giant granite boulders. From here, it’s a little rope-course. Hold on, balance across the log and you’re at the summit!

The views? Worth every step.

Landscape views Manjal Jimalji (Devil’s Thumb), Mossman. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

What I’d take on this hike:

This is an intense and remote hike, so come prepared with the essentials of a PLB, first aid kit, rain jacket and plenty of food and water.

For me, a couple of things make this hike a little more manageable. Hiking poles are a game changer, especially with some of the huge steps you’ll encounter, and a grippy pair of trail runners like my Altra Olympus helps keep you steady on the more technical sections.

A rainy hike Manjal Jimalji (Devil’s Thumb), Mossman. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

Essential packing list for hiking near Cairns:

• Grippy Trail runners
• Daypack
• Water / hydration reservoir
• Hiking snacks
• Sun & insect protection
• Rain jacket
• First-aid kit
• Headlamp
• Emergency beacon where appropriate
• Hiking poles
• Bug Spray

 

In Tropical North Queensland, I nearly always carry a rain jacket, bug spray and hiking poles. All because we are in the tropics… It’s so green because we get a lot of rain, bugs love it up here and we have a lot of slippery surfaces. But don’t let these elements deter you, a lot of fun is to be had!

 

Manjal Jimalji (Devil’s Thumb), Mossman. Photo: Jacinta Pink

 

Best time of year to hike in Cairns

For me, May through to October is the sweet spot for hiking around Cairns. The wet season has wrapped up, humidity drops and the temperatures are pretty much perfect. Usually sitting around 21°C - 25°C.

 

Getting to the hikes

I’d definitely recommend driving and hiring a car if you don't have one. Some trailheads are tucked away down unsealed roads, but for most, a 2WD with a little ground clearance should be more than enough.

It gives you the freedom to get beyond the city and explore some of the region’s best trails at your own pace.

 

If you only do one hike near Cairns

If I had to pick one hike that gives you the best bang for your buck, it would be Kahlpahlim Rock.

You get a bit of everything from a challenging climb, gorgeous vegetation and some of my favourite views around Cairns.

From the top, you can take in the entire Cairns coastline, Copperlode Dam and the endless tree-covered mountains surrounding the region.

And the viewpoint itself is something special. It’s peaceful and quiet, with birds echoing from the rainforest below and, on the right day, clouds rolling right around you.

It’s the kind of place you could sit and soak in for hours.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wanting to explore the world’s oldest rainforest, or searching for epic summit views, the Cairns region is the place to hike.

Within a short drive, you can be challenging yourself to reach places that most people in the world will never experience.

Start with one of these hikes, pack properly, check the local conditions and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the journey. Then see if you can tick them all off!

 

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Best Hikes Near Cairns FAQs

 

What is the best hike near Cairns?

Walshs Pyramid is only a 26 minute drive for a good challenge and epic view.

 

What is the best easy hikes near Cairns?

Glacier Rock would have to be the easiest out of my recommendations, but this hike still requires a little experience so go with someone experienced.

 

What is the hardest hike near Cairns?

Manjal Jimalji (Devil's Thumb) is without a doubt the hardest of my picks, It requires a lot of energy and experience.

 

Can you reach any hikes near Cairns by public transport?

Unfortunately, most hikes require a hire car to get to the trailheads.

 

What is the best time of year to go hiking near Cairns?

May through to October is the best time to visit Cairns in general! The wet season has wrapped up, humidity drops and the temperatures are pretty much perfect.