5 of the best nature walks near Cairns

The lush rainforests surrounding Cairns are more than just a great place to get back to nature, put things into perspective, rejuvenate and get a bit of fresh air. The Daintree and Tropical North are home to some of the oldest known rainforests, making them some of the most complex ecosystems in the world. If you’re a nature lover, plant fancier or if you’re all snorkelled out from your trip to the Great Barrier Reef, these walks near Cairns are for you.

1. Red Arrow Circuit, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park

Ideal for those looking for a shorter track, the Red Arrow Circuit in Mt Whitfield Conservation Park is 1.3km long and takes about 30 minutes. The track is lined with wooden boardwalks and there are several points that offer spectacular Cairns views. Although it’s a short track, its intensity should not be underestimated – it has several sections that have steep steps. The circuit is located just behind the Cairns Botanic Gardens – another great spot for a walk through the trees. In the same location as the Red Arrow Circuit are the Blue and Green Arrow cicruits, 5.4km and 3km tracks (respectively) if you’re in the area and are looking for a bit more of a challenge. 

2. Josephine Falls walking track, Wooroonooran National Park

A little bit of a drive out of Cairns but well worth the trip, Josephine Falls is a gorgeous cascading waterfall surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. From the carpark at Josephine Falls, there is a 1.2km return walking rack along a boardwalk that takes visitors through the rainforest to viewing decks that overlook the falls. The viewing platform at the top pool is wheelchair-friendly as well, so it’s a great track for those with limited mobility. 

Read more: Life on the road in a motorhome

3. Mossman Gorge Rainforest Circuit, Daintree National Park 

In the southern part of the Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is a world heritage listed site and the site of one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. The gorge is dotted with rivers, creeks, streams and pools and the emerald green that surrounds is a hard sight to beat. The 4km Mossman Gorge Rainforest Circuit will give you a great glimpse of the area and takes about an hour and a half to complete, not factoring in all of the stops you’ll make to take a deep breath and soak in the tranquillity.  

4. Wrights Lookout, Barron Falls, Barron Gorge National Park

Barron Falls are the major feature of Barron Gorge National Park, which lies within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Barron River spans 60km across the Atherton Tableland through one of Australia’s highest rainforest belts. There are a couple of walks at Barron Falls, but for the most spectacular views, check out Wrights Lookout. It’s a 3km track that takes about one hour to complete. The walk will take you though beautiful rainforest before arriving at the lookout, offering wide-ranging vistas over the gorge, towards Cairns and the coast. Din Din Barron Falls Lookout is another lovely short walk to reach. Head along the boardwalk suspended high above the forest floor to enjoy lovely views of the gorge and Barron Falls. 

Read more: 5 things you didn’t know about Norfolk Island

5. Nandroya Falls Circuit, Wooroonooran National Park

The longest track on the list, the Nandroya Falls Circuit is a 6.6km loop through some of the oldest rainforest on the planet. On this track you’ll wander past numerous trickling waterfalls and creeks. This is a lush earth track, so it’s also one of the wildest on the list. You’ll feel like early explorers and the only people left on earth.

Remember to always take a map, plenty of water, and sunscreen with you on these walks. And, of course, take plenty of photos!