Towering above the fertile coastal plain within the Wooroonooran National Park, 70 kilometres south of Cairns are the highest mountains in Queensland, Bartle Frere (1622 metres) and its neighbour Bellenden Ker (1593 metres).
The track begins at the Josephine Falls carpark close to the ranger's office. The beginning of the track is wide and clear through a tropical rainforest. It takes approximately one hour to reach Majuba Creek. This is a nice place to take a break, sit beside crystal clear mountain pools and towering boulders.
Follow a narrow ridge towards the first of the two campsites known as Big Rock. Majuba Creek intersects the path one more time before a set of steep scrambles through boulder fields and over root ladders. After this steep climb, you pass the second and upper campsite. From the summit you can return to Josephine Falls or continue on to the west.
ABOUT THE WALK
Distance: 15 kilometres
Duration: 2 days (12 hours)
Category:
Multi-Day Walk
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Return
Start Point: The Josephine Falls carpark. The trail starts at an altitude of 100 metres and rises to 1622 metres at the summit, an average gradient of 1 in 5.
Finish Point: From the summit, walkers can either return or continue to The Junction Camp.
Walk Highlights
- Coastal and tableland views
- World Heritage Area
- Majestic waterfalls
- Queensland's highest peak
- Diverse vegetation
- Undulating landscape
Walk Hints
This 15 kilometre mountain rainforest trek is extremely demanding. The Bartle Frere East hike should only be undertaken by experienced and fit bushwalkers.
It is recommended that you allow two days for the ascent to the summit and back to either the east (Josephine Falls) or the west (Tablelands). There are two overnight campsites and a permit is required before you depart. If you plan on a one day trip, be aware that it will take approximately 12 hours.
Preparation is important for all hiking on Mt Bartle Frere, as it is likely you will encounter variable weather conditions. These may include heavy rainfall, reduced visibility from cloud, cold temperatures and sudden weather changes.
Take correct maps and a compass. Carry adequate food and water. No fires are permitted, so bring a fuel stove.
Walkers should be careful not to brush against spiky wait-a-while vines and the heart shaped leaf of stinging trees.
Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. Please carry suitable clothing to accommodate all extremes. Some sections of walking tracks may be closed during the wet season, between October and May.
Remember that you will need to obtain a permit if you wish to camp overnight on Bartle Frere. Self registration forms available at the beginning of the walk should also be filled in by all walkers.
Best Time To Go
Visit between April and October when the weather and track conditions are at their best.
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone:
07 4067 6304
Email: cic@epa.qld.gov.au
Web:
www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=239
ENTRY INFORMATION
Free Entry:
Yes.
FURTHER INFORMATION
How to get There
The steep eastern walk to the Bartle Frere summit and Broken Nose start from Josephine Falls. The turnoff to Josephine Falls is 43 kilometres south of Cairns, and 2 kilometres south of Miriwinni on the Bruce Highway. The park entrance is 8 kilometres from the turnoff. There are excellent views of Queensland's highest peak from the Bruce Highway between Gordonvale and Innisfail.
