Gugigugi (Butterfly) Walk, Wet Tropics Great Walk
Ingham, Hinchinbrook Area

Gugigugi (butterfly) walk, Wet Tropics Great Walk. The Gugigugi (Goo-ji-goo-ji) walk starts at the Henrietta gate pick-up point travelling through open forest and lush creek crossings. This walk crosses the Herbert River before reaching the Yamanie pick-up point.

Day 1—Henrietta gate pick-up point to Stony Creek camp site

From Henrietta gate pick-up point walk 5.2 kilometres to Lemon Tree Gully, aptly names for the lemon tree that still bears fruit. After passing through the gully, walk a further six kilometres to Henrietta Creek, an ideal rest spot. Fill water bottles here as there is no water until the camp site, 13 kilometres away. The track from Henrietta Creek then passes through area that was previously used for grazing. The land was purchased by the Queensland Government in 1994 and made part of Girringun National Park. The park protects habitat for the endangered mahogany glider and work is underway to control the spread of pest plans and to remove pest animals.

Day 2 Stony Creek camp site to Yamanie pick-up point

From the camp site, walk 4.4 kilometre to Garrawalk Creek. The creeks along this part of the walk run into the Herbert River which is not far from the track. Crocodiles can be found in the Herbert River. Be aware! You are now in croc country. Estuarine or saltwater crocodiles are an important part of north Queensland's wetlands, freshwater and marine areas. They are one of the largest predators in these habitats and help to maintain the overall health and balance of these ecosystems. They live mainly in the tidal reaches of rivers, as well as in freshwater lagoons, swamps and waterways — up to hundreds of kilometres from the sea. Crocodiles are most active at night. Remember to be croc wise in croc country. From the creek, walk another three kilometres to a grove of cycads. These ancient plants were part of the landscape when dinosaurs roamed the land and were the dominant form of vegetation about 193-136 million years ago, changing very little since that time. The Yamani turn-off is a further 1.8 kilometres along this track. Follow the signs to the pick-up point, and enjoy a 9.5 kilometre walk through open forest, along the high banks of the Herbert River to the Yamanie pick-up point.

Remember to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Let them know your route and contact them on your return. Have a contingency plan in place if you fail to contact them by the agreed time. If you change your plans, inform them.

Grade: difficult.

Distance: 37.5 kilometres one way.

Time: allow two days.

About the Walk

Walk Highlights

• Spectacular waterfalls
• Creek crossings
• Rainforest
• Abundant birdlife

Walk Hints

The Wet Tropics Great!Walks may be closed during the wet season, between September and May.

Be Croc wise. Do not swim, as the river is home to estuarine crocodiles. Always remain on the track and only cross the river at the marked location.

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 extremes.

July to October are generally the driest months, but heavy rain can fall at any time.

Water is not available for the first 13km on the second day of this track.

Best Time To Go

To ensure your walk is fun and comfortable, try to visit between May and September when the weather and track conditions are at their best.