Bartle-Frere Trail (Eastern Approach)
Cairns, Cairns Area

Free Entry - Entry Information

info@derm.qld.gov.au
www.derm.qld.gov.au

Description

Suitable only for fit, experienced and well-prepared bushwalkers, the 15 kilometre Bartle Frere trail extends from the coastal plain to the Atherton Tableland across the impressive Bellenden Ker Range. Crossing Wooroonooran National Park, it ascends the summit of Queensland's highest mountain, Bartle Frere (1622 metres) on the way.

This, the eastern approach, begins at the Josephine Falls carpark. The first section to Big Rock camp is a moderate climb through rainforest. Many walkers choose to make their base camp here and carry only day packs to the summit. A steep side trail branches off here to Broken Nose (962 metres) with excellent views.

The main trail ascends steeply from Big Rock to Eastern Summit camp. To reach the main summit from here entails boulder hopping and scrambling but, on clear days, you will be rewarded with views of the coast and across the Atherton Tableland.

About the Walk

15 kilometres
2 days (12 hours)
Multi-Day Walk
Hard
Return
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.
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.

Property Details

Facilities

• BBQ Facilities
• Car park
• Shaded Area
• Walking Tracks

Activities

• Animal Watching
• Birdwatching
• Walking

Other Information

Further Details:
Visit between May and October when the weather and track conditions are at their best. The summit can be very cold and windy. Highlights of the Bartle-Frere Trail include: coastal and tableland vies; World Heritage Area; Queensland's highest peak; spectacular views and diverse vegetation. The trail is a hard 15 kilometres long which should take two days to complete.
This 15 kilometre mountain rainforest trek is extremely demanding. It should only be undertaken by experienced bushwalkers. It is recommended that you allow two days for the ascent to the summit and return to Josephine Falls, or to continue on to Junction camp on the western side. Temperatures on the mountain are around 10 degrees lower than on the coast but, with strong winds, can drop below zero. The mountain can cloud in suddenly and rainstorms are common all year round. Rain, cold and poor visibility can make camping and bushwalking uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.

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 two kilometres south of Miriwinni on the Bruce Highway. The park entrance is eight kilometres from the turnoff. There are excellent views of Queensland's highest peak from the Bruce Highway between Gordonvale and Innisfail.

Free Entry