Juwun walk (Wet Tropics Great Walk)
Cardwell, Cassowary Coast Area

Free Entry - Entry Information

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

Description

The Juwun walk starts near Blencoe Falls, in Girringun National Park. Blencoe Falls is a spectacular waterfall that plunges 90m to a pool before cascading a further 230 metres to the base of the Herbert River Gorge.

This strenuous walk travels through open forest before steeply descending into the Herbert River Gorge to the Blanket Creek bush camp. From here there is no designated walking track and walkers are expected to follow the river to Orange Tree before rejoining the track for the last 7 kilometres. Be aware that beyond Blanket Creek, no designated camping sites have been identified. Camping permits are required for camping along the walk.

As you walk, look for emus and kangaroos resting from the heat and listen for laughing kookaburras or screeching sulphur-crested cockatoos. Keep a lookout for bird life such as cormorants sea eagles and falcons that reside in the gorge.

The Juwun Walk passes through the traditional lands of three Aboriginal groups — the Warrgamayan, Warungnu and Girramay people. All of the Wet Tropic Great Walk tracks have been given language names by the Traditional Owners. They hope you will enjoy the walks and respect this sacred place.

About the Walk

51 kilometres
4-6 days
Multi-Day Walk
Hard
One way
East of the Blencoe Falls campground.
Yamanie Section pick-up.

Walk Highlights

• Spectacular waterfalls
• Creek crossings
• Rainforest
• Abundant birdlife

Walk Hints

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

Ensure you carry adequate drinking water. For a more enjoyable experience walk in the early morning.

Rocky surfaces can make the trip through the gorge slow and difficult. Keep watch for feral cattle and pigs. Never startle or approach these animals and ensure they have a clear escape path to the scrub.

Do not swim, as the river is home to estuarine crocodiles. They are most active at night. Always remain on the track and only cross the river at the marked location. Avoid travelling along the bank near sections of deep water as crocodiles may be encountered in dense grass and shrubs.

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

There is no reliable water supply between Blencoe Falls and Blanket Creek bush camp. Beyond Blanket Creek, no bush camping sites have been identified.

There is no designated walking track in the gorge.

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.

Property Details

Facilities

• Car park
• Public toilet
• Walking Tracks

Activities

• Animal Watching
• Birdwatching
• Walking

Other Information

Further Details:
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. The Juwun walk is closed every year during the wet season from 1 December to 31 March. Highlights of the track include: spectacular waterfalls and gorges, creek crossings, rainforest, topical savannah woodland, abundant birdlife and remote bush camping.
The Juwun walk is 43.5 kilometres long, has a difficult degree of difficulty and takes between four and six days to complete. The Juwun walk is closed every year during the wet season from 1 December to 31 March. Flooding or high river levels make the walk unsafe during this time. This seasonal closure may be extended depending on weather conditions. Camping in Girringun National Park and along the Wet Tropics Great Walk requires a camping permit and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. The Juwun walk is remote and isolated. Walkers must be well prepared and responsible for their own safety. Consider your ability and the track conditions carefully before setting out. Be aware that estuarine crocodiles may be encountered in waterholes, creeks and rivers along the walk. Ensure you carry adequate drinking water. For a more enjoyable experience walk in the early morning. Rocky surfaces can make the trip through the gorge slow.

How To Get There:
Juwun Walk starts at Blencoe Falls and follows the Herbert River Gorge down to Yamanie section pick-up in Girringun National Park.
Blencoe Falls- Access from both the coast and inland should only be attempted in dry conditions, and four wheel drive vehicles are recommended. From Kennedy: turn west off the Bruce Highway, 11 kilometres north of Cardwell at Kennedy. Drive a further seven kilometres along the Kennedy Creek Road and turn right into Kirrama Range Road. Follow the signs through the scenic Kirrama Range. Most of the road is unsealed, steep and windy. Allow at least two hours to travel the 66 kilometres.
From Mount Garnet: Blencoe Falls is 96 kilometres south-east of Mount Garnet. The two hour drive passes through several cattle stations along the Kennedy Development Road, Kirrama-Mount Garnet Road and Kirrama-Cashmere Road.
The Yamanie Section of Girringun National Park is 60 kilometres from Ingham, about a 45 minute drive. Travel west from Ingham along Abergowrie Road. At the end of the road you will find a gate - the entrance to the park. Please ensure you close the gate behind you. Beyond the gate, four vehicles are recommended.

Free Entry