Smiths Track, Barron Gorge National Park
Cairns, Cairns Area

Barron Gorge National Park extends from the coastal lowlands to the elevated regions of the Atherton Tableland and features rugged mountain scenery, tropical rainforests, diverse wildlife and a fascinating history. The park lies within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Smiths track is one of the major historical route linking the inland Hodgkinson and Palmer goldfields with the coast. In 1876 miner and mule team packer, William Smith, founder of the Cairns suburb of Smithfield, marked this route up the southern side of Stoney Creek valley. Smith mostly followed Bama walking pads and Smiths track was were well used, carrying up to 300 pack-horses at one time. The track features magnificent stands of tall rainforest along with open woodlands and grasslands on the higher more exposed ridges. Tobys lookout provides extensive views of Barron Gorge and the coastal lowlands. Birds, including spotted catbirds, orioles, sulphur-crested cockatoos, pheasant coucals and spangled drongos can be seen or heard as you walk the track.

Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Stay on the walking track and stay clear of steep rock faces. Take care on uneven, slippery surfaces.

Grade: easy to very difficult.

Distance: 8.6 kilometres.

Time: allow 7-9 hours walking time.

About the Walk

Walk Highlights

• Rugged mountain scenery
• Steep ravines
• Tumbling waterfalls
• Rich wildlife
• Forest and grassland trail

Walk Hints

This one-way track can be walked in either direction. Arrange a pick up at the other end, camp overnight (Speewah) or consider the shorter return option mentioned.

There are numerous links to other walks in this area, and it helps if you take a map.

Beware of cassowaries and stinging tree leaves. For your safety, do not walk along or below the railway line.

Best Time To Go

Some walks may be closed during the wet season, between October and May. Visit between April and October when the weather and track conditions are at their best.