Road trip Tropical North Queensland - Part 3 - Wooroonooroon National Park, Babinda, Yorkeys Knob

The flying gods were looking out for us as the weather cleared yet again, albeit momentarily, for each of us to get a 30 minute lesson in the gyroplane at Innisfail Aerodrome. I’m still trying to get the hang of landing and taking off, whereas Gary is doing all sorts of challenging tasks such as emergency landing with the engine shut down. It is a little disconcerting to hear the familiar buzz of the gyro suddenly cease when he is 500 feet above ground!

After the thrill of being in the air it was time for some more sightseeing in the rain (did I mention 200 mms fell over the three days we were in the tropical north?), and the best place to be when it’s hot and wet is in the water. On the eastern edge of Wooroonooroon National Park beneath Queensland’s highest mountain, Bartle Frere (1622m), are some stunning freshwater swimming holes. 

Broken Nose and Mount Bartle Frere

First stop about 30kms north of Innisfail is Josephine Falls, a large boulder tiered cascade in the heart of the thick, lush tropical rainforest. It’s a short walk in to the various lookout points and swimming areas – make sure you heed the signs, oh and plaster yourself with insect repellent too. 

Easy walking track to Josephine Falls

Josephine Falls

Swimming area at Josephine Falls

We enjoyed a cup of tea in the picnic area, which is located at the track head for the climb up to Mount Bartle Frere. It’s a difficult 15 km return walk to the summit, and given that the area averages 10-12 metres of rain annually, it’s most likely to be wet and slippery too. Between May and October are the best months to tackle this two day hike.

Travelling north we arrived at the picturesque town of Babinda then turned west to the town’s local swimming and picnic area. Before taking a dip in the designated spot, we warmed ourselves up with a 1.3km return stroll along the Devil’s Pool walking trail. The cool mountain water thunders down over enormous granite boulders and has carved out a gorge over thousands of years. 

Boulder Gorge

The 19 km Goldfield Track leaves from here which follows an old 1930’s mining trail over the saddle between Mount Bartle Frere and the state’s second highest peak, Mount Bellenden Ker (1593m). This walk can be done in a full day but you would need to arrange transport at the end.

A pity we weren’t travelling in Delvy as there is a free camping area near the Babinda Boulders. Something to bear in mind when we return in the dry season; along with everyone else I suppose!

Being New Year’s Eve it was time to head off to Cairns to spend the night with old friends at the beachside suburb of Yorkeys Knob. After a night of plentiful food and good company, I rose for an early morning walk along the beach before the long drive back home to Airlie Beach and the start of a new year.

Yorkeys Knob beach