Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the stunning beauty of Bowling Green Bay National Park on this 17km return hike, starting and ending at 35867 Bruce Hwy. Situated near Alligator Creek, Queensland, and a considerable distance from the bustling CBD (1311km), this Grade 3 trail offers moderate difficulty suitable for a wide range of bushwalkers. Experience the cool cascades, deep pools, and captivating waterfalls of Alligator Creek as you traverse this scenic route. Remember to pack your swimwear for a refreshing dip!

Length:

17km

Duration:

6 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: 35867 Bruce Hwy

End: 35867 Bruce Hwy

Bowling Green Bay National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Alligator Creek

From state capital: 1311km

Latitude: -19.40613055

Longitude: 147.0052242

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Hike overview

In the Mount Elliot section of this park, Alligator Creek flows through the landscape in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls. The Alligator Falls track starts from the southern end of the Alligator Creek day-use area.

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Walk map and GPX file

Alligator Falls Track (17km)

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Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Ayr, Brandon, Giru, Home Hill, Townsville

Getting to the trailhead in Bowling Green Bay National Park.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Bowling Green Bay is a national park in the Shire of Burdekin, Queensland, Australia, 1,103 km northwest of Brisbane, and 28 km south of Townsville and 59 km north of Ayr. It is a Ramsar Convention listed Site. The park protects diverse range of habitats including the rugged, forested landscape surrounding Mount Elliot and Saddle Mountain as well as coastal estuaries between Cape Cleveland and Cape Bowling Green.

Mount Elliot rises 1,342 m and has numerous creeks on its eastern slopes, of which, Alligator Creek is the most important. The creek is a popular place to swim and to watch birds drinking the creek's water or feeding on riparian vegetation.

The parks incorporates the floodplains of the Haughton River. This includes one of the largest wetlands on the east coast of Australia. The wetland arose as the coastal streams deposited material into the calm waters of Bowling Green Bay. It is composed of mud and sand flats, swamps, isolated hills, mangrove forests and inter-tidal flats.[3] Behind the areas where mangroves grow are bare salt pan. These wide expanses are a unique characteristic of North Queensland wetlands produced by comparatively low rainfall and a short wet season that never washes the salt away.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Bowling Green Bay National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Alligator Falls Track (17km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Alligator Falls Track (17km)