Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the rich history of Queensland's Goldfield Trail, a challenging 19km hike nestled in the lush Wooroonooran National Park. Starting from the scenic Boulders Reserve, this Grade 4 trail immerses bushwalkers in tropical rainforest beauty, leading to the serene Goldsborough Valley camping area. Just a stone's throw from Wooroonooran, prepare to navigate creek crossings while enjoying the stunning views between Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker, Queensland's two highest peaks.

Length:

19km

Duration:

9 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Boulders Scenic Reserve

End: Goldsborough Valley camping area

Wooroonooran National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Wooroonooran

From state capital: 1,682km

Latitude: -17.34147789

Longitude: 145.86934089660647

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Hike overview

Follow in the footsteps of pioneering gold prospectors on a walk climbing a low saddle between Queensland's two highest peaks, Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker. The historic Goldfield Trail is a 19 kilometre path through the lush tropical rainforest of Wooroonooran National Park. It takes you from the spectacular Boulders Scenic Reserve, 7 kilometres from Babinda, to the Goldsborough Valley day-use and camping areas, 46 kilometres south of Cairns, passing picturesque creek crossings on the way.

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Walk map and GPX file

Goldfield Trail Walk (19km)

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Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Atherton, Bartle Frere, Innisfail, Malanda, Malbon, Mena Creek, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Tully

Getting to the trailhead in Wooroonooran National Park.

North-west end 46km south of Cairns, south-east end 58km south of Cairns. Both ends of the Goldfield trail can be reached by conventional vehicle but access roads, bridges and the trail may be closed due to flooding, particularly during the wetter months (December to April). The ends of the trail are over 60km apart by road and neither is serviced by public transport. Walkers should consider this before setting out and arrange transport at their destination, or consider returning to their starting point. Alternatively the trail could be walked on different days, from either the Boulders Scenic Reserve or Goldsborough Valley, as two separate return trips.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Wooroonooran National Park offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities. Walshs Pyramid provides a challenging hiking trail not far from Cairns, while Goldsborough Valley offers opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, walking and camping. Josephine Falls features a cascading waterfall and the beginning of the trail up Queensland's highest peakBartle Frere, while Palmerston (Doongan) is renowned for beautiful rainforest, wild rivers, steep gorges, cascading waterfalls and the Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Similar trails nearby

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

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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

Goldfield Trail Walk (19km)

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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

Goldfield Trail Walk (19km)