It’s best to avoid the walk when the top of the mountain is covered in cloud or after wet weather. Water is not available along the trails so come prepared with extra water bottles and always inform a friend of your plans.
Kahlpahlim Rock Trail traverses Dinden National Park, leading you to the summit of Kahlpahlim Rock (also known as Lambs Head). At a staggering 1,300 meters above sea level, it's the highest point on the Lamb Range. The sheer size of the rock and the panoramic views over the Davies Creek catchment are awe-inspiring.
Lambs Head is a challenging hike, but achievable with a good level of fitness and proper footwear. The steepest sections require sturdy hiking boots or trail runners for good traction.
There are two scenic yet demanding trails leading to the top: Kahlpahlim Rock Trail and Ridge Trail. These trails converge near the summit, allowing you to create a loop circuit for the descent.
- Start early: Take advantage of cooler morning temperatures and ample daylight for the return journey, which can take several hours.
- Check the forecast: Avoid hiking when the summit is clouded over or after heavy rain.
- Bring plenty of water: No water is available on the trails, so plan accordingly.
- Inform a friend: Let someone know your hiking plans for safety reasons.
Total distance: 10362 m
Max elevation: 1293 m
Min elevation: 675 m
Total climbing: 715 m
Total descent: -714 m
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The trailhead for Kahlpahlim Rock Trail is located along Davies Creek Road, Lamb Range, Queensland 4870, Australia.
From Cairns, travel towards Kuranda via the Kennedy Highway. After passing the Kuranda turn-off, travel a further 21km before turning left on to Davies Creek Road. This gravel road is corrugated and unsuitable for caravans.
Upper Davies Creek camping area is on Davies Creek, 10km along Davies Creek Road - 3.8km past Lower Davies Creek camping area. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Davies Creek and Dinden national parks are on the Atherton Tableland.
Between camp sites 3 and 4 is the start of the Turtle Rock circuit trail. Continue driving along Davies Creek Road, past camp sites 5 and 6, to reach the start of the Kahlpahlim Rock (Lambs Head) trail. Continue along Davies Creek Road to camp sites 7 and 8.
Also within Dinden National Park, enjoy the scenic drive along Clohesy River Road and walk the Clohesy River fig tree boardwalk. Clohesy River Road is accessed from the Kennedy Highway (9km north of the intersection with Davies Creek Road or 10km south of Kuranda). Access is only by four-wheel-drive vehicles and the creek crossings may be impassable after rain. All vehicles must be road registered.
Roads within Davies Creek and Dinden national parks may be closed in the wet season (December to April) due to flooding or after heavy rain for maintenance. Visit the Bureau of MeteorologyExternal link icon for updated weather reports.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
