Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 883m
Min elevation: 31m
Total Ascent: 858m
Hike overview
Walshs Pyramid is an independent peak, rising 922m, with a distinct pyramid appearance. There is a steep 6km return walking track to the summit. Walkers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding ranges and local landscape.
Situated at the northern end of Wooroonooran National Park, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Walshs Pyramid is a granite core left standing in the form of a pointed hill after older, less resistant metamorphic rocks were eroded away.
The track up Walshs Pyramid is steep and rocky, with stunted vegetation that offers no shade. Although a difficult track, walkers who make it to the summit are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding ranges and local landscape. Return to the start of the walk via the same track. Walkers should take plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and start the walk in the morning to be sure of returning before it gets dark.
Wooroonooran National Park is open 24 hours a day. Walkers planning to climb Walshs Pyramid are urged to leave in the morning and allow plenty of time to return before dark. There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
During the wetter months, from December to April, there are frequent, heavy downpours. Maximum temperatures through the wet season generally range from 27–33°C, with high humidity.
The cooler, drier months from May to September are the best times for walking. The weather is pleasantly warm during this time, with reduced humidity and maximum temperatures averaging 26°C.
Track grade
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.
Practical information
This is a strenuous walk suitable for fit walkers only. Consider your ability and track conditions before setting out.
Start walking in the morning and allow plenty of time to return before it gets dark.
Stay clear of cliff edges—serious injury or death may result from a fall.
Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Carry adequate drinking water—water is not available along the track.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 883 m
Min elevation: 31 m
Total climbing: 858 m
Total descent: -858 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Wooroonooran National Park.
From Cairns travel 25km south along the Bruce Highway, past Gordonvale. About 800m south of the Mulgrave River bridge (Desmond Trannore bridge), turn right onto Moss Road. Follow the signs along this gravel road to the car park where the walking track begins.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Atherton, Bartle Frere, Innisfail, Malanda, Malbon, Mena Creek, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Tully
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 peak—Bartle Frere, while Palmerston (Doongan) is renowned for beautiful rainforest, wild rivers, steep gorges, cascading waterfalls and the Mamu Tropical Skywalk
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Wooroonooran National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





