Wet Tropics Great Walk (70km)

The track notes are written from the Wallaman Falls end. Reverse the notes if starting from either Henrietta gate or Yamanie pick-up points. If you begin at Henrietta Gate or Yamanie pick-up points, reverse the directions accordingly.

Day 1: Wallaman Falls to Pack Trail Campsite (23km)

Your journey begins at Wallaman Falls, following an old forestry track through diverse landscapes. Expect she-oak woodlands, open forests, and pockets of rainforest teeming with ferns and palms. Keep an eye out for vibrant Ulysses butterflies flitting through the foliage and forest kingfishers perched on branches.

Around the 5km mark, you'll encounter a large clearing, once a forestry quarry. The landscape is slowly recovering, and this scar will eventually disappear. Further along, remnants of an old forestry camp stand as a testament to the area's past. Garrawalt Creek, 7.2km further, provides a perfect lunch spot. Look closely in the rock pools for a glimpse of a platypus or hear the splash of a water dragon entering the stream.

After lunch, you'll cross three more creeks. Fill up your water containers at Flagstone Creek, the last water source for nearly 14km. Continue for another 4.4km to reach your overnight destination, Pack Trail campsite.

Day 2: Pack Trail Campsite to Yamanie Campsite (13km)

Today's walk offers a glimpse into the past as you traverse a section of the Dalrymple Track, built in the 1860s by George Dalrymple for transporting supplies. Be prepared for a steep descent on uneven terrain. Take a break halfway down to enjoy panoramic views across the Herbert River Valley.

At the base of the hill, you'll pass through a large scrubby gully. This is where the Buujan Quiinbiira walk diverges for the Yamanie Campsite. You can walk directly to the campsite or continue along either side of Herbert River to explore further along Yamanie Trail.

The Yamanie Trail section offers a pleasant walk through open forest along the Herbert River's high banks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like noisy scaly-breasted lorikeets or the deep call of the wompoo fruit-dove. Look for pockets of riparian rainforest with large fig trees, a testament to changes in soil and moisture levels. You might even spot a platypus in the river or freshwater turtles basking on logs. Remember, crocodiles are present, so only cross the river at designated points.

Day 3: Yamanie Campsite to Stony Creek Campsite (15.5km)

Along this section, keep an eye out for a grove of cycads, ancient plants dating back to the era of dinosaurs. Roughly 4km from Yamanie Turn-off, Garrawalt Creek provides an excellent spot for a rest.

Continue for another 4.4km to reach Stony Creek campsite, where you'll set up camp for the night.

Day 4: Stony Creek Campsite to Henrietta Gate Pick-up Point (18.5km)

Fill up your water bottles before leaving, as there won't be any available for nearly 13km. While some sections may show signs of past grazing and introduced species, this area is crucial habitat for the endangered mahogany glider. Conservation efforts are underway to control these threats.

Stop for lunch and refill your water bottles at Henrietta Creek before tackling the final leg. After another 6km, you'll pass Lemon Tree Gully, named after the resident lemon tree that still bears fruit. Only 5.2km remain until you reach Henrietta Gate, your pick-up point.