Best trails in Macalister Range National Park
Macalister Range National Park was established, as the name suggests, within the Macalister Mountain Range in the Cairns Region of Queensland. The park provides protection to an important swatch of cassowary habitat as well as a region of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Macalister Range rises steeply from the coast, reaching a height of 880m at the summit of Mount Charlie, and looks out over the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
While there is limited public access to the park, great views of the range can be had on a drive along Captain Cook Highway from Port Douglas to Cairns.
Top trails
- 4.6 (520)·Moderate·4.6 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is an awesome trail located between Cairns and Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. If you're driving from Cairns headed north, you need to drive a few hundred metere's past Hartleys Creek Crocodile Farm on the highway and you will see on your left Hartleys creek retreat. Park on your left and you will see a track just against the fence line. The trail features a decent uphill early on in the walk and from there the track has a series of ups and downs but nothing too strenuous. About...
- 4.4 (118)·Moderate·8.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrFor a proper up-and-over adventure between two of the region's best beaches, this leg of the Wangetti Trail delivers the goods. Connecting the holiday buzz of Palm Cove with the chilled-out sands of Ellis Beach, the track offers a solid workout through lush rainforest and open eucalypt forest. The path itself is well-engineered, with a series of snake-like switchbacks that help tame the climb, and impressive stone pitching that keeps the track stable. Starting from Palm Cove jetty, you will...
- 4.3 (60)·Moderate·4.8 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrDeep in the coastal rainforest of Tropical North Queensland, this stunning new trail offers an adventurous taste of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. As the first completed stage of the much larger Wangetti Trail, this stretch connects the chic esplanade of Palm Cove to the laid-back sands of Ellis Beach. The track is a purpose-built, dual-use path designed for both hikers and mountain bikers. Starting with a gentle wander through suburban streets and across the Captain Cook Highway, the...
- 4.0 (28)·Moderate·4.7 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrHartleys Creek Falls via Quaid Road is a pleasant trail that visits a stunning waterfall with a swimming hole at its base. This route follows dirt tracks and gravel roads exploring the lovely natural scenery of Macalister Range National Park. Starting from Hartley's creek trailhead the track involves some short, steep patches. to the waterfall and swimming hole. This is a great spot to take a breather and cool off. The area is very peaceful with lots of birdlife and interesting flora at...
- 3.8 (5)·Moderate·10 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThe Twin Bridges track follows the route of the original Black Mountain Road, to the east of where the current road lies. The trail leaves from from Black Mountain Road and re-joins it a few kilometres from the Bump track. The trail is shared by hikers and mountain bikers, however horses and trail bikes are not permitted.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Macalister Range National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Macalister Range National Park is Hartleys Creek Falls, which has a 4.6 star rating from 520 reviews. This trail is 4.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 685 ft.
What is the longest trail in Macalister Range National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Macalister Range National Park is Twin Bridges Track. This trail is estimated to be 10.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Macalister Range National Park?
There are 5 trails in Macalister Range National Park.These trails have an average 4.2-star ratingfrom 730 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Macalister Range National Park?
Twin Bridges Track has the most elevation gain with 1,450 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Ellis Beach via Wangetti Trail, which has 1,056 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Macalister Range National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Macalister Range National Park and the most popular is Ellis Beach via Wangetti Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 117 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Macalister Range National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Macalister Range National Park which is Ellis Beach via Wangetti Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 117 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Macalister Range National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Macalister Range National Park and the most popular is Ellis Beach via Wangetti Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 118 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Macalister Range National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Macalister Range National Park, including Hartleys Creek Falls and Hartleys Creek Falls via Quaid Road.
