Barron Gorge National Park

The Basics

Barron Gorge National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. The area is part of the Djabugandji Aboriginal people’s traditional lands, and their ancient walking paths serve as hiking trails of varying lengths, some equipped with boardwalks. For a watery adventure, opt for some white-water rafting on the Barron River. Alternatively, you can see the park from the comfort of the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is no fee to enter the park.

• The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is wheelchair accessible. The Barron Falls walkway is also wheelchair accessible but requires assistance.

• Be aware that some areas of the park are home to estuarine crocodiles as well as large cassowary birds, which can be aggressive if provoked.

How to Get There

There are many entry points to the park. The lower section of the park is 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Cairns, and the upper section is 16 miles (27 km) from the city. There is no public transportation to or in the park, so you must have a vehicle or join a guided tour to reach the area.

When to Get There

The Barron Gorge National Park is located in the tropical north of Queensland, and the climate is hot and humid all year round. While you can visit at any time, it is best to avoid the wet season (Sept–April), when there are frequent rains and even thunderstorms. The park is open 24 hours a day.

The Wet Tropics Heritage Area

The Barron Gorge National Park is part of the Wet Tropics Heritage Area, a huge region that reaches from Cooktown to Townsville. The area’s rainforests are extremely important from both a biological and ecological perspective, because they offer scientists and visitors an unparalleled look at how the continent’s flora and fauna evolved over the past 100 million years. To enjoy more of this biodiversity, head to the Daintree Rainforest and Wooroonooran National Park.