If you’re a local or just visiting Cairns and you love getting outdoors and hiking, then a trip to Glacier Rock Cairns lookout is a must. It’s on my list of 101 Fun Things to Do in Cairns because it’s just that – a fun and enjoyable hike. However, there are certain things you need to know before attempting this hike. 

In this article, you’ll find out why people love hiking to Glacier Rock lookout as well as all the information you’ll need to plan a hike to the top. There are maps, hike statistics, directions and lots of pictures of us completing the hike. 

Table of Contents

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1. What to Expect?

2. Highlights

3. This hike is best for

4. Best Time to Visit Glacier Rock Cairns

5. Timing Your Visit with the Kuranda Train

6. Guide to Hiking Glacier Rock Cairns

7. Glacier Rock Cairns Map

8. Parking for Glacier Rock Cairns

9. Directions for Glacier Rock Lookout

10. In Conclusion

What to Expect?

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Glacier Rock is an undulating, well-signposted rainforest walk that features dense vegetation of the Barron Gorge National Park. 

The scenery starts off in deep rainforest and slowly changes to classic Aussie bush as you get higher up the track. 

“SPECTACULAR VIEWS, RAINFOREST AND AUSSIE BUSH ARE PART OF THE WALK TO GLACIER ROCK LOOKOUT.”

The trail has a gradual incline almost all the way to Glacier Rock with rare flats in between to catch your breath. The rainforest section has lots of roots and rocks on the trail so watch your footing.

The first half has great tree coverage for shade, then when you get to the bridge it is exposed and sunny for a while. A bit more shade again once you turn left. The hike culminates with a spectacular finish overlooking Redlynch and back to Cairns. 

Highlights

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• Catching a glimpse of the Kuranda train as it goes under the bridge
• Spectacular views of Cairns city skyline and beyond
• A variety of different landscapes on the hike – rainforest, Aussie bush and more

“A GRADUAL INCLINE ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP MAKES THIS HIKE SUITABLE FOR ALL FITNESS LEVELS.”

This hike is best for

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• All levels of walking experience
• A longer, steeper walk in the Cairns area
• Walking in the rainforest of tropical North Queensland
• Lovely views from Glacier Rock Lookout

Best Time to Visit Glacier Rock Cairns

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The trail is open year round and is suitable to visit anytime of the year.

It is worth the effort to start early or go late to avoid the heat on the climb, and this means you could also catch a sunrise or sunset from the top.

Timing Your Visit with the Kuranda Train

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The train to Kuranda passes at approx 9:40am and 10:40am.

If you time it right you can wave to the first train at the stairs and watch the second train pass in front of the waterfall up the top. 

Guide to Hiking Glacier Rock Cairns

Distance – 6.8km return
Time – 3 hours return
Elevation – 439m
Grade – Moderate
Track – Out & Back
Location – Barron Gorge National Park
Start/Finish – Stoney Creek Car Park/Trailhead

Gradient – Gradual incline
Quality of path – Formed track, some obstacles
Quality of markings – Sign posted
Steps – A few steps
Experienced required – Bushwalking experience recommended

Glacier Rock Cairns Map

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Parking for Glacier Rock Cairns

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Park at the Stoney Creek Car Park which is at the end of Stoney Creek Road. 

There are several other trails that leave from the same trailhead at Stoney Creek Car Park including the Douglas Track. 

Directions to Glacier Rock Lookout

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Starting from the Stoney Creek Trailhead make sure you take the discrete track to the left and follow the signs for Douglas Track until you near the top where you’ll see a sign on the left for Glacier Rock. 

The Glacier Rock trail can be broken into three sections – deep rainforest, open scrub land, followed by rainforest at the end. 

1. Deep Rainforest Section

The first section takes you through dense rainforest and is quite steep. 

The track is uphill the entire way with this section of the track having lots of tree roots and rocks that can catch your feet so take care.

It’s a beautiful section of the trail with lots of undercover protection from the sun. 

2. Open Scrubland Section

You’ll then get to the stairs and train tracks. Some people find this section the steepest bit as there are lots of stairs to climb. 

If you time your walk right you might see the Scenic Railway train to Kuranda pass below. 

Once you get past the stairs the track opens up, following the power lines with little shade. Definitely wear sunscreen and a hat. 

However, the ground is flat in this section and is a lot easier to traverse but the incline is much greater.

In my opinion, the best views of the entire track are to be found along this section. There’s even a picnic table along the way to stop for a snack and enjoy the views. 

3. Rainforest Section

Once you pass the telecommunications tower on the left, you will see a track on the left with a sign for Glacier Rock which is 1.2km to the top.

From here on, you’ll be walking in the rainforest once again till you reach the top of Glacier Rock.

Further on, the Douglas Track splits off and the track for Glacier Rock turns left and heads up. 

There’s a sign at the top that indicates you’ve reached Glacier Rock. A nice big tree provides shelter if you care to stop for a snack and a drink. The views out to the left of the tree are really lovely too. 

4. Return Trip

To return back to the car park, go back the same way you came. 

Bring your swimmers to cool off in Stoney Creek after the hike. 

In Conclusion

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One of the best hikes I’ve done in Cairns, the Glacier Rock Lookout hike is very popular with a lot of locals and righly so. Located close to the city, it’s a well-defined track that’s very manageable for all levels of experience. Plus there’s so much to see along the way – rainforest, creeks, railway tracks and trains (if you time it well), wildlife, and spectacular views to top it off. 

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Cairns, there’s many more enjoyable hikes around Cairns as well as other exciting activities and places to visit.

I love to hear from my readers. Have you hiked to Glacier Rock lookout? Please let me know what you loved most about this hike. Were there any challenges you faced along the climb? Please leave your comments below.