Cairns has been blessed with tons of natural beauty. It is surrounded by the Coral Sea on one side and mountains on all the other sides. If you live in Cairns or just passing by, you’ll be silly not to get out and tackle some of these amazing Cairns hikes. 

“WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF WATERFALLS, CITY SKYLINE AND COASTLINE, THESE CAIRNS HIKES WILL TRULY AMAZE.”

Most hikes start close to sea level and rise sharply to lookouts with beautiful vistas of the city skyline or coastline. Add to this the numerous waterfalls that surround the city and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hikes with spectacular views. 

Whether you’re a local to Cairns or just visiting on a holiday, there are numerous trails and tracks to hike. They range from easy to moderate and difficult and you can choose one to suit your fitness level. 

We’ve hand-picked 20 of the best Cairns hikes that have spectacular views that start from the northern beaches all the way to Walsh’s Pyramid and everything in between. Some hikes even take you to the beautiful waterfalls that dot the area. 

Note: All our Cairns hikes are classified to be within an hour’s drive from the Cairns city centre. 

Easy Cairns Hikes with Spectacular Views

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An easy walk for all the family that takes you through the canopy, past the train station and out to the lookout. There are amazing views across the gorge. 

Length – 1.1km
Elevation gain – 60m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Barron Gorge National Park
Start/Finish – Barron Falls Car Park

Barron Falls Canopy Walk and Lookout takes you through the rainforest quite high above the ground. The walk is along a well-made boardwalk to the Barron Falls lookout and Kuranda scenic rail platform. 

The walk is peppered with information about the area and its history plus flora and fauna. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and can be viewed any time of the year. However, it is best visited during the wet season or after heavy rain to see Barron Falls at its mightiest.

The Davies Creek Falls is a short and lovely hike to the beautiful waterfall and infinity pool in Davies Creek National Park near Mareeba. 

Length – 1.1km
Elevation gain – 45m
Route type – Loop
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Davies Creek National Park
Start/Finish – Davies Creek Falls Car Park

This is an easy and quick trip up to the Davies Creek Falls near Mareeba, less than an hour from Cairns. The trail has a few inclines, some tree roots and rock steps. Otherwise, it’s a pretty easy and relaxing hike. 

This is a short walk with only one tricky section which involves some scrambling up to the rock pools. The natural infinity pool at the top is an incredible viewing spot. If you follow the track around, you will get to another swimming hole. 

The road to the trailhead is unsealed so best done in a 4WD, but can be done in a 2WD if not too wet. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime but best done after some heavy rains. 

The Red Arrow Circuit starts from the bottom of Mount Whitfield Conservation Park on Collins Avenue. This is a fairly short but steep walk up to a lovely lookout. 

Length – 1.8km
Elevation gain – 85m
Route type – Loop
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
Start/Finish – Collins Avenue

Of all the circuits in the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, the Red Arrow Circuit is the shortest and easiest. This route is a great compromise to the bigger walks found in the area still offering some lovely views of the great Cairns area. 

The circuit takes you along a paved path with many steps to climb to the top. There are plenty of seats to rest along the way, and a nice lookout with an undercover area at the top. 

From the lookout, you have a mostly unobstructed view of the Cairns Airport and airstrip. On a good day, you can stop a while and watch the planes take-off and land on the airstrip. From the lookout, you can also see the Cairns city skyline all the way to Trinity Inlet and beyond.  

There’s plenty of chances to see some wildlife along the way too. Watch out for the cute little pademelons, orange-footed scrub fowls and brush turkeys.

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The track is nice and cool in summer and sheltered in the wet. Don’t forget to spray yourself before setting out. 

Red Arrow Cairns: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

A short but incredibly steep walk starting by the eastern edge of the Cairns Airport that leads you up to the summit of Lumley Hill. 

Length – 2.1km
Elevation gain – 262m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
Start/Finish – Palmerston Street near Duplock Park

The Black Arrow to Lumley Hill is a lung buster hike but the climb to the top is well worth the effort for its rewarding views. The track starts off steep and hard, but it flattens out somewhat in the middle before it gets steep and hard again towards the top. 

If you find the Black Arrow circuit too steep going up, you can choose to come down a different trail. You can take the Blue and Red Arrow trails to form a loop back to the bottom. 

There are a few viewing points between the trees along the trail, but the stellar views are at the top of Lumley Hill. From the lookout, you get incredible views of the local Cairns area and the airport.   

This is a nice, quiet track away from the other busy Arrow circuits. Be careful when the track is wet after or during the rains as it can get very slippery.

Best Time to Visit

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

Black Arrow Cairns: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

This route around Taylor Point is a nice, short and family-friendly route that gives you some beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscape. 

Length – 2.3km
Elevation gain – 51m
Route type – Loop
Dog-friendly – Yes
Location – Trinity Beach
Start/Finish – Vasey Esplanade

This walk has some mixed reviews due to its popularity with four-wheels drivers. Due to this, the path is pitted and eroded with lots of loose stones. It can become muddy at times on parts of the track. 

Aside from this, it’s a beautiful walk especially when you get to the water where the rocks are. At low tide, you can follow the rocks around the point. Be aware that there’s a bit of rock climbing and scrambling involved here.  

Taylor Point: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

This is a straightforward and popular hike up to Earl Hill. Beautiful views await you at the lookout. 

Length – 4.3km
Elevation gain – 203m
Route type – Loop
Dog-friendly – Yes
Location – Earl Hill Conservation Park
Start/Finish – Boat Trailer Parking off Reed Road

Known as the ‘Red Arrow of the North side’, Earl Hill is a popular trail near Cairns suitable for hiking and walking for people with average fitness. The track follows a nicely formed path that zigzags up the hillside. There are a few man made stone steps along the way.  

The views from the lookout are spectacular. Expect to see amazing views of Palm Cove, Double Island, Blue Moon Bay and the mountains south-east of Cairns. 

There are two tracks to choose from. The first is an old goat track straight up with a decent incline the entire way, while the second is a newer track being a lot more gradual with switchbacks and is well maintained. You can choose either trail, and they intertwine at points too, so you can switch from one to the other.  

The new track has plenty of tree cover and sea breezes, so it remains relatively cool even when the sun is overhead. You can end your hike at the beach and have a swim at the end or opt for a lovely lunch and drink at Bluewater Hotel. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Take a bottle of water with you as it gets hot early. 

Earl Hill Summit Track: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

The Ian Evans Walk is a fairly easy walk along a narrow, one-person-wide dirt track with some interesting rock formations and views over Cairns. 

Length – 4.3km
Elevation gain – 167m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – Yes
Location – Ellen Close Reserve
Start/Finish – Ellen Close

The Ian Evans Walk is another popular walking, running and walking track located near Cairns. This is an easy rainforest walk suitable for beginners and families. 

Named after the local cane-grower Ivan Halbert Evans who remained in the area until his passing in 2002, the walk takes you through a lovely forest trail with nice views at the lookout. 

The trail is not too steep with a gradual ascent and descent. There is a BoiBoi’s viewpoint in the middle and a nice little waterfall at Toogood Road. 

The trail can be a bit confusing at the lookout with a few tracks going off in different directions. Just keep to the eastern track and you’ll be fine.  

Parking is available at both ends of the track. You can either start from Ellen Close before Pegasus Studios or Toogood Road near Pinetree Close. 

Moderate Cairns Hikes with Spectacular Views

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A short, little hike to Isabella Falls, not too far from Cairns. Lovely views of the waterfalls. 

Length – 0.8km
Elevation gain – 72m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Edmonton
Start/Finish – Waterfall Close

An enjoyable little trail located not too far south from Cairns. This trail begins and ends from the end of Waterfall Close in Edmonton.

The first waterfall is pretty easy to reach but the top falls require a steep scramble with ropes. The waterfall itself is not as grand as other falls around Cairns, but it’s very pretty nonetheless.

The rocks can be slippery when wet so please take care while climbing. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail can be accessed year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

A picturesque trail within the Barron Gorge National Park, located not too far from Cairns. A beautiful spot with waterfalls in every corner. 

Length – 2.7km
Elevation gain – 83m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Barron Gorge National Park
Start/Finish – Barron Gorge Picnic Area

The Barron Gorge River Hike is a lovely walk along the Barron River with beautiful views of a waterfall and rock pool. This route begins and ends from the Barron Gorge Picnic area on Barron Gorge Road. 

Follow right alongside the river up to Devils Pool and Waterfall and back again, passing some waterfalls on the way. 

Good shoes required for climbing up and around huge boulders and jagged rocks. 

Best Time to Visit

This trail is best done during the Dry Season. Do not attempt this hike during the Wet Season due to flash flooding and water being released by the hydro station. 

An adventurous trail within the Dinden National Park, located close to Cairns. Lovely views await from White Rock Peak. 

Length – 2.9km
Elevation gain – 423m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Dinden National Park
Start/Finish – Forster Road

The Mount Sheridan to White Rock route begins from the end of Forster Road in the suburb of Mount Sheridan. 

The trail itself is not clearly defined and there are yellow paint markers and pink ribbon on the trees to guide you. 

It’s a constant steep climb requiring some scrambling up to White Rock Peak. Take care after the rains as it becomes quite slippery along this route. There have also been some sightings of golden orb spiders along the way, so watch out. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 

A beautiful, easy and scenic walk with lots of things to see and take pictures of. Enjoy great views of the falls and the many swimming holes to take a dip in and cool off. 

Length – 3.1km
Elevation gain – 119m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Near Lake Morris Reserve
Start/Finish – Crystal Cascades Car Park

Crystal Cascades and Fairy Falls are two separate walks. The highlights of the walks are the beautiful waterfalls and the rainforest.

Crystal Cascades is an easy walk along a wide concrete track with beautiful views of the Freshwater Creek and the cascades themselves. There are many pools along the way with a large pool and waterfall at the top. There’s a small, hidden ledge behind the waterfall, but please take care while exploring. 

Fairy Falls is a rough, short track to a pretty little waterfall located in a shady spot. The fairy pool is less accessible with wet rocks to climb over. Follow the track and turn right when the path becomes very steep. Walk along the water for 70m and you will find it. 

The water here is freezing, yet rejuvenating after a hike. If that’s too cold, there’s a small pool about halfway which gets some afternoon sun. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The waterfalls are best viewed after heavy rains. 

A very scenic walk on a well-defined track leading to a beautiful lookout with fantastic views across Cairns. 

Length – 3.9km
Elevation gain – 148m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
Start/Finish – Yellow Arrow Car Park

The Yellow Arrow Track is a popular walk on the flanks of Mount Whitfield Conservation Park in Cairns. It’s a beautiful and scenic walk for all fitness levels. 

The Yellow Arrow Track is well maintained and easy to follow. It has a gentle steady incline with plenty of steps. The track climbs steadily up the hillside of Lumley Hill to a junction with the Blue Arrow Circuit which can be tacked on to this route for a longer walk. 

From the ridge where the Yellow Arrow Tracks ends there are fantastic views over Cairns Harbour and the Cairns Airport. At the lookout, stop for a break and watch the planes land or takeoff from the airstrip below. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 

Yellow Arrow Cairns: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

A lovely walk in the Dinden National Park, not too far from Cairns. Meander through the rainforest to White Rock with views over Cairns and south to Walsh’s Pyramid. 

Length – 4.8km
Elevation gain – 272m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Dinden National Park
Start/Finish – Lake Morris Road

Start the walk through the steel gate and follow the road to the top, passing the communications tower before a narrow ridge trail for approximately 2km, with the last 150m a steep drop off to White Rock. Amazing views await you from the lookout. 

The trail starts off as a steep uphill service road for about 700-800m, but then changes to a lovely shaded undulating trail. The last section is a very steep (and slippery if wet) downhill descent but worth it for the awesome views of the city and the creek, all the way to Walsh’s Pyramid. This is the best view of Cairns by far. 

Best Time to Visit

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful anytime of the year. 

The Crystal Cascades to Copperlode Dam walk heads through a variety of environments: rainforest with vines and ferns, granite outcrops, eucalypt woodland and flowing streams plus has views to the coast at a few points. 

Length – 6.6km
Elevation gain – 490m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Dinden National Park
Start/Finish – Crystal Cascades Car Park

This point-to-point walk can be started at either end but is best started from the Crystal Cascade end trailhead so you can enjoy a break by the creek at the halfway point. 

Start from Copperlode Dam Kiosk, walk back along the bitumen road, out the main gate and past the huge electricity pylon. Not far past the pylon is a locked yellow gate on the left where the track starts. Here the walking surface is of good quality and well marked. 

About halfway down you will reach another pylon with views of the coast. From here the track becomes narrow and rougher, winding down the steep grade to Crystal Creek. You can usually hear the creek and visitors as you approach and come out about 100 metres from the gate. 

A nice refreshing swim at Crystal Cascades is the perfect ending to this trek. 

The trail is accessible year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 

Crystal Cascades to Copperlode Dam Walk

Glacier Rock Lookout is a great walk that is a must-do when in Cairns. There’s great variety in this walk, from rainforests and creeks to lovely views. 

Length – 6.8km
Elevation gain – 439m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Barron Gorge National Park
Start/Finish – Stoney Creek Car Park

Glacier Rock is an undulating well-signed rainforest walk that features dense vegetation of the Barron Gorge National Park. It’s a gruelling steep uphill start but there are flat plains to keep you steady. There are a couple of detours along the route, including one to Wrights Lookout, and another to Surprise Creek which has a lovely swimming hole. The climb is worth it for the great views at the top. 

The walking trail networks in this region were formed by the Djabugandji Bama traditional owners, who developed trails that linked the coasts to highlands. 

The car park is just off of Stoney Creek Road, close to the Barron River and Lake Placid. There are several other options that leave from the same trailhead at Stoney Creek Carpark including Douglas Track. 

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

The trail is open year round and is beautiful to visit anytime of the year. Winter, however, is the best time to visit as some sections are exposed to the sun. 

Glacier Rock: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

Difficult Cairns Hikes with Spectacular Views

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An off-trail route through bushland with beautiful views of two waterfalls in Barron Gorge National Park. 

Length – 4.5km
Elevation gain – 194m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Barron Gorge National Park
Start/Finish – Stoney Creek Car Park

This is not the easiest trail to navigate as there are no markers, so it’s best to take a GPS tracker with you. There are various routes to get to the upper falls. Use the most well-trodden path. Most of the way, the trail follows the creek line and involves rock hopping in several sections. 

Stoney Creek Falls is a great place to swim plus abseiling for beginners. It’s only a 10-metre ledge but it’s straight into a deep pool, with no underlying dangerous rocks. If you’re not abseiling, take care as the ledge can be slippery and dangerous. Take ropes to secure yourself on the ledge. 

Upper Stoney Creek Falls is very beautiful with amazing views. There is about 300m of boulders to cross before you get to the rail bridge and to the Upper Falls. 

Wear appropriate footwear and be aware it can be slippery in some areas. Insect repellent is also advisable. 

A rather steep climb to the weather station atop Saddle Mountain. Rewarding views from the top.

Length – 9.3km
Elevation gain – 649m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Kuranda National Park
Start/Finish – JCU Campus Car Park

The trail starts from the JCU campus. From start to midway point, the entire trail is a wide gravel road; however, it climbs quite steeply through nice rainforest. The turnoff onto the track at halfway is easily missed.

The much narrower foot-track from halfway offers one of two views out, and as a saddle itself provides a welcome respite from the climbing. The steepest part of the entire track is towards the summit. 

Lots of slippery leaves, cobwebs, fallen trees and wait-a-whiles, so watch out while walking the trail. 

Rewarding views from the top – the best is found on the far side of the weather station so definitely make the effort to navigate around the fence. 

Saddle Mountain: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

Ian Evans Walk via Boiboi Viewpoint is a challenging trail to White Rock Peak with stunning views across Cairns.

Length – 11.4km
Elevation gain – 791m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Dinden National Park
Start/Finish – Ellen Close

This is a challenging trail that begins and ends from the end of Ellen Close in the suburb of Bayview Heights. 

The first section of the trail takes you up to BoiBoi’s Viewpoint. From here the track is relentlessly steep for the next 2 kilometres. Turn left when you hit the road and follow until you reach the official sign (there’s a sign where others park on the right then 10m up the road on the left is the actual track – you’ll need to pop through the gate). 

From there, it’s very clear where to go. Just keep following the signs. At the end, you’ll reach White Rock Peak. Keep going down a steep hill to get amazing views of all of Cairns. 

The trail is open year round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Bring plenty of water and some food. 

A challenging hike with a consistent gradient right up to the top. Amazing views from the summit when weather permits on clear days. 

Length – 6.1km
Elevation gain – 898m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Wooroonooran National Park
Start/Finish – Walshs Pyramid Car Park

Walshs Pyramid is a beautiful yet tough hike with a lot of elevation gain in a short distance. Some of the steeper parts of the trail are in the final third section of the climb so pace yourself. 

The trail is very rocky especially towards the top with plenty of rock scrambles in places. Be careful as the rocks can be slippery when wet. 

The trail is well marked with lots of orange arrows showing you the way to the top, so keep your eyes open for these. 

This route although short can take some time so be prepared and leave early so that you can take in the beautiful views at the top. 

From the summit, you can see all of Gordonvale and Cairns all the way to the northern beaches. 

The climb down is harder than it looks and can be very hard on the knees. Take plenty of water and a snack for the summit break. 

The trail is open year round and is beautiful to visit anytime. However, it’s best to start before dawn in Summer as the trail is exposed and gets very hot. 

Walshs Pyramid: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide for 2023

A tough but beautiful hike in Barron Gorge National Park, not too far from Cairns. 

Length – 11.9km
Elevation gain – 1,065m
Route type – Out & Back
Dog-friendly – No
Location – Barron Gorge National Park
Start/Finish – Stoney Creek Road

Expect a challenging ascent up to Mount Williams starting on Smiths Track and then turning left for the remaining climb past North Peak before reaching the summit. 

Initial stages are hot in the sun and loose underfoot, but cools once you’re higher up in the dense forest. 

There are two beautiful lookout points. The first lookout is known as North Peak and marks roughly the halfway point of the trail. The second lookout is at the summit. The lookouts are marked with extra pink tape so make sure to stick your head out. 

Towards the top, there are remnants of a plane with wreckage strewn across the mountain. There is also a memorial for the victims that died in the plane crash in 1986 that crashed 200m from the site. 

There are a few sightings of snakes along the Smiths Track, especially in summer, so watch out while on the track. 

Be sure to carry appropriate GPS as this hike goes off trail and may require some extra manual navigation. Bring plenty of water and some food. 

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. However, it’s best not to do this hike after the rains due to problems with leeches.  

In Conclusion

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We’ve scoured the length and breadth of the city to find the 20 best Cairns hikes with spectacular views for you to tackle on your next outing. So put on your hiking boots and hit those trails on your next day off.

If you find any Cairns hikes that you think should be on our list, please leave a comment below. 

I’d also love to know what your favourite Cairns hikes are and why you love them so.