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If you’re visiting Cairns, just moved here or have lived here for many years, a hike along the Earl Hill summit track is a great way to explore the northern beaches. This is a popular trail because it takes you to the picturesque Trinity Bay lookout.
“The Earl Hill Summit Track Takes You To Trinity Bay Lookout.”
If you’re keen on hiking the Earl Hill summit track, keep reading to find everything you need to know to tackle this trail.
About the Earl Hill Summit Track
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The Earl Hill summit track is a good short walk established in the Cairns northern suburbs.
Situated between Trinity Beach and Yorkey’s Knob, Earl Hill is the highest “bump” along the Cairns northern beaches.
The hike is a great way to explore the northern beaches of Cairns and get a bird’s eye view of this beautiful area.
Earl Hill is a relatively easy walking track, suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s great for an early morning walk or run, or just to get the blood pumping.
Highlights include
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- Spectacular views overlooking the ocean
- Well formed track
- No experience required, so anyone can tackle this trail
- Lots of different options for the return trip
- Seats spaced along the track to sit and enjoy the view
- Beautiful trees and shrubs
This hike is best for
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- Beautiful scenery and ocean views
- An easy morning walk
- Trail running
- Tourist sightseeing
- Taking dogs on a leash
Best Time to Hike Earl Hill Summit Track
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The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. However, mornings are best to tackle this trail.
Take a bottle of water with you as it gets hot early.
Guide to the Earl Hill Summit Track
Hike Statistics
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Length – 3.4km return
Time – Allow about 1.5hrs walking time
Elevation gain – 194 metres
Route type – Loop
Dog-friendly – Yes
Location – Earl Hill Conservation Park
Start/Finish – Boat Trailer Parking off Reed Road
Gradient – Short steep hills
Quality of path – Unsealed track
Quality of markings – Clearly sign posted
Steps – Few steps
Experienced required – No experience required
Earl Hill Summit Track Maps
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Parking for Earl Hill Summit Track
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Access to the walk to the top of the hill starts just off Reed Road.
About 1.5km down the road you might be lucky enough to notice the carpark sign. The sign is on the right – the carpark on the left. This is the “official” car park with a short walk to the beginning of the track a couple of hundred metres away.
Walk over the bridge at the end of the car park, turn left and up the road to the info kiosk on the right. The track commences directly opposite the info kiosk.
Directions for Earl Hill Summit Track
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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 follows a nicely formed path that zigzags up the hillside. There are a few man made stone steps along the way. The track has plenty of tree cover and sea breezes, so it remains relatively cool even when the sun is overhead.
As you walk up the track, you will notice benches placed at several viewpoints along the way. These have been placed at specific points for you to sit and enjoy the lovely views of the coastline and ocean.
The views from the lookout and up to the lookout are spectacular. Expect to see amazing views of Palm Cove, Double Island, Blue Moon Bay and the mountains south-east of Cairns.
The Return Trip
There are a couple of ways to return back to the start.
- You can return the way you came.
- You can extend the hike by following the Bakarra Track Loop (details below) to Half Moon Bay and walk back along Reed Road. (route shown in map)
Extension to Earl Hill Summit Track: Bakarra Track Loop to Little Earl Hill
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Length – 4.3km return
Time – Allow about 2hrs walking time
Elevation gain – 221m total
The Bakarra Track forks off to the right on the Earl Hill summit trail about 1.5 km up. It cuts across to the coast ridge to Little Earl Hill where there is a lookout 100m up the hill.
Back down the hill the trail continues along the ridge all the way down to the beach at Half Moon Bay. Most of the trail down to the beach is made up of steps.
Follow the beach along to where the trail heads to the right inland to the parking area at the end of Reed Road. The loop is completed on the road.
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.
In Conclusion
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The Earl Hill summit track is popular for many reasons. Firstly, it takes you to the picturesque Trinity Bay lookout with amazing views of the beautiful Coral Sea. Secondly, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Lastly, it’s a short walk so it doesn’t take a long time to complete.
I love hiking the Earl Hill summit track and I hope you do too.
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. Please let me know if you liked hiking the Earl Hill summit track. Leave your comments below.
