The Red Arrow Cairns circuit track in Mount Whitfield National Park is one of the busiest and most popular hiking and running tracks in town. If you’re a hiker and visiting Cairns, it’s one of the best things to do in Cairns on a holiday.

Located in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park in Cairns, the Red Arrow is the shortest and busiest of the four Arrow Circuits. The track is popular with local hikers and runners who come here daily to walk, run and climb the Red Arrow circuit.  

So what makes it so popular and why should you tackle this busy track? 

Here are 11 reasons why you should hike the Red Arrow Cairns track.

11 Reasons to Hike the Red Arrow Cairns Circuit

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1. The Red Arrow track is the shortest circuit in Mount Whitfield National Park, making it quick to hike
2. It’s easily accessible being very close to the city centre
3. There are great views of the Cairns airport and city skyline from the Red Arrow lookout
4. It’s easy enough for all fitness levels
5. It’s short so families can take their kids for a hike
6. Pack some food and take a snack break at the Red Arrow lookout located at the top of the circuit
7. It’s steep so it’s great for training and to increase your fitness level
8. Information about the vegetation and wildlife is provided on interpretive boards along the walk
9. It’s shaded by vegetation so hikers are protected from the sun
10. There’s lots of wildlife to see along the way – brush turkeys, kangaroos, monitor lizards and more
11. It connects to the Blue and Yellow Arrow Circuits for people who want a longer walking trail

Highlights

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• Short, steep climb to the top
• Lots of steps making it a solid workout
• Lovely views overlooking the Cairns Airport, waterfront and beyond

Best Time to Visit

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Mornings are the busiest but you can visit anytime of the day or anytime during the year. Most of the track is shaded so you will not be exposed to the sun.

Guide to Hiking the Red Arrow Cairns Circuit

Distance – 1.5km return
Time – Allow about 1hr walking time
Elevation – 85m
Grade – Moderate
Track – Loop
Location – Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
Start/Finish – Collins Avenue

Gradient – Short steep hills
Quality of path – Formed track
Quality of markings – Clearly sign posted
Steps – Many steps
Experienced required – No experience required

Red Arrow Cairns Circuit Map

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Parking for the Red Arrow Cairns Circuit

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There are plenty of parking spots on Collins Avenue right in front of the starting point for the Red Arrow Circuit. Mornings can get busy but there are still a few spots available at all times.

Directions for the Red Arrow Cairns Walk

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Begin the walk from either the trail head near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre or to the east of the Tanks Art Centre. Initially the track follows Cowley Creek through palm groves and rainforest. After about 300m from either starting point, the tracks come together at a large stand of bamboo. 

“THE RED ARROW CIRCUIT STARTS FROM EAST OF THE TANKS ART CENTRE.”

From this point the track becomes a circuit.

Follow the track to the right and you will immediately start to climb the hill slope through a thick grove of fish-pole bamboo. Beyond the bamboo on the ridge overlooking the airport you enter open woodland and grassland. Past the bamboo, the track continues uphill through open woodland to two lookouts, providing great views of the city, the coast and the busy Cairns airport. 

The path then curves around the western, sheltered side of the ridge past the start of the Blue Arrow Circuit and descends through rainforest to complete the circuit. 

Information about the vegetation and wildlife is provided on interpretive boards along the walk. 

Extensions to the Red Arrow Cairns Track

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The Red Arrow Circuit connects to the Blue Arrow and Yellow Arrow Circuit which allows you to extend your hike should you wish to.  

Things to Look Out for Along the Red Arrow Track

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• Signs along the track that identify some of the interesting trees.
• Wildlife such as Secretive Bush Kangaroos, Pademelons, Orange-Footed Scrubfowls and Brush Turkeys 
• Views of the city skyline and the coast 
• Planes taking off and landing at the Cairns airport
• Sunrise views from the lookouts

“THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO SEE ALONG THE RED ARROW WALKING TRACK.”

Official Map of Mount Whitfield National Park

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Photos of the Red Arrow Cairns Walk

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In Conclusion 

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I love the Red Arrow circuit track because it’s a quick and fun way to get out and incorporate some exercise into the day. It’s a busy track so I’m always meeting people along the way which is great as I like to socialise. Last of all, it’s very relaxing to sit at the lookout and watch the planes take off and land every few minutes. 

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 completed the Red Arrow Cairns circuit walk? Please let me know if you liked this hike or not. Leave your comments below.