Dam fine view for walk buffs

FEW people walk this strenuous track, but those who tackle the very steep climb to Cairns’ main water supply are rewarded with one of the best views in the city.

It can be tackled either from Copperlode Dam, or Crystal Cascades, depending on your fitness level.

Starting at Crystal Cascades at Redlynch, the Lake Morris track winds up through dense rainforest, where you may be lucky to catch sight of some of the wild denizens of the Wet Tropics, including cassowaries.

The walk itself may be tough going if you are going up, but the track is easy to follow. There is amazing scenery to admire along the way.

If you wish to walk the journey one-way, the easiest option is to take two cars, leaving one at the Crystal Cascades carpark, and then driving back to Copperlode Dam to trek downhill to the Crystal Cascades carpark.

Starting from the 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 good quality and through rainforest.

About half way down you will reach another pylon with passes views to the coast. From here the track becomes narrow and rougher, winding down the steep grade to the creek.

Picture: MARC McCORMACK NATURAL BEAUTY: The scenic Crystal Cascades park at Redlynch.

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE Starting from the Crystal Cascades carpark, walk up the concrete path past the second picnic area and you will see a sign on you left to walk up the hill. If you take on the walk as a return trek, start and finish at Crystal Casca SPLASH DOWN: Chloe Harley and Kira Applebee cooling off at Crystal Cascades.