GO ON, TAKE A HIKE

ITCHING FOR AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE? TRY THESE HIKING TRAILS NEAR CAIRNS

GOT half a day free and want to experience some of the best nature in the Far North?

Then strap on your boots, fill up your water bottle and head out to enjoy these short, awesome walks in and around Cairns.

EARL HILL SUMMIT TRACK Difficulty: Challenging Length: 1km to the top, one hour return

What: The big hill that divides Trinity Beach and Trinity Park is a favourite of early morning walkers. With its punishing incline at the start of the walk, you amble through rainforest and eventually hit the summit, where you are rewarded with a spectacular view looking out over Trinity Beach and Double Island. The walk is dog friendly too. Access the track off Flagship Drive, Trinity Park. THE ARROWS (RED, BLUE, GREEN AND YELLOW) Difficulty: Medium-challenging Length: 1.3km (Red), 5.4km (Blue), 3km (Green) and 2.3km (Yellow). The Red, Blue and Green tracks can be completed as a return trip, starting from Edge Hill or Whitfield, to make a 10km loop.

What: These tracks offer some of the best short bushwalks within the city’s limits. All of the arrows link up, so depending on your time and fitness level, you can tailor-make your hike to suit whatever taste. A great way to experience Mt Whitfield National Park is by starting with the Green Arrow at Whitfield and walking all the way to the Tanks Arts Centre, finishing with lunch and a cuppa. Entry points are located at Collins Ave (Red, Blue), Bel Air Drive (Green) and Aeroglen Drive (Yellow). BEHANA GORGE (PICTURED)

Difficulty: Easy-medium Length: 6km return, 90 minutes What: This has long been regarded as a “secret” spot for hiking and swimming, particularly in our hot and humid summer months. The walk starts at an easy level but eventually gets steeper as you reach the top of the gorge, making it challenging enough for you to work up a sweat and really appreciate the swimming hole once you reach the end. Access via the Bruce Highway, 30 minutes’ drive south of Cairns, about 5km past the turn-off to the Gillies Highway turn right into Behana Gorge Rd.

CRYSTAL CASCADES TO LAKE MORRIS

Difficulty: Challenging Length: 2.7km one way, one hour What: Few people walk this strenuous track, but those who tackle the steep climb to Cairns’ main water supply are rewarded with one of the best views in the city. 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. If you take on the walk as a return trek, reward yourself with a dip in the cooling waters at Crystal Cascades. Access the walk at Crystal Cascades in Redlynch Valley.