North Queensland hiking
In the Misty Mountains south of Cairns, over 80 miles of walking tracks take walkers through a high-altitude rainforest and past waterfalls. Walks range from easy (7.4 kilometers round trip) to bushwalker difficult (23.4 km one way).
You don’t need a car to reach the trails; the Bally Knob Trailhead is a short walk from the township of Ravenshoe, and there are accommodations in Mission Beach, Tully, Ravenshoe, Malanda and Millaa Millaa.
The best time to walk the mountains is late March to October. Some areas are inaccessible during the wet season, November to March. Check track conditions by calling the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service at (07) 4046 6601. Visit www.mistymountains.com.au.
For longer visits, you can camp or take a camper van on designated access roads. Camping fees and vehicle restrictions apply. For campsite bookings, call 13 13 04 within Australia or visit www.smartservice.qld.gov.au/AQ.