Starting near the end of Karnak Road, Whyanbeel, this hike/scramble takes you to the summit of Devil’s Thumb and back via the Manjal Jimalji Track. The summit provides you with exceptional views over the coast and surrounding mountains. You’ll be able to see the Mossman lowlands, the Dagmar Range and the Thornton Peak on a clear day. The eastern Kuku Yalanji people named this place ‘Manjal Jimalji’, which is also used for the track. Notice the environment change as you ascend, and with it, the birdlife and vegetation. This is a challenge that will test you mentally and physically, but the rewarding view and the feeling of conquering this challenge makes it worthwhile for many. Schedule your journey on a clear, dry day to avoid leeches and make sure you get the views that you came for. Bushmans spray, long sleeves and pants and grippy footwear is recommended. You’ll need a high level of fitness and lots of water for this hike. Turn back if it becomes too dangerous or you feel like you’re not going to make it back before nightfall. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Warning This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills. Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Captain Cook Highway, 44 then drive for 10 km
Continue onto Captain Cook Highway and drive for another 11.9 km
Keep left onto Miallo Bamboo Creek Road and drive for another 2.9 km
Turn left onto Whyanbeel Road and drive for another 4.4 km
Turn left and drive for another 185 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started Near the end of Karnak Road, Whyanbeel, head west along the extension off Karnak Road for about 170 metres. Veer right before the gate to join the Manjal Jimalji Track. 330 metres in(from the start), veer left at the 4-way intersection to continue along Manjal Jimalji Track to Devil's Thumb. Look for pink/orange tapes throughout the track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
After another 150 m veer right, to head along Manjal Jimalji Track.
After another 160 m continue straight, to head along Manjal Jimalji Track.
After another 220 m veer left, to head along Manjal Jimalji Track.
After another 4.9 km come to "Devils Thumb / Manjal Jimalji".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 5.4 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Manjal Jimalji Track to Devil's Thumb
Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length
10.9 km
Time
7 h to 10 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required
High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)