Stoney Creek to Barron Falls Lookout

6 h 30 min to 10 h

18.1 km
return

↑ 1068 m
↓ -1068 m

Hard track
Starting from the end of Euodia Close, Barron Gorge, this walk takes you to the Barron Falls Lookout and back via multiple trails following the scenic Barron Gorge, crossing multiple creeks along the way. Embark on an adventurous journey in and out of the rainforest alongside a magnificent gorge. You’ll be overwhelmed by the vast views over the river and cute little picnic tables where you can refuel as you take in the scenery. On top of that, you’ll have multiple chances to swim in the refreshing waters of Surprise Creek and Stoney Creek, so remember to bring your swimmers with you. The lively rainforest is home to southern cassowaries and possums, along with the interesting Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo. Keep an eye out for the rare bird species such as the orange-footed scrubfowl and the noisy pitta as well. While you’re in the area, consider having a ride on the awarded Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which takes you high above the Barron Gorge, giving you an opportunity to view the raging waters of Barron River in the wet season. Start early to avoid the heat and the possible crowd. Keep in mind that you can make this into a one-way trip if you arrange transport to Barron Falls Road, as well as the Wrights Lookout Road along the way. 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.
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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-16.8757478,145.6667414)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Captain Cook Highway, 1
  • Turn on to Kamerunga Road, 91 then drive for 3.5 km
  • Turn right onto Stoney Creek Road and drive for another 330 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Stoney Creek Road and drive for another 1.4 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Stoney Creek Road and drive for another 420 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Stoney Creek Road and drive for another 105 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the end of Euodia Close(60 metres southwest of roundabout/intersection with Stoney Creek Road), head towards the metal gate near the “Barron Gorge National Park” sign. Head over/around the gate and follow the trail as it leads you to Stoney Creek. 30 metres after you pass the creek, turn right at the intersection to continue along Stoney Creek to Barron Falls Lookout Track.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the rock pools along Stoney Creek, a great place to reward yourself after the hike with a dip in the water. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 120 m turn right.
The starting point of an alternate access track. An alternate access point from/to Douglas Track Road. Details below.
After another 610 m continue straight, to head along Douglas Track.
After another 820 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right).
After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 520 m pass the picnic table (5 m on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Glacier Rock Lookout, where you can get great views over Cairns. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 315 m (at the intersection of McDonalds Track & Douglas Track) veer right, to head along McDonalds Track (a walking track).
After another 2.3 km continue straight.
After another 750 m cross the ford.
After another 1.5 km come to the "Wright's Lookout" (25 m on your right).
Turn left, to head along Wrights Lookout Road.
After another 75 m head through/around the gate.
After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Wrights Lookout Road.
After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Barron Falls Road & Wrights Lookout Road) turn sharp right, to head along Barron Falls Road.
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Barron Falls Road.
After another 180 m turn left.
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 175 m long)
Then come to the viewpoint (9 m on your left).
After another 200 m turn right.
After another 140 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 55 m come to a viewpoint.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 9 km to get back to the start.

This optional side trip takes you to the rock pools along Stoney Creek, a great place to reward yourself after the hike with a dip in the water.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Weir Track.
After another 550 m come to "Rock Pools".
Rock Pools
Rock Pools

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The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 550 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Glacier Rock Lookout, where you can get great views over Cairns.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Douglas Track & McDonalds Track Start heading along Douglas Track (a vehicle track).
After another 660 m (at the intersection of Douglas Track & Glacier Rock Lookout) turn sharp left, to head along Glacier Rock Lookout (a footpath).
After another 260 m come to "Glacier Rock Lookout".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 920 m to the main route.

An alternate access point from/to Douglas Track Road.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Douglas Track.
After another 230 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Stoney Creek to Barron Falls Lookout


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 18.1 km
Time 6 h 30 min to 10 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
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