Barron Gorge National Park Tropical North Queensland

McDonald track winds through steeply undulating rainforest Photo credit: © HolidayTravelTV.com

Barron Falls, Jodie Cross © Queensland Government

McDonald track near Kuranda

This historic track links Wrights lookout to Douglas track. It winds in and out of rainforest with lovely views over the Barron Gorge and lower Barron Falls.

Journey type: Walk
Distance: 4.7km one way one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested: Allow 2hr walking time
Grade: Moderate (walk)

Accessible by

Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

Walking

This historic track, linking Wrights lookout near Kuranda to Douglas track, is part of the Barron Gorge National Park long-distance walking track network. The walk follows a service road with moderate grades and a rough, slippery surface, providing a direct pedestrian route linking Kuranda and Kamerunga. The first 1.4km section of the track is to the bridge at Surprise Creek. This track winds through steeply undulating rainforest and then open woodland before descending steeply to picturesque Surprise Creek. Upstream from the bridge there are deep, clear pools and tumbling rapids. Some walkers turn around at the bridge and return the way they came.

For those continuing past the bridge, the track climbs steeply and, about 2km past the creek, the rainforest opens up into grassland. The track winds in and out of rainforest, following the power line corridor, before linking up with the Douglas track, just before Red Bluff. This track provides lovely views over Barron Gorge and lower Barron Falls.