About Dalrymple Gap

Park features

Dalrymple Gap walking track is a full day walk for experienced and fit walkers only. The track is steep in sections, passing through open eucalypt forest and rainforest with numerous creek crossings. The cool, fresh rainforest air is a welcome relief after the steep climb up the Cardwell Range where huge strangler figs reach well above the forest.

Near the top of Dalrymple Gap, on the coastal side, is an historic brick-lined bridge. The bricks were brought from Scotland, and the bridge has an interesting stone-pitched face. Drill holes and grooves in rocks along the edge of the track show where they were split to widen the track.

Looking after the park

Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Help keep these places special by following these guidelines.

• Always stay on the walking track. Do not cut corners or create new tracks.
• Do not interfere with cultural sites.
• Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park—they disturb native wildlife.
• Never chase, scare or feed animals.
• Do not feed wildlife, including birds and fish—it is harmful to their health.
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Do not bury rubbish—take it with you when you leave. This includes cigarette butts, which do not decompose.
• Toilets are not provided. To guard against pollution and disease, bury human waste and toilet paper at least 15cm deep and 100m from the carpark, walking tracks and any water bodies.

Remember that this is a national park—everything is protected.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

The Dalrymple Gap walking track forms part of Girringun National Park, which was first gazetted as Lumholtz National Park in 1992. It was renamed Girringun National Park in 2005.

Girringun National Park is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Traditional Owners and the Wet Tropics Management Authority, to conserve the area's natural, cultural and historic values.

Tourism information links

For tourism visitor information centre locations see Discover Queensland. For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.