Walking options

• Wet Tropics Great Walk map (PDF, 1.8MB)

The Juwun and Jambal walks are remote and isolated Grade 5 walks that should only be attempted by very experienced walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Consider your ability and the track conditions carefully before setting out.

All of the Wet Tropics Great Walk tracks have been given traditional language names by the Traditional Owners.

Jambal walk — Blencoe Falls camping area to Blanket Creek walker’s camp — 21km return (allow 2 days) Grade 5

The Jambal walk is for experienced, self-sufficient hikers. Ensure you carry adequate drinking water for the day’s walk as there is no reliable water source until you reach Blanket Creek.

Both the Jambal and Juwun walks start to the south east of Blencoe Falls camping area, marked by an information sign. Follow a track through dry open forest before a final steep descent into the Herbert River Gorge, where the river banks are lined with shady she-oak trees.

This country is rugged and extreme. During the dry season, the land is parched and vulnerable to fire. Look for emus and kangaroos resting from the heat and listen for laughing kookaburras or screeching sulphur-crested cockatoos. Grasses dry out and some trees lose their leaves, giving the appearance of a dying landscape. With the arrival of the wet season, the countryside is inundated with water and the plants spring back to life.

For the Jambal walk, walkers camp overnight at Blanket Creek walkers' camp then return the same way.

Juwun walk — Blencoe Falls camping area to Yamanie pick-up point — 44km one way (allow 4–6 days) Grade 5

The Juwun walk is a strenuous and challenging walk, starting the same as the Jambal walk from Blencoe Falls camping area to Blanket Creek walkers' camp, then continuing along the Herbert River Gorge to the Yamanie pick-up point.

There is no designated walking track in the gorge between Blanket Creek and Yamanie pick-up point, so walkers must carefully navigate their own path. Obstacles include impassable bluffs, impassable debris in the river and thick vegetation. Walkers must expect to retrace their steps when encountering obstacles, and will need to cross the river multiple times, being aware at all times that estuarine crocodiles may be encountered.

Track notes

Beyond Blanket Creek walkers’ camp, there is no designated walking track and no identified camping sites. Walkers are permitted to camp anywhere along the gorge between Blanket Creek and Yamanie pick-up point by booking Herbert River camping zone.

Blanket Creek to Smoko Creek — 5.5km (about 3hr)

The Herbert River runs through the middle of the gorge, providing a permanent source of water for wildlife. Look for fishing sea-eagles and basking estuarine crocodiles as you walk.

Melaleucas and blue gums frame the point where the seasonal Smoko Creek runs into the Herbert River from the north-east. At the junction, large smooth boulders are scattered across the river.

Smoko Creek to the Big W — 5km (about 4hr)

The river straightens from Smoko Creek. The walls of the gorge are not as tall, and the river flattens out into a wide shallow pool.

Keep watch for bird life such as cormorants and sulphur-crested cockatoos. Sea-eagles and falcons also reside in the gorge. Sea-eagles feed on freshwater turtles, fishing them from the river. Rings of empty turtle shells can be found in the ‘drop zones’ beneath the eagles’ nests or favourite perches.

The Big W to Yamanie Creek — 10km (about 8hr)

A large bend in the river marks the start of a double bend in the river called the ‘Big W’. Here, the gorge walls close in again. Looking back upstream there are spectacular rock formations.

There is a marked change in vegetation throughout the ‘Big W’ as stands of paperbarks start to appear. After the ‘Big W’ look out for where Yamanie Creek runs into the Herbert River on the northern side. The mouth of the creek can be difficult to see from the river. Spectacular Yamanie Falls, with a crystal clear rock pool, is a 1.8km detour up Yamanie Creek.

Yamanie Creek to Orange Tree — 5.5km (about 3hr)

Returning to the Herbert River, continue past where the seasonal Herkes Creek runs into the Herbert River from the south west, and a distinctive rocky bend filled with rapids. The river then straightens into a second long pool before reaching another set of rapids.

Orange Tree to Yamanie pick-up point — 7km (about 2hr)

At Orange Tree, on the southern side of the river, follow the walking track through open forest along the banks of the Herbert River. Keep your eyes and ears open for resident wildlife. Listen for the noisy chatter of scaly-breasted lorikeets or the deep, gruff call of wompoo fruit-doves.

Small gullies are scattered throughout the open forest. If you look carefully, you might catch a glimpse of brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies or forest kingfishers as they seek sanctuary from the heat.

This country is special. It is the western boundary of the mahogany glider’s habitat. The nocturnal mahogany glider is an endangered species with only a tiny part of its habitat remaining.

Rainforest plants such as quandongs, candlenut and figs merge into the open forest, eventually closing the canopy along the last 2km of the track. You will appreciate the shade and cooler temperatures for the last part of the walk.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in Girringun National Park. Size, take and possession limits may apply. Contact Department of Primary Industries for further information. Always remember to Be Crocwise in croc country.

Staying safe

The Juwun and Jambal walks are remote and isolated Grade 5 walks that should only be attempted by very experienced walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Consider your ability and the track conditions carefully before setting out.

Never walk alone. Small groups of four are ideal.

The Juwun walk is a strenuous walk following the Herbert River Gorge. There is no designated walking track in the gorge between Blanket Creek and Yamanie pick-up point, so walkers must carefully navigate their own path. Obstacles include impassable bluffs, impassable debris in the river and thick vegetation. Walkers must expect to retrace their steps when encountering obstacles, and will need to cross the river multiple times, being aware at all times that estuarine crocodiles may be encountered.

River safety

Always follow these guidelines:

• Water should only be collected from shallow, flowing rapids. Treat water before drinking.
• Only cross the river at shallow rapids. Be careful, rocks may be extremely slippery.
• Wear sturdy shoes when crossing. Sharp rocks can cause discomfort and bullrouts (freshwater stonefish) live in the river. If stung, seek medical attention.
• Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit the waterholes, creeks and rivers along this track. View how to ‘Be Crocwise’ below.

Be Crocwise

Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit the waterholes, creeks and rivers you will cross during this walk. Crocodiles can be dangerous. Do not take unnecessary risks and remember to Be Crocwise to reduce your risk of crocodile attack when crossing waterways:

• cross in full daylight – never at dawn, dusk or at night
• cross only in shallow, clear water where you can see the bottom.

The best way you can Be Crocwise is to keep out of the water, stay more than 5m from the water’s edge and keep a sturdy object like a boulder or tree stump between yourself and the water. Camp at least 50m from the water’s edge.

Beware of wild cattle and pigs

Wild cattle and pigs may be encountered in this area. Never startle or approach these animals and ensure they have a clear path to escape. Never camp near areas where they frequent. Walking through the gorge can be slow and difficult due to rocky surfaces. While animal trails may make the walking easier, keep a careful watch for wild cattle and pigs.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Remember to tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Let them know your route and contact them on your return. Have a contingency plan in place if you fail to contact them by the agreed time. If you change your plans, inform them.

Essentials to bring

The Juwun and Jambal walks are remote and there are no facilities. Walkers must be fully self-sufficient and pack the right equipment and bushwalking gear.

• Pack a first-aid kit including a space blanket and snake bandages and know how to apply first aid. It may save someone’s life.
• Take adequate clothing. Be prepared for all weather conditions including rain.
• Wear sturdy, reliable footwear. Make sure your footwear has been worn in before you start your walk.
• Bring a topographic map and a compass or a GPS to help you accurately pinpoint your location. There is no designated walking track in the gorge between Blanket Creek and Yamanie pick-up point. Some maps may show a walking track along the Juwun section of the Herbert River George – be aware that no formed track exists and use any mapped tracks for general guidance only – they are not to be relied upon for navigation.
• A quality lightweight, waterproof tent and a lightweight sleeping bag and sleeping mat will make your trip more enjoyable.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
• Wear insect repellent, clothing and shoes to protect yourself from stings, scratches and bites.
• Bring a small hand trowel and biodegradable toilet paper.
• Take a torch or headlamp.
• Pack a pocket knife.
• Take a gas or liquid fuel stove with spare fuel. Open fires are not permitted. Remember to include a lighter or waterproof matches.
• Lightweight cooking and eating utensils and a container for washing dishes will make meal times easier.
• Ensure you bring water-carrying containers big enough to carry a day’s water.
• Carry adequate drinking water. Treat water collected from creeks and rivers and know how to Be Crocwise in croc country.
• Take waterproof bags for keeping clothing and bedding dry, and for storing rubbish.
• Pack nourishing lightweight, compact food and high-energy snacks. Allow 1–2 days’ worth of extra food.
• Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is very limited and should not be relied on.

Opening hours

Girringun National Park is open 24 hours a day. The Juwun and Jambal walks are closed every year during the wet season typically from 1 December to 31 March but variable dependant on season. Flooding or high river levels make the walk unsafe during this time. This seasonal closure may be extended depending on weather conditions.

Additional closures may occur for management purposes including pest plant and animal control.

Walk softly

We need your help to protect this area and keep it in its natural state. Please aim to leave no trace.

• Never chase, scare or feed animals.
• Take all rubbish with you including food scraps.
• Use fuel stoves only. Open fires are not permitted (except at Blencoe Falls camping area: conditions apply).
• Wash at least 50m from creeks and rivers. Use gritty sand, hot water and a scourer instead of soap to clean dishes. Avoid allowing soap, detergents, toothpaste and cosmetics to come into contact with water resources.
• Toilet facilities are not provided within the gorge. Use a trowel to bury toilet waste and paper. Dig a 15cm deep hole at least 100m away from watercourses and tracks. Take all sanitary items with you as they do not decompose.

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

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