The Goldfield trail allows visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of Wooroonooran National Park. The trail links the Boulders Scenic Reserve and Goldsborough Valley day-use and camping area and travels through a lush tropical rainforest with refreshing creek crossings.

Originally the trail was a rough track from the coast over a saddle in the Bellenden Ker Range. Prospectors created the track in the 1930s, eager to reach the north-west slopes of Bartle Frere in search of gold. Although the trail fell into disuse when the goldfield failed to live up to its promise, the trail was re-opened in 1986 as an international volunteer project and is now popular with visitors.

The north-west half of the trail follows the banks of the East Mulgrave River along an old logging track, through stands of trees and sections of high grass.

Read more about the nature, culture and history of the trail.

At the Boulders Scenic Reserve, the trail starts beyond the children’s play area, near the toilets. Take the right-hand path at the Y junction and cross the wooden bridge. The trail follows Babinda Creek upstream and after 1km enters Wooroonooran National Park. The trail leaves the main creek edge but continues along flat ground, crossing several smaller creeks. This section was partly logged before being declared Bellenden Ker National Park in 1921. The park name was changed to Wooroonooran National Park in 1994.

After about 3km the trail rejoins the creek and starts to climb steadily for the next kilometre or so. There are no grand views from this trail but about 4km from the start the first of many glimpses of the high Bellenden Ker Range can be seen through the trees. At about 4.5km there is a fairly large creek lined with king ferns. Walkers wanting to do a shorter 4–5hr return walk should turn back here (see map).

After crossing the creek the trail becomes slightly wetter with more king ferns. Red-bellied black snakes are reasonably common, sunning themselves in patches of sunlight. These are venomous snakes and should be avoided. At about 5.5km the trail crosses another picturesque creek with mossy boulders and large king ferns. Take a break and listen for the calls of rainforest birds: the raucous screams of sulphur-crested cockatoos or the chatter of smaller bush birds like scrubwrens and thornbills. Look for Australian brush-turkeys turning over leaf litter on the forest floor.

From this creek the trail climbs steeply but beyond 6km it becomes undulating, with more views of Bellenden Ker Range. The ground is quite rough and care should be taken, especially after wet weather. After some fairly steep climbs and descents visitors may hear the roar of the East Mulgrave Falls, about 2km away.

After about 8km the trail follows a ridge with valleys dropping away to the left. Some very steep descents eventually bring walkers to flatter ground and a series of creek crossings. Beyond the 9km mark there is a wide creek crossing and the forest opens out. Follow the trail for a further 2km to reach the causeway over the East Mulgrave River. Not far beyond this it joins the Mulgrave River.

The clear, deep pools of the river are a refreshing sight. Camping is permitted at the Mulgrave River (Goldfield trail) camping area but permits must be booked in advance. There is a toilet, but no other facilities. Please note that after heavy rain it may be impossible to wade across the East Mulgrave River causeway.

From the causeway the trail follows a wide, former logging track along the banks of the Mulgrave River, crossing numerous creeks. Rainforest, with some picturesque strangler figs, arches over much of the trail with abundant native gingers at ground level. After 15km the trail crosses an area of high grass with views of Kearneys Falls to the right. Another 4km brings walkers to the Goldsborough Valley camping area and the end of the trail.

The trail may also be walked in the other direction, starting from the Goldsborough Valley camping area and finishing at The Boulders Scenic Reserve.

Read more about the nature, culture and history of the trail.

Getting there and getting around

• Goldfield trail map  (PDF, 188.8KB)
• Wooroonooran National Park map  (PDF, 357.7KB)

The Goldfield trail links the Boulders Scenic Reserve, 7km from Babinda, and Goldsborough Valley day-use and camping areas, 46km south of Cairns.

Both ends of the Goldfield trail can be reached by conventional vehicle but access roads, bridges and the trail may be closed due to flooding, particularly during the wetter months (December to April). The ends of the trail are over 60km apart by road and neither is serviced by public transport. Walkers should consider this before setting out and arrange transport at their destination, or consider returning to their starting point. Alternatively the trail could be walked on different days, from either the Boulders Scenic Reserve or Goldsborough Valley, as two separate return trips.

See Queensland Traffic for information about road and travel conditions.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

North-west end

The north-west end of the trail is at the far end of the Goldsborough Valley camping area, 46km south of Cairns. Travel 24km south of Cairns along the Bruce Highway and turn right onto the Gillies Highway at Gordonvale. Continue along this road for 6km to the Goldsborough Valley turn-off on the left. Cross Peets Bridge and continue for 16km through farms and cane fields to the camping and day-use area. The last 5km is unsealed, narrow and winding but suitable for conventional vehicles, with caution. Please drive slowly and watch for wildlife and oncoming traffic.

South-east end

The south-east end of the trail is at the Boulders Scenic Reserve, 7km west of Babinda. Drive 57km south of Cairns along the Bruce Highway to Babinda. Turn right into Munro Street and follow the signs to The Boulders Scenic Reserve.

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair-accessible gate is located at the start of the Goldfields trail. This is a locked gate but keyed with an MLAK series lock, so is accessible to all disabled persons with an MLAK key.

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet at Mulgrave River (Goldfield Trail) camping area.

There are wheelchair-accessible toilets and day-use areas at both ends of the trail.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Wooroonooran National Park is open 24 hours a day. The Goldfield trail may be closed during the wetter months, between December and April. Additional closures may occur for management purposes including pest plant and animal control. All walkers should check trail conditions before planning a trip.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Goldfield trail safely and Walk with care.