Glacier Rock via Douglas Track - Barron Gorge National Park

This map was created using GPS Visualizer's do-it-yourself geographic utilities.

Please wait while the map data loads...

Route: Stoney Creek Trailhead, Douglas Track, Cairns-Kuranda Railway, Glacier Rock Lookout, Glacier Rock

Date: 12/03/2024
From: Kamerunga

Parking: Stoney Creek Trailhead
Start Point: Stoney Creek Trailhead
Finish Point: Stoney Creek Trailhead
Region: Barron Gorge National Park

Route length: 7.4 km
Time taken: 02:30
Average speed: 2.9km/h
Ascent: 583m
Descent: 582m

Points of Interest: Glacier Rock

Craving a scenic challenge instead of a relaxing day on the reef? Then lace up your boots and set your sights on Glacier Rock! This popular hike at the Barron Gorge entrance offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cairns. It's also a fantastic introduction to the unique beauty of Queensland's tropical rainforests, making it a perfect choice for adventurous visitors.

The Douglas Track was once part of a network of Aboriginal walking tracks that traversed the traditional Djabugay lands between the tableland and the coast  In the period of early European contact the network of walking tracks was adapted by gold miners, cattle drovers and railway workers to cater for pack horses. 

The hike begins at Stoney Creek Trailhead where there are a handful of parking spaces at the entry point to the Barron Gorge National Park. A concrete path leads to a causeway and bridge over the creek. Just after crossing the causeway, there is a sign for the Douglas Track and a path leading into the rainforest to the right. 

Stoney Creek

One of the first things you'll notice (unless you are a Queensland local) is how humid it is hiking in the rainforest. I was barely 100m from the car park and already drenched. Another thing to be wary of is the stinging trees and their distinctive heart-shaped leaves. They are common in the rainforest and, as their name suggests, can leave an extremely painful, long-lasting sting.

The start of the Douglas Track

The track climbs steadily through the lush rainforest where it joins a historic railway construction track that traverses the face of the Stoney Creek Gorge. While already having worked up a sweat thanks to Queensland's intense humidity you'll start encountering some of its eight-legged inhabitants. The Giant Golden Orb Weaver spiders like to hang large webs between the trees and, despite their size, can be easy to miss as you make your way along the trail. Fortunately, they are completely harmless if you do end up blundering into a web, as I almost did.

One of several unnamed creeks along the way

There is the occasional sign to guide the way

The Douglas Track

In the depths of the rainforest

The track is indistinct in several places

Orb Weaver spider

The Doulgas Track, indistinct at times, climbs to reach the Kuranda-Cairns railway line, crossing via a metal overpass. In 1888, during the construction of the line, a huge navvy camp boasting three hotels was located between here and Glacier Rock. Nowadays, the Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of Cairns' most popular tourist attractions, partly because it stops at the spectacular Barron Falls (not visible on this hike). It would be great if you could time your hike to intercept the train but it only runs up and down a handful of times each day.

A view into Barron Gorge below Red Peak

Barron River

The Cairns-Kuranda Railway

Crossing the railway line

The Cairns-Kuranda Railway

The stunning Barron Falls

Once you've traversed the railway tracks, the trail tackles the ascent of Red Bluff. A series of stairs and switchbacks will take you up the incline. As you emerge, power lines will guide you along the path until you reach the McDonald Track junction. The climb rewards you with the first glimpses eastward towards Cairns and the Barron River delta.

Climbing Red Bluff, following the powerlines

Views over Cairns

One of the Red Bluff switchbacks

The McDonald Track continues northwest towards Barron Falls while the Douglas Track descends back into the rainforest before a short climb to its highest point at Glacier Rock / Bunda Bulurru.

Re-entering the rainforest

The trail in this section was very muddy

The Douglas Track

Steeped in cultural significance, Bunda Bulurru served as a traditional meeting ground for the Djabugandgi Bama people. Look beyond the Glacier Rock sign for a hidden gem. Tucked away amidst the trees at the cliff's edge lies a small opening, offering a breathtaking panorama of the coastal lowlands and distant mountain ranges.

View from Glacier Rock

Mount Whitfield

View from Glacier Rock

Barron River, just after a major flood

After marvelling at the view, it was time to make tracks back to the trailhead by reversing the route down Red Bluff and through the rainforest to Stoney Creek.

Returning along the access trail

Kamerunga

A bench with a fine view of Red Peak

The last of the views over Cairns

Descending Red Bluff

Rainforest

The Douglas Track

More rainforest...

...and more creeks

Stoney Creek

A favorite among Cairns hikes, Glacier Rock offers a winning combination of accessibility and stunning scenery. With its close proximity to the city and a well-maintained trail, this hike caters to a wide range of fitness levels. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rainforest before being rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.