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National Park & Nature

Mt Whitfield

📍 Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, Edge Hill (Collins Avenue access), Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
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Quick Facts

Location
Australia, Cairns
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
Red Arrow circuit takes about 1 hour return; allow 2-3 hours to walk several trails.
Address
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, Edge Hill (Collins Avenue access), Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
Coordinates
-16.8990, 145.7600

Introduction

Mount Whitfield Conservation Park lies at Edge Hill, north-east of Cairns, beside the tropical botanic gardens, making it one of the most accessible rainforest walks in the city. The explorer George Dalrymple named the mountain in 1873 after Edwin Whitfield, a Cardwell merchant who had helped supply his expedition. A network of 'arrow' trails - Red, Yellow, Blue and Green - threads through rainforest, sclerophyll woodland and bamboo groves. The popular Red Arrow circuit is about 1.5 km, well made but steep, and a favourite of local joggers; near the top there are wide views over Cairns and the Coral Sea.

✨ Highlights

1
Red Arrow circuit
The steep but well-built 1.5 km Red Arrow loop rewards you with views over Cairns city and the Coral Sea.
2
Rainforest walking
Trails pass through Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest with figs, vines and abundant birdlife.
3
Links to gardens and arts venues
Trailheads sit near Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Tanks Art Centre, so you can combine a half-day of nature and culture.
4
Flexible trail options
Red, Blue, Yellow and Green Arrow trails vary in length and difficulty, so you can mix and match to suit your fitness.
5
Historic naming
Named in 1873 by the North-East Coast Expedition after a supplying merchant, reflecting early colonial and maritime history.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.
→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.
→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.
→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.
→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.
→Opening Hours：Open to daylight hours year-round; each trail is accessible from sunrise. Closed at night, please follow the signs at the site.
→Transportation：Drive or take a bus from central Cairns to Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, entering near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre or the Tanks Art Centre.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Free entry (Queensland conservation park).

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open to daylight hours year-round; each trail is accessible from sunrise. Closed at night, please follow the signs at the site.; admission: Free entry (Queensland conservation park)..
• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.
• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.
• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Mt Whitfield?

Open to daylight hours year-round; each trail is accessible from sunrise. Closed at night, please follow the signs at the site.

How much is the admission for Mt Whitfield?

Adult: Free; Free entry (Queensland conservation park).

Any practical tips for visiting Mt Whitfield?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Open to daylight hours year-round; each trail is accessible from sunrise. Closed at night, please follow the signs at the site.; admission: Free entry (Queensland conservation park).. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

How long should I spend at Mt Whitfield?

A typical visit takes Red Arrow circuit takes about 1 hour return; allow 2-3 hours to walk several trails..

This entry is compiled from public Australian and international travel sources. Tickets, opening hours and transport may change; please confirm with official sources on site.