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Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park

  • Nature, culture and history

    • Park alerts and park summary

    Getting there and getting around

    Wallaman Falls is located 51km south west of Ingham. Travel west from Ingham along Abergowrie Road to Trebonne. From here, the route is well signposted. While part of the road is unsealed, it can still be accessed using a conventional vehicle. Care is required on the range, which is slippery when wet. Towing caravans is not recommended.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks or facilities in this section of Girringun National Park.

    Park features

    The Wallaman Falls Section of Girringun National Park forms part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It boasts spectacular scenery and an array of plant and animal life. The creeks and rivers are home to platypus, eastern water dragons and saw-shelled turtles. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the reclusive musky rat-kangaroo or the endangered southern cassowary.

    Natural, cultural and historical values make this region a truly special place. We invite you to explore the park, learn about its history and enjoy the diverse plant and animal life.

    Read more about the nature, culture and history of the Wallaman Falls Section of Girringun National Park.

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Wallaman Falls campground is located adjacent to Stony Creek. Gas barbecues, picnic tables, shelter sheds, water and a shower are provided. Remember to treat all water before drinking.

    Camping permits are required and fees apply.

    If you prefer to rough it, then limited bush camping opportunities exist as part of the Wet Tropics Great Walk. These are "hike-in" sites and the camper needs to be totally self-sufficient.

    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around the towns between Townsville and Cairns. These include hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, hostels, farm stays, eco-lodges, caravan parks and commercial camping areas.

    For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Things to do

    Walking

    Wallaman Falls provides a gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walk. With 110km of walking opportunities, including short and overnight walks, there is something for everyone.

    (1) Banggurru walk — 800m return (Allow 45mins) Grade: Easy

    The Banggurru (Bun-gu-roo — turtle) walk provides an opportunity for the whole family to experience some of the beauty of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, in the rainforest along the banks of Stony Creek. Read more about this walk

    (2) Jinda walk — 1.6km return (Allow 2hrs) Grade: Moderate

    The Jinda (Yin-da — falls) walk goes to the base of the falls. Be prepared for a steep descent and ascent on unstable surfaces. A moderate level of fitness is required. Read more about this walk

    (3) Buujan Quiinbiira walk — 37.5km one way (Allow 2 days) Grade: Difficult

    The Buujan Quiinbiira (Boo-jun quin bee-rr-ar) walk is an overnight section of the Wet Tropics Great Walk, from Wallaman Falls to Yamanie Section pick-up. Read more about this walk

    (4) Jagany walk — 56.8km one way (Allow 3 days) Grade: Difficult.

    The Jagany (Jar-gar-nee — goanna) walk is a section of the Wet Tropics Great Walk, from Wallaman Falls to Henrietta Gate. Read more about this walk

    (5) Gugigugi walk — 38.3km one way (Allow 2 days) Grade: Difficult.

    The Gugigugi (Goo-ji goo-ji — butterfly) walk is an overnight section of the Wet Tropics Great Walk, from Henrietta Gate to Yamanie Section pick-up. Read more about this walk

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Picnic tables, toilets and water are provided at the day-use area and the falls lookout. A barbecue is available at the day-use area

    Fishing

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

    Viewing wildlife

    Use a spotlight or strong torch with a red filter to reveal the nocturnal inhabitants of the park. Hold the light close beside your face and look along the beam to see frogs, spiders, possums and other creatures. The red filter will avoid causing stress to the animals.

    Lookouts

    The main lookout at Wallaman Falls provides a view of Stony Creek as it plunges 268m in a clear single fall, often through a rainbow-fringed cloud of mist. Wallaman Falls is the highest permanent, clear drop waterfall in Australia. A second lookout provides stunning views of the gorge and the Herbert River Valley.

    Things to know before you go

    Essentials to bring

    Opening hours

    Girringun National Park is open 24 hours a day. Some walks may be closed during the wet season, between September and May. Additional closures may occur for management purposes including weed and feral animal control.

    Permits and fees

    All camping areas within Girringun National Park require a camping permit and fees apply. Campsites must be booked in advance and a tag with your booking number displayed at your campsite. Maximum length of stay is 22 days. Fees apply.

    Pets

    Please leave your pets at home; domestic animals are not permitted in Girringun National Park.

    Climate and weather

    To ensure your experience is fun and comfortable, try to visit between April and September when the weather and track conditions are at their best.

    Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. Frosts can occur in some elevated areas. Please carry suitable clothing to accommodate all extremes. July to October is generally the driest period, but heavy rain can fall at any time.

    For further information see the tourism information links below.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available from local towns such as Ingham, Cardwell and Townsville.

    Staying safe

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

    Looking after the park

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

    Park management

    The Wallaman Falls Section of Girringun National Park was originally gazetted as part of Lumholtz National Park. Lumholtz National Park become Girringun National Park in 2003. The Wallaman Falls Section is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It is managed for the purposes of nature conservation and nature-based recreation.

    A management plan for Girringun National Park will be produced in the future.

    Tourism information links

    Flinders Mall Information Centre (Townsville Enterprise Ltd)
    Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

    For information on road conditions contact:

    RACQ (The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland)
    • www.racq.com.au (see Motoring, Road Safety and Road Conditions Report)
    • ph 1300 130 595 for 24 hour road reports

    Further information

    Rainforest and Reef Information Centre
    • 142 Victoria Street, Cardwell
    • PO Box 74, Cardwell QLD 4849
    • ph (07) 4066 8601
    • fax (07) 4066 8116
    • email hinchinbrook.camp@epa.qld.gov.au
    • A partnership between QPWS and the Cardwell Shire Council, managed by Great Green Way Tourism Incorporated
    EPA Reef and National Parks Information Centre
    • Old Quarantine Station, Pallarenda
    • PO Box 5391, Townsville QLD 4810
    • ph (07) 4722 5224
    • fax (07) 4722 5222
    • email tsv.infocentre@epa.qld.gov.au
    • Open 8.30am–5pm Monday–Friday, except public holidays and Christmas to New Year
    EPA Customer Service Centre
    • 160 Ann Street, Brisbane
    • PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
    • ph (07) 3227 8185
    • fax (07) 32278749
    • email csc@epa.qld.gov.au
    Smart Service Queensland (for camping bookings)

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    Last updated: 08 December 2008