Our area is made to be explored

You will be pleased to hear was named not for the reptile but for a local scout group known as “The Alligators”. This sandy-floored swimming hole and rainforest fringed picnic area is located 6 km north of Tully.

Picturesque picnic and swimming spot situated in the shadow of the Bellenden Ker range and accessed by a sealed road.

A steady climb around the hill slopes leads to the summit where a lookout offers spectacular mainland and island views.

Walk from the Tully Gorge Camping area. A short and wheelchair accessible (with assistance) walk leads through the rainforest noted for it’s butterflies which are best seen between September & February.

Visit the six little villages along this picturesque drive that takes you through the rich green hills of the hinterland.  You past fields of sugar cane, banana farms (make sure you stop and pick up some fresh bananas from the roadside stalls), cattle properties and historic sites and attractions.

Bicton Hill was used as a lookout by the Djiru Aboriginal people and, later, as a ship lookout by the Cutten brothers, the area’s first permanent European residents. The forest canopy on the exposed side of Bicton Hill is dominated by sturdy species such as swamp box and milky pines while Alexandra palms flourish on the sheltered side. Vulnerable Arenga palms and ancient cycads grow near the summit.

Starting across the road from the Lacey Creek day-use area, this trail climbs over quite steep terrain, meanders through rainforest, crosses several creeks— one requires wading—and exits 2 km further east along the El Arish–Mission Beach road. This is the same exit as the Musgravea track.

This is a very pretty, small, secluded beach virtually in the rainforest. The added attraction of this pretty bay is that you are almost certain to spot one of the local cassowaries.

Home to more than 190 species of birds with some, such as the jabiru, nesting here each year. Here you will encounter rare and protected species found nowhere else in the world. Crocodiles, cassowaries and marine animals such as dugongs can all be observed in their natural habitat.  Make sure you take your binoculars and insect repellent.  Stand at the lookout and watch the crocs catching the barra!  Take local advice in wet season though before entering this area – not all the natives are friendly!

Dunk Island the largest of the Family Islands—was made famous by the ‘beachcomber’, E. J. Banfield, who wrote about his life on this tropical island paradise. Cloaked in dense rainforest with woodland on exposed slopes, Dunk Island is dotted with sandy beaches and rocky headlands, and surrounded by fringing reefs.

From the Dunk Island Spit, stroll to Muggy Muggy Beach (3 km, 1 hr return) or hike the more strenuous Mount Kootaloo track to the 271 m summit for spectacular views (7 km, 3 hrs return).

Located 7 km east of Kurrimine Beach, Dunk Island can be reached by private boat and or by water taxi from South Mission Beach.

From the Licuala day-use area, this track, with sections of boardwalk, meanders through fan palm forest. The impacts of Cyclone Yasi—fallen trees and sawnoff trunks—are most evident here. Cassowaries sometimes appear from the surrounding forest and then melt away again. A shorter (400 m) loop track— the Children’s Discovery walk—follows ‘cassowary footprints’ to the ‘nest’.

This year is the 100^th year commemorations of a super cyclone hitting the town back in 1918.  Do the town walk to admire the Art Deco buildings that were built after the super cyclone left just 12 houses standing.  These beautiful buildings have recently been resorted to their former glory.   Keep an eye out for any concerts in the shire hall, the building is beautiful and well worth a visit.

The falls are well signposted from the highway and are a favourite local swimming hole.   Park in the picnic area which has picnic facilities and bathrooms.  Take a short walk to a beautiful setting at the base of Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland’s highest mountain. Great for older children – slide down the natural rock slippery dip in the waterfall!  Be sure to follow the safety signs.

From the Lacey Creek day-use area, this track loops through rainforest, and along and across Lacey Creek. Lookouts over the creek allow for fish and turtle spotting. It is best to start from the cassowary information shelter and walk in an anticlockwise direction. Cassowaries sometimes appear from the surrounding forest.

Wander among the rainforest along the 350m elevated walkway.  Walk amongst the canopy of World Heritage Rainforest with fabulous views of the Johnstone River.  Climb the 37m high tower for the most spectacular views.

Mount Bartle Frere is Queensland’s highest mountain at 1,622m.   There is a walking track but this should only be tackled by fit and experienced bushwalkers.  If you are up for the challenger you will be rewarded with a fantastic view at the summit.

Murdering Point Winery is recognised as a unique exotic tropical fruit winery with not the most welcoming of names!  During a visit to the winery you will be invited to taste the wines and learn more about the connection between the rich local history and the development of the winery and it’s name.

From the Licuala day-use area, this one way track heads north, traversing through rainforest and exiting on the El Arish–Mission Beach road, 2 km east of the Lacey Creek day-use area (same exit as the Dreaming trail). The track is suitable for dry weather access and requires a medium level of fitness.

The Musgravea track is also accessible to mountain-bike riders. This is a multi-use track so riders should exercise caution and give way to walkers.

This award-winning attraction is a must-do in our area. Take a tour of this Spanish castle set amongst the rainforest and marvel at one man’s dream.

Put this one on your must-do list for a fascinating insight into how the cane is crushed and made into sugar.