The Glacier Rock Hike seemed a tough climb some 1400 ft in 4k, from the bottom of the hill up to Glacier Rock at the top of the Barron gorge near Kuranda. Probably seemed harder as it was a very hot, very humid and no breeze climbing through the tropical rainforest. Still it was an awesome view over Cairns and out to the barrier reef.
From the Rainforest Estate North of Cairns, the track follows an old sealed road up to a water tank and then winds through the scrub up to the Cairns-Kuranda railway line. From the nearby bridge you can continue climbing up to Red Bluff where McDonalds Track links in from Wrights Lookout. Red Bluff offers spectacular views down the valley, across Cairns suburbia and to the coast. This area has some historical significance, containing old railway and mining camps. From Red Bluff you can continue to climb along the ridge to Glacier Rock. Here is a wonderful spot to rest and take in the glorious scenery of the gorge below and the coastal vista beyond.
If you stand in Cairns and look towards the hills chances are you’ll find Glacier Rock its hard to miss. From most places in Cairns you can spot the large slab of rock-face that sits like a sentinel at the entrance of Barron Gorge, stark against the rainforest.
I took the Gandal Wandun Link Track (1.2 kilometres) to walk from the Douglas Track to Smiths Track closer to the Speewah end of the walks.
The walk from Glacier Rock to Speewah is through upland rainforest with frequent ups and downs and small streams. I kept an eye out for cassowaries and was sure I heard one not to far away. There was also Cassowary droppings on the track.
