An entire information to tackling the Mount Bartle Frere Hike to summit Queensland’s tallest mountain. Path data, in a single day tenting choices and all the things else it’s worthwhile to know.
Mount Bartle Frere is positioned within the Wonooroonan Nationwide Park, roughly 51 KM from Cairns. It’s the tallest mountain in Queensland, and one in every of my private favorite hikes in all of Australia.
The Mount Bartle Frere hike is a fairly steep climb however affords a few of the finest views round Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. It may be accomplished in a single lengthy full-day hike, or you’ll be able to camp close to the summit at a chosen Mount Bartle Frere tenting website.
Attending to the Mount Bartle Frere Monitor
The climbing observe begins on the carpark for Josephine Falls, positioned 51 KM southwest of Cairns close to the city of Babinda.
I’ve pinned the precise location of the trailhead on Google Maps under
When you’re making an attempt the summit over two days and also you need to camp, then it’s doable to depart your automobile there in a single day without spending a dime.
On the Josephine Falls carpark, you’ll see an indication pointing in the direction of the Mt Bartle Frere observe simply previous the observe to Josephine Falls.
The Japanese Strategy to the Summit
This observe takes the extra standard jap strategy to the summit. This observe is tougher and steeper than the western aspect. Nonetheless, it’s extra scenic, very effectively marked and nearer to Cairns.
Mount Bartle Frere Mountaineering Information
Right here’s some fast abstract details about the Mt Bartle Frere hike that will help you out. For extra detailed data on the route, learn on a bit of additional.
Mount Bartle Frere Length
The Mount Bartle Frere hike is normally tried over two days. It takes roughly 4.5-5 hours to achieve the summit at a fast tempo with little stops and in nice climate.
We departed from Josephine Falls carpark at first mild, at round 6:45 AM and made the summit at 12:15 PM. Whereas it’s positively doable to achieve the summit and descend on the identical day, it’ll be a bit of rushed and positively powerful on the knees.
As an alternative, there’s a campsite often called Japanese Summit Camp, the place you’ll be able to arrange a tent and select to both summit on the identical afternoon or within the morning.
Distance
The whole distance as marked on the paths and knowledge from QLD Parks states that the full distance to the summit is roughly 9 kilometers. Nonetheless, on the Mount Bartle Frere observe, we clocked about 11 kilometers, doable because of the winding turns in the course of the ascent. This appears to match what others have been getting on Strava.
Our mixed climbing distance for the ascent and descent was simply wanting 23 kilometers return.
Elevation
Mt Bartle Frere is Queensland’s tallest mountain with an elevation of 1611 meters above sea stage. It’s a strenuous and tedious climb to the summit, with a mean gradient of 20-degrees in most sections.
Problem
You is likely to be questioning; “How laborious is the Mt Bartle Frere Hike?” The observe is taken into account very tough, with lengthy segments of steep climbs, some even vertical. In saying that, you received’t require any technical climbing abilities, only a respectable diploma of health to achieve the summit.
Whereas it’s not Australia’s tallest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere is certainly a extra bodily tough hike than the titleholder; Mt Kosciuszko.
Tenting on Mount Bartle Frere
If you wish to camp on the path, you’ll want to purchase a allow. That is solely about $6 AUD, and whereas there in all probability received’t be anybody there to examine, the cash goes to rainforest conservation, so is effectively spent.
Mount Bartle Frere Hike: GPX Route
Under you’ll discover the observe that I took to the summit. All through the hike, you’ll discover markings each kilometer, normally discovered on rocks. There are additionally colored ribbons alongside the path that will help you not get misplaced.
When you keep on the principle Mount Bartle Frere observe, then you definitely’ll be taking the identical route that I’ve. You probably have a GPS health watch like a Garmin, otherwise you need to comply with the route with an app, you’ll be able to obtain the GPX file under. Observe that the precise elevation knowledge received’t be 100% correct. Plainly my Garmin’s altimeter was about 50M off on the summit.
GPX File: Obtain
My Strava: Go to
It’s also possible to obtain the official QLD Parks Mount Bartle Frere map right here.
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Greatest Time to Hike Mount Bartle Frere
The most effective time to climb Mount Bartle Frere is within the dry season, from March to September. This season affords cooler climate, much less rain, and significantly better climbing circumstances general.
It’s doable to climb Mount Bartle Frere within the tropical moist summer season season, nevertheless, it might get very moist and slippery. The leeches are additionally recognized to be fairly treacherous throughout this season.
Climate and Local weather
Mount Bartle Frere is a part of the larger Bellenden Ker Vary, which additionally has a peak with the identical title. These mountains appear to have their very own climates and generate their very own cloud and rain patterns.
The foothills of the mountain are typically fairly heat and humid, consisting principally of tropical rainforest. As soon as you start your ascent, you’ll discover that the climate cools and shifts to cloud forest climates.
As a result of distinctive climate and local weather of Mount Bartle Frere, the summit and surrounding ranges are usually 10 levels cooler than the coast. Because of this in the event you’re trying to camp, then it might get fairly chilly at evening, even in Summer time.
Josephine Falls Carpark to Huge Rock Camp
The primary two kilometers are very simple. You’ll get pleasure from a mild warm-up stroll by means of unbelievable tropical rainforest, typical of the Cairns coast and particularly Wooronooran Nationwide Park.
After roughly 3 kilometers, you’ll make the primary river crossings, one straight after the opposite. Within the dry season, this was calm and straightforward to cross. Nonetheless, I can think about it may movement fairly laborious within the moist season.
Shortly after, you’ll attain Huge Rock Camp, the place there’s a small area for a tent. To the left would be the path to Damaged Nostril Lookout, nevertheless, you’ll must comply with the path to the suitable which results in the Mount Bartle Frere summit.
Associated: Kahlpahlim Rock Hike
Start the Ascent to Mount Bartle Frere
Virtually instantly after diverting from the Damaged Nostril Lookout path, you’ll discover the incline start. There are brief segments of intermittent, vertical root climbing and gradual climbs.
Kilometer 4 and 5 are the hardest by far. This part may be very steep and steady at a relentless incline. You’ll have some vertical sections the place you’ll be able to climb the thick roots straight up the mountain. Don’t fear, it’s not technical, just a bit laborious on the legs.
Breaking Out of the Rainforest
At roughly 6KM, you’ll start to note the terrain altering to giant boulders, a few of which you’ll must climb over. Quickly after this, you’ll escape of the thick rainforest and be rewarded together with your first views.
Comply with the indicators on the rocks as you scramble up the boulders within the clearing.
Shortly after, and simply earlier than the 7KM mark, you’ll discover the emergency hut and evacuation helicopter pad often called the Japanese Summit Camp.
Congratulations, the worst of the hike is behind you.
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Mt Bartle Frere Japanese Summit Camp: The place to Camp
The emergency hut could be a helpful spot to get out of the weather and alter your garments. Somewhat additional up the path previous the helicopter pad and thru the brief shrubs is a small clearing giant sufficient for a two-man tent.
From the Japanese Summit Camp, it’s solely one other 45 minutes or so to achieve the summit. Now is an effective time to evaluate how a lot daylight stays, and whether or not or to not summit within the morning.
Take into account, if in case you have sufficient daylight and you’ve got clear climate, then I’d suggest taking pictures for the Mount Bartle Frere summit. Clouds typically linger within the morning making the boulder scramble forward slippery. You’ll even have higher dawn views from the camp spot than on the summit.
That is one of the best spot to camp, with unbelievable views proper out of your tent door on the Coral Coast under.
RELATED POST: Cairns Hikes: 36 Greatest Hikes in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland
Approaching the Summit
Simply additional up is a false peak. The following part is usually boulder scrambling, which is less complicated because of the bolted rails. Nonetheless, this may be very slippery and tough within the moist season.
After clearing the false summit, there’s a brief part of flat terrain lined in skinny bushes. In my view, this part has one of the best 360-degree views you’ll get on the Mount Bartle Frere hike.
After this, you’ll as soon as once more be drawn into the rainforest, taking the winding path and a remaining steep climb to the summit
Mount Bartle Frere Summit Views
The Mount Bartle Frere summit is pretty anti-climatic, particularly contemplating the steep effort. It’s not rather more than a small clearing shrouded in taller timber and an indication.
You received’t have any views on the very prime, nevertheless, there’s a boulder to your left as you strategy which you’ll be able to stand on and get wonderful views of the Tablelands.
Dawn on High of Queensland’s Tallest Peak
Contemplating spending the evening under the height of Queensland’s tallest mountain? Hopefully, these dawn pictures encourage you to take a bit of longer.
The Descent
You probably have somebody to choose you up, and also you need to through-hike. Then it’s doable to proceed down the Western Ridge. Nonetheless, in the event you determine to descend on the identical aspect, then you definitely’ll simply must comply with the identical path that you just got here in on.
The descent is far simpler, nevertheless, may get a bit of laborious in your knees. It took us roughly 4 hours to achieve Josephine Falls carpark from the Japanese Summit Camp.
Josephine Falls
What higher solution to have fun the summit than a swim in a tropical rainforest waterfall? Josephine Falls is just a brief 700-meter sprint from the carpark and is certainly well worth the go to.
READ THE FULL BLOG POST: Josephine Falls – Wooronooran Nationwide Park, Cairns
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