The Kahlpahlim Rock Hike, also referred to as Lamb’s Head, is a mountaineering path positioned close to the city of Mareeba, Queensland. That is an pleasurable hike that may be tried year-round and leads by way of each dense pine forest and thick, tropical rainforest.
On the summit, hikers can get pleasure from expansive views of Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. In case you’re in for a strong half-day hike to among the finest views close to Cairns, then positively give this one a go.
Kahlpahlim Rock Location
The Kahlpahlim Rock hike is positioned within the Dinden / Davies Creek Nationwide Park, close to the city of Mareeba, roughly 1 hour and quarter-hour from Cairns. Though it appears quite a bit nearer to Cairns on the map, you’ll have to drive across the Nationwide Parks and in the direction of the Tablelands to get entry to the trailhead.
How To Get Right here
There aren’t any guided excursions or corporations that I do know of that organise journeys to the Kahlpahlim Rock hike. Which means the easiest way to get right here is to drive to the trailhead your self.
As talked about, it should take nearly 1 hour and quarter-hour to achieve the trailhead from Cairns. Start by heading up the winding Kennedy Freeway, previous Barron Falls and Kuranda. From Kuranda, proceed for an additional 25 minutes on the identical freeway till you attain Davies Creek Highway on the left.
This street results in Davies Creek Falls, which is a worthwhile cease to chill off after the hike. Proceed previous the waterfall and the a number of designated tenting websites (previous web site 6) till you see a small carpark with a worn signpost indicating the beginning of the Ridge Monitor. I’ve pinned the precise location of this carpark on the map beneath.
You may both go away your automotive right here and begin on the Ridge Monitor as I did, or proceed driving for an additional 5 minutes down Davies Creek Highway till you attain the small carpark for Kahlpahlim Rock strolling path.
Featured in: 22 Superior Issues to do within the Atherton Tablelands
Kahlpahlim Rock Strolling Path
Apart from the Mt Bartle Frere hike, the Kahlpahlim Rock hike is my favorite path close to Cairns. You’ll get to expertise altering terrain in addition to one of many best views of Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands you could find.
The observe is well-marked by orange arrows and ribbon on timber. Because it’s a bit out of the best way, you’ll additionally most likely have the entire observe to your self.
Circuit Distance: 18 KM return loop. This took simply over 4 hours to finish at a reasonable tempo.
Hike Elevation: 860M elevation achieve (1280M AMLS on the ridge summit)
Hike Problem: This observe is often rated as exhausting. Nevertheless, you probably have an honest degree of health, you received’t have any bother finishing the hike as much as Kahlpahlim Rock. It’s not any more durable than the Walsh’s Pyramid Hike.
RELATED: Devils Thumb Hike (Manjal Jimalji)
Kahlpahlim Rock Path
The Kahlpahlim Rock Path is an extended, wider shoot for the ridge that begins on the very finish of Davies Creek Highway. The observe begins by way of tropical flora and climbs steeply on an previous pine dotted logging path, over a rocky outcrop and ends with an ascent by way of thick, moist tropical rainforest.
Each trails meet up at a plateauing rocky part which had indicators of backburning or fireplace once I accomplished the hike. From right here, it’s a moist, steep ascent to the foot of the large Kahlpahlim Rock. From right here, the path turns left alongside the rocky wall, down the moist slopes and at last dog-legs sharply as much as the ridge.
When you achieve the ridge, you may select to stroll proper to achieve the rock or left for the analysis station.
FULL CAIRNS GUIDE: 22 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS UPDATED 2020
The Ridge Path
The Ridge Path additionally begins on a flat gradient, which rapidly steepens when you attain a bit of thick pine forest. After a steep and fast ascent, you’ll attain the rocky outcrop the place the 2 trails be part of up.
It’s stated that the Ridge Path is steeper than the Kahlpahlim Rock path, which is why some suggest beginning with the latter and descent on the Ridge Path.
Nevertheless, I discovered the Ridge Path to be a cushty climb. In case you’re quick on time and wish to smash it out, you may as well come up and down on the Ridge Path, for the reason that whole distance will likely be shorter.
ALSO NEARBY: Turtle Rock Hike, Davies Creek Nationwide Park
The Loop
The Kahlpahlim Rock hike is greatest accomplished in a circuit loop. Each trails result in Kahlpahlim Rock, so you may select which observe you wish to begin with.
I made a decision to make the ascent on the steeper Ridge Path and are available again down on the broader stretching Kahlpahlim Rock observe. Observe that the automotive park areas for these observe trailheads are in separate areas down Davies Creek Highway, so when you stroll the circuit loop, there’ll be a remaining 20-minute part of street strolling.
Kahlpahlim Rock Map
Right here’s the official Queensland Parks Kahlpahlim Rock Map that you would be able to obtain or print. Observe each tracks are included and meet up at a rocky part earlier than the ultimate ascent to the ridge.
Kahlpahlim Rock Hike GPX Map
Beneath is the Kahlpahlim Rock GPX route that I took. You may obtain this utilizing the hyperlink beneath and apply it to your cellphone or GPS watch that will help you navigate. Nevertheless, don’t depend on it as a main technique of navigation.
GPX File: Obtain
My Strava Exercise: Go to
Kahlpahlim Rock (Lambs Head) Summit and View
On the high of the Kahlpahlim Rock hike, the perfect views of Cairns and adjoining rainforest may be discovered by climbing the rocky clearing to the correct as you achieve the ridge.
You may as well stroll left right here, following the orange markers to a clearing with a big analysis station. In case you comply with the path markers additional into the adjoining bush, you’ll even be lead out to a steep grassy clearing with nice views out in the direction of the Atherton Tablelands.
Beneath you’ll discover some pictures I took from the ridge and with my drone.
RELATED: Crimson Arrow, Blue Arrow Tracks Cairns – Mount Whitfield Loop
Cairns Lodging Information – The place to Keep
Planning a visit to Cairns and questioning the place to base your self? Beneath I’ve listed a number of the greatest choices close to Cairns Esplanade. I’ve additionally written a complete lodging information to Cairns, in addition to a complete Port Douglas Lodging information too.
Crystalbrook Riley – If luxurious and site are what you’re after, you may’t beat the Crystalrbook Riley. That is the perfect 5-star resort in Cairns and options completely every part you’d anticipate from a Crystalbrook resort.
Tip: Make certain to move as much as Rocco’s Bar on the high of the Crystalbrook Riley for nice views over Cairns!
Rydges Resort – This lodge gives wonderful bang-for-buck when it comes to an epic keep for an honest value! The placement is ideal, near the esplanade and options embrace three swimming swimming pools, two tennis courts, a jacuzzi, a health centre and even an award-winning restaurant.
Fitzroy Island Resort – In case you’d moderately sleep out on one of many picturesque Nice Barrier Reef Islands, look no additional than the Fitzroy Island Resort. Whereas you will get out right here on a day journey, I extremely suggest spending the night time so that you get extra time to discover the reef, coral seashores and rainforest strolling trails.
Gilligan’s Backpackers – The most effective backpacker choice for a fantastic vibe in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. That’s as a result of this one has a swimming pool, AC, a whole kitchen and a fantastic widespread space to fulfill different travellers.
Extra Epic Cairns Hikes and Adventures
I hope you discovered this Kahlpahlim Rock Hike information helpful. In case you have any questions, or if you wish to attain out, don’t neglect to go away a remark.
In case you’re up for extra Far North Queensland adventures, take a look at a number of the different detailed guides beneath, or learn the Final Listing of High Issues to do in Cairns or this big Cairns hike checklist.
MORE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND TRAVEL GUIDES
