Mount Bartle Frere South Peak from Josephine Falls Road
8 h 30 min to 2 days
22.1 km
return
↑ 2765 m ↓ -2765 m
Very challenging
Starting from the car park at the end of Josephine Falls Road, this walk takes you to the southern peak of Mount Bartle Frere and back via a singular track, crossing Majuba Creek twice along the way. Expect a physical and mental challenge as you ascend to what feels like the mythic Mount Olympus, with mist setting in near the summit. The way up is going to be steep in places, and the scenery will change with the vegetation, transforming into an exceptional rainforest. Although the aforementioned mist usually reduces the viewing distance, the true reward of this walk is being able to finish it. It’s a lengthy journey which can be done in a day if you’re really fit and it’s dry. Otherwise, you can spend the night at the Eastern Summit and Big Rock campsites and go for the peak in the morning. Regardless of the way you choose to do it, you should make sure the conditions are dry and it will not rain while you’re there. Because the leeches reach outrageous numbers in wet conditions, and almost all of the track becomes dangerously slippery. Considering you may need to slide on your bottom for some descents, this becomes more of a problem. You’ll be rock hopping/scrambling and dealing with leeches as well, therefore decent hiking shoes and gaiters are recommended. Bring plenty of water(around 4 litres each) and an insect repellent. Expect to get wet feet on the creek crossings. You can fully get wet and cool off in the suitable spots along the creek as well, or visit the rock pools of Josephine Falls after the journey. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Warning This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills. Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Bartle Frere Road then drive for 6.8 km
Turn right onto Josephine Falls Road and drive for another 620 m
Keep right onto Josephine Falls Road and drive for another 50 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park at the end of Josephine Falls Road, pass through the bollard and head between the sheltered areas along the dirt/grass path gently uphill. Follow the subtly-formed walking track(Bartle Frere Trail) as it veers left and heads into the woodland to continue along Mount Bartle Frere South Peak from Josephine Falls Road Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Josephine Falls Road & Bartle Frere Trail Start heading along Bartle Frere Trail (a walking track).
There is a toilet (about 25 m back from the start).
After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Bartle Frere Trail.
Find the BBQ at the start.
After another 3.3 km come to the "Big Rock Camp" (on your right).
Campsite managed byQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service. There is a fee to use this campsite.
Turn right, to head along Bartle Frere Trail.
After another 3.3 km come to the "evacuation hut" (on your right).
24/7
After another 7 m come to the "Eastern Summit Camp".
Campsite managed byQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service. There is a fee to use this campsite.
After another 670 m pass the "Mount Bartle Frere Summit (South Peak)" (8 m on your left).
Continue another 3.9 km to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 11.1 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Mount Bartle Frere South Peak from Josephine Falls Road
Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length
22.1 km
Time
8 h 30 min to 2 days
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required
High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
Weather
Forecasted & unexpected severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 7.4 km apart with the largest gap of 15.6 km.