Starting from the end of Ellen Close, Bayview Heights, this return walk explores the dense rainforest of Ellen Close Reserve via the Ivan Evans Walk Track, visiting Boiboi’s Lookout along the way. Conveniently reachable and well-shaded, this walk can for a great family trip, including your dog. Step into the lush rainforest and just listen to the birdsong as the hypnotising scenery makes you forget how close to the city you actually are.You may even spot a Buff-breasted paradise kingfisher(bird) if lucky. The lookout provides you peaceful views towards Cairns and Trinity Bay, but they are somewhat impeded by the foliage. The walking track was named after Ivan Evans, who was a landowner that donated his land for a water reservoir. Short and sweet, this tranquil stroll in the woods becomes truly magical when it starts drizzling. Not too much though, as a decent rainfall can make the rocks and the trail a bit slippery. Watch out for snakes and keep an eye on your children at all times. Keep in mind that you can also make this a one-way trip and exit to Toogood Road midway if you'd like to. 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.
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.
Keep right onto Bruce Highway and drive for another 70 m
Turn right onto Ray Jones Drive and drive for another 1.1 km
Turn right onto Windara Street and drive for another 360 m
Turn left onto Toogood Road and drive for another 1.6 km
Turn left onto Sydney Street and drive for another 85 m
Turn right onto Ellen Close and drive for another 235 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of Ellen Close(Bayview Heights), head towards the metal gate next to the “Ivan Evans Walk” sign along the bollard. Head around/over the gate, then head towards the woodland gently downhill as you join the Ivan Evans Walk Track. Follow the said track as it meanders deep into the woodland to continue along Ivan Evans Walk from Ellen Close Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This 500 metre optional side trip takes you higher up the ridge. Keep in mind that the track is steeper, quite slippery and also a MTB(mountain bike) track so you have to watch out for bikers as well. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 500 m continue straight, to head along Ivan Evans Walk.
Then come to the "BoiBoi's Viewpoint" (on your right).
Continue another 580 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.1 km to get back to the start.
This 500 metre optional side trip takes you higher up the ridge. Keep in mind that the track is steeper, quite slippery and also a MTB(mountain bike) track so you have to watch out for bikers as well.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 285 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 285 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Ivan Evans Walk from Ellen Close
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
2.2 km
Time
1 h to 1 h 15 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
1 h to 1 h 15 min
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Then come to the "BoiBoi's Viewpoint" (on your right).
