Places and Drives - The Southern Tropics - Dalrymple Gap

The Dalrymple Gap Track is one of north Queensland's oldest designated roads. Originally an Aboriginal walking track, it became a well worn road used by bullock drays, pack horses and large herds of cattle travelling between the port of Cardwell and inland pastoral properties.
Nowadays, only walkers use the rough track. It is 10km (6 miles) one way (five hours walking - six if you include a lunch break) and requires a vehicle pick-up at the other end in Abergowrie State Forest. Many hikers prefer to walk part of the track and then double back to their car. There is a beautifully crafted stone bridge "aqueduct" about 3km (1.8 miles) of uphill walking (one hour) from the carpark. The track is easy to follow but is rough in places with ruts, loose rocks and shallow creek crossings.

How to get there
Turn off 15km (9 miles) south of Cardwell at the Damper Creek Bridge signpost. Drive along a bumpy dirt track for 1km (.6 mile) until the road ends at a clearing to the left of the creek. The walk begins by crossing Damper Creek. If you wish to camp overnight, ask at the Ingham or Cardwell Forestry offices for a permit. QPWS Ingham can be reached on (07) 4777-2822 and QPWS Cardwell on 4066-8779.