Places and Drives - Cairns / Kuranda - Mt Whitfield

This island of rainforest is only ten minutes from the Cairns central business district and surrounded by suburban homes. Although not part of the World Heritage Area, Mt Whitfield provides an easy introduction to the tropical rainforest environment. Bird and tree lists and Yirrkandjii cultural booklets are available from the nearby Flecker Botanic Gardens. For the adventurous, the 7.5km (4.5 mile) Blue Arrow track loops through the park. It can be rough and steep in places and is recommended for fit hikers. The shorter 1.5km (.9 mile) Red Arrow track takes about 40 minutes and includes a series of steps which meander through the forest to the top of a rise with excellent views of the city, ocean and mangroves.

How to get there
Both trails begin at the reserve's entrance on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill. There are regular bus services from the city centre. While in the area, visit the Flecker Botanic Gardens and take a stroll along the 500m boardwalk to Centenary Lakes, a favourite spot for bird watchers. Phone (07) 4044-3398 for more information.