Track Summary:
  • Track name: Jambal (Snake) Walk (Wet Tropics Great Walk)
  • Area: South Tropics
  • Track Class: Marked Route
  • Type of walk: Return
  • Length: Long
  • Time: 16hr
  • Distance: 20.60km
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
Facilities:
  • Carpark
Activities & Interests:
  • Geology crater
  • Lake creek or river
  • Lookout mountain top
Track description:

Blencoe Falls is a spectacular three tiered waterfall which cascades 300 metres down into the Herbert River Gorge below. Situated in the drier savanna woodlands, hoop pines grow on the rocky outcrops around the falls. Take the right hand fork and walk about 400 metres to the edge of the Herbert River Gorge. There are superb views here before you head steeply down into the gorge on a very rough track to the confluence of Blencoe Creek and the Herbert River. Here can find a safe rock pool to swim in and gain a different perspective on the falls from below.

Jambal (Snake) Walk is a return walk starting at Blencoe Falls and camping overnight at Blanket Creek. The walk starts to the east of the Blencoe Falls campground. Ensure you carry adequate drinking water for the day's walk. There is no reliable water source available between the Blencoe Falls campground and Blanket Creek. Wind your way through 9km of open forest before you reach the escarpment. This countryside may appear dry and desolate, but it offers a lot to see. Look for emus and kangaroos resting from the heat and listen for laughing kookaburras or screeching sulphur-crested cockatoos. This country is rugged and one of extremes.

During the dry season, the land is parched and vulnerable to fire. Grasses die back and some trees lose their leaves, giving the appearance of a dying landscape. With the arrival of the wet season, the countryside is inundated with water and the plants spring back to life. About 4km along the walk, a side track leads you to the top of the ridge. Take a break and enjoy the sensational views through the gorge. The track then winds its way to the top of the escarpment above Blanket Creek before dropping steeply onto the banks of the Herbert River. This is the Blanket Creek bush camp, your home for the night. Beware! As refreshing as a dip may appear, do not swim, as the river is home to estuarine crocodiles. For those undertaking the Jambal walk, enjoy a night camping under the stars before returning the same way. For a more enjoyable experience walk in the early morning.

How to get there:

Jambal (Snake) Walk begins at Blencoe Falls. Turn inland off the Bruce Highway at Kennedy, 10 kilometres north of Cardwell. Follow the bitumen for 7 kilometres and then turn right onto the gravel road signposted Kirrama. There are several waterfalls and lookouts along the 40 kilometre drive through the rainforest where you may wish to stop, as well as the Kirrama Society Flats walk with 600 year old rose gums. Upon leaving the rainforest you will travel 10 kilometres through open woodlands to the Kirrama Station/Mt Garnett turnoff. Turn left here, cross a grid and follow the signs to Blencoe Falls.

Related tracks:
More information:

If you would like more information about Jambal (Snake) Walk:

Visit the NPRSR webpages for the Wet Tropics Great Walk where you can book campsites and check closures.

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