11 Hikes Near Cairns That You And Your Mate Need To Try This Weekend

You don't have to venture far from Cairns to find adventure. Just 25 minutes west of the city centre, you'll find Crystal Cascades. This beautiful 2.7km walking track through the dense forests of Lake Morris Reserve will lead you to an amazing, freshwater swimming hole.

Located just one hour south of Cairns, Babinda Boulders boasts picnic areas, swimming holes and tonnes of native flora and fauna. Take the 1.3km track down to Devil's Pools for a relaxing day out.

Standing tall at 922 metres, Walsh's Pyramid is the tallest, natural pyramid in the world. And it just so happens to be located 30 minutes south of Cairns.

For experienced hikers, it should take you about three hours to get up and down the mountain. For the rest of us, it's probably best not to make any afternoon plans.

Situated one hour south of Cairns in the Goldsborough Valley, the Wajil Walk starts at the Goldsborough Camp Grounds and winds 1.6km down through the rainforest to Kearneys Falls. The best part? The signs along the way will teach you about the local Aboriginal owners and their relationship to the rainforest.

30 minutes northwest of Cairns you'll find Kuranda, a beautiful village in the rainforest. This quaint town isn't just famous for its hippy marketplace, but for its views of the powerful Barron Falls. Take the 1km Rainforest Canopy Walk for some breathtaking vistas of the falls.

Towering at an impressive 1611 metres, Mount Bartle Frere is the highest mountain in Queensland. The hike up this mountain from the Josephine Falls car park is usually a 12 hour return trip, making it a pretty intense day out.

If you've got the time up your sleeve, turn your hike into an overnight camping trip so you can sleep under the stars at the summit.

For some serious outdoor adventure, the Atherton Tablelands don't disappoint. Just 20 minutes south of Atherton – or 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cairns – you'll find the Mount Hypipamee National Park. Formed by gas explosion, this park boasts a volcanic crater.

Our suggestion? Take the 1.2km Dinner Falls Circuit walk and finish off with a dip at the bottom of a waterfall.

For an easy day out in the Tablelands, a trip to Davies Creek Falls is a great shout. The Davies Creek Falls Circuit is a breeze, with an amazing swimming hole and picnic area at the end of the 900 metre walk.

With open eucalyptus woodlands and waterfalls cascading over boulders, Emerald Creek Falls is nothing short of idyllic. The 1.9km walk along the creek to the Falls is dotted with swimming holes and picnic areas, making it a great place to head on a hot summer's day.

About 25 minutes north of Cairns lies Trinity Beach and Trinity Park. The mountain dividing the two is also one of the most popular tracks in the region, the Earl Hill Summit Track. The steep incline of this 1km route is more punishing than it seems, but you'll be rewarded with insane views of Double Island and the beach below.

About 30 minutes south of Cairns is one of the region's best-kept secrets: the Behana Gorge. The 6km return walk is a must during the summer months, where you'll be able to avoid tourists and go for a swim in the waterhole. Win!