Mamu Tropical Skywalk - Wooroonooran National Park

The Mamu Tropical Skywalk is a breathtaking walk through the canopy of the lush World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest in the Wooroonooran National Park, 90 minutes’ drive south of Cairns. This popular attraction features a 350-meter-long elevated walkway through the tree tops, a 37-meter-high observation tower, a cantilever and more than 1100 meters of walking tracks on the ground through the rainforest. No other tour in North Queensland features this type of elevated rainforest walkway – so if you’re in the area this is a must do and the only way you can get up close and see the many lifeforms that live within the canopy of a tropical rainforest!

Experience spectacular panoramic views of the mountainous rainforest landscape, divided by the mighty Johnstone river that winds its way through the valley floor. See amazing rainforest plants, insects and birds up close from the walkways, and learn about the flora and fauna and rich history of the area from handy information signs dotted along the paths. Botanical and Audio guides are also available in 8 different languages, so you can listen and learn as you enjoy the walk through the trees.

The walkways are constructed from long-lasting unpainted galvanised steel and recycled plastic built in natural clearings left in the aftermath of cyclone Larry in March 2006, meaning no forest was cleared for the construction, so you can be sure that this Eco Certified attraction is focused on sustainability and conservation of this important natural environmental area.

The Mamu Tropical Skywalk is a relaxing and educational experience for the whole family, and you will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for the rainforest flora and fauna and the traditional owners of this amazing place, the Ma Mu Aboriginal people. 

Forest Walk – Wheelchair and Stroller Friendly

This forest path provides the opportunity to experience the rainforest from ground level before climbing into the canopies, and serves as the access track to the cantilever, elevated walkway and observation tower. There are alternative routes for wheelchairs and strollers and the path is also suitable for vision-impaired visitors with a continuous rail along the left side of the track. Seats are provided along the way so you can take a break, relax and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest.

Cantilever

As you pass the first rest shelter on the Forest Walk the Cantilever walkway appears, rising gently as the ground below drops away steeply down in to the valley where the river flows at the bottom. There is a viewing platform at the end of a 10m long cantilever which provides stunning views of the river gorge below. The cantilever is suspended from just one end, jutting out into the canopy to give you the sensation that you’re really floating on the path amongst the treetops.

Skywalk

The Skywalk is a 350m long elevated walkway through the canopy of the lush tropical rainforest, starting after the second rest shelter on the Forest Walk. Visitors can view the trees and the different life forms that live within them up close from this walkway through the treetops. There are two shade shelters at regularly intervals along the skywalk, that also feature access points back down to the Forest Walk. The Skywalk is an amazing way to experience the rainforest – even for locals who have grown up around rainforest this will let you see it all from a brand new perspective!

Observation Tower

The Observation tower is often said to be the highlight of people’s experience at Mamu Tropical Skywalk, and for good reason. The observation deck is 37m high or roughly 11 stories above the forest floor, and offers breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the dramatic lush-green landscapes of the Wooroonooran National Park.

History of the Area

The Palmerstone area of the Wooroonooran National Park has a rich and significant history marked by boom-and-bust industries and the interesting interactions and often violent disputes between the native aboriginal peoples and the first European settlers to the region. Learn about the timber workers and gold prospectors who settled the region and the amazing cultural history of the Mamu people who have lived in these lush tropical forests for over 20,000 years.

Flora and Fauna of the Rainforest

The fertile basalt soils, high rainfall and strong year-round sunlight have created the perfect conditions for this amazing tropical rainforest to grow into one of the most complex, diverse and species-rich in Australia. Known as the complex mesophyll vine forest, it has an incredible variety of plants, the tallest trees with the biggest leaves, and the most vines, ferns and epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants without harming them). From massive trees, to creepers and climbing plants, to huge ferns growing off trees high in the canopy, you will likely not have seen such a variety of plant life anywhere before. As well as plants there are a variety of mammals, insects, reptiles and birds which you can spot living within the trees, including cute rainforest wallabies, fruit-doves, cassowaries, cockatoos, tree snakes, a variety of lizards and skinks, butterflies and Australia’s largest moth, the Hercules Moth.