Walsh's Pyramid Cairns, Australia
To the south of Cairns is the highest free standing natural pyramid in the world. You could be forgiven for thinking it is a tree covered man-made pyramid – the shape is almost perfect. But no, this is a natural phenomenon that is one of the most distinctive landmarks for the small sugar-farming town of Gordonvale.
Walsh's Pyramid is used for hiking. The mountain is 922 metres tall, and quite steep so you need to be fit and healthy to make the climb. For experienced hikers, the ascent and descent can take approximately 3 hours. Allow for longer if you are not an avid hiker or if you are taking kids with you. (Expect complaining about sore legs, and “when are we going to be at the top…” after about 1 hour)
How to Get to Walsh's Pyramid From Cairns
Drive south from Cairns towards Townsville on the Bruce Highway A1 for around 30 minutes (30.4km) and you enter the Wooroonoonan National Park. Go past Gordonvale and about 800m south of the Mulgrave River bridge (Desmond Trannore bridge) turn right onto Moss Road and follow the signs to the car park. Be aware and do not enter private property of the local cane farmers.
Things to do at Walsh's Pyramid in Cairns
Walsh's Pyramid is a challenge staring you in the face every single day, just tempting you to climb her mountainous hillsides to reach the pinnacle. It's a challenging 6 km return track which is graded as difficult and can take you up to 5-6 hours to complete however you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The vegetation on the mountain is heavy, consisting mainly of Australian scrub. Rocks feature heavily, so if it is raining you'll need to be careful not to slip. Take plenty of water with you and make sure to apply sunscreen regularly. The scenery from the top of the pyramid is spectacular and takes in 360-degree views – it makes the climb worth all the effort.
Every year in August, "The Great Pyramid Race” takes place where hundreds of competitors run up the hill and back again. This is reserved for masochistically fit people who like pain, but if you think you might like to give it a go there is $5000 up for grabs.
It has been argued that the most difficult part of hiking Walsh's Pyramid is reaching the bottom of the mountain by car. It's not that the road is in poor condition; it's just that it's difficult to find. Here are some directions to help.
Please be aware the base of the mountain is private property. Park your car in a discreet location that doesn't block the dirt road used by the cane farmer. From Cairns, drive south past the small town of Gordonvale. This takes just under 25 minutes. 800 metres south of the Mulgrave River on the Bruce Highway you'll see a small road on the right called Moss Rd.
Follow this road for approximately 100 meters, and you'll find a narrow gravel track heading right. This is marked by a red rectangle.
Continue along this track, which borders a cane field, for approximately 100 metres.
Soon you'll be at the parking area, and the path begins at this point.
Enjoy your hike to the top of Walsh's Pyramid in Far North Tropical Queensland Australia!
Visit the Swimming Holes and Waterfalls Around Cairns
Babinda Boulders - Visit the Devil's Pool at Babinda Boulders and learn about the Aboriginal's legendary stories about this swimming hole.
Behana Gorge - A highly popular place for the locals and visitors alike. Behana Gorge is located near the Walsh's Pyramid in the Wooroonoonan National Park.
Crystal Cascades - A secluded series of small waterfalls that flow into large pools that are surrounded by the lusch green rainforests of Far North Queensland are a huge attraction for locals and visitors to Cairns. See Crystal Cascades on an adrenaline pumping canyoning and abseiling tour.
Josephine Falls - Ranked as some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Far North Queensland Josephine Falls have been featured in many a movie and television commercial.
Lake Barrine - Although not a waterfall Lake Barrine is a huge attraction for those looking for a place to cool off. Lake Barrine sits atop the Atherton Tablelands taking pride of place as an ancient volcano. Visitors are welcome to swim in the fresh volcanic waters of this ancient attraction and also enjoy the tea house and partake in a boat cruise around the volcano lake.
Behana Gorge Cairns Canyoning Tour | Abseiling, Cliff Jumping, Rock Sliding Adventure | Half Day Tour
- Departs From: Meet at Allbout Cairns, 58 Grafton St, Cairns City
- Duration:
6 hours (approx)
Located near the famous Walsh's Pyramid we conduct our adrenaline pumping Behana Gorge canyoning and abseiling tours for adventurer seekers. The scenic beauty of this location is simply breathtaking and our expertly guided tours are suitable for adrenaline junkies and families alike.