Visiting Earl Hill safely

Getting there and getting around

Cairns Regional Council walking pathway on Roberts Road, leading from the council boat ramp car park to the start of Earl Hill walking tracks on Flagship Drive.

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Vehicle access

The park is located approximately 20km north of Cairns city centre. Access into the park is by foot only. The walking tracks start near the corner of Roberts Drive and Flagship Drive in Trinity Park. There is no parking at the start of the walking tracks. Visitors can park at the Cairns Regional Council public boat ramp car park located on the left-hand side of Reed Road, approximately 150m before the roundabout at the junction of Reed Road and Roberts Drive. A sealed walking track leaves the boat ramp car park and continues alongside Roberts Drive, follow this for approximately 400m to the junction of Roberts Drive and Flagship Drive where you will find the main trailhead for the Earl Hill Conservation Park walking tracks.

Bicycles are prohibited on all walking tracks within Earl Hill Conservation Park.

Earl Hill Conservation Park map (PDF, 192.5KB)

Public transport access

The Sunbus service provides public transport to and from Reed Road at Trinity Park, please see Sunbus for timetables and bus stop locations.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities or tracks in Earl Hill Conservation Park.

Stinging trees can be found throughout Earl Hill Conservation Park.

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Staying safe

Walking tracks at Earl Hill Conservation Park are steep and strenuous. Only fit walkers should tackle the walks and should allow plenty of time to return before it gets dark.

• Always carry plenty of drinking water, wear a hat and sturdy footwear, and try to walk in the cooler part of the day.
• Walk in pairs or groups for safety. Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
• Mobile phone reception may be available along the track, depending on your phone provider.
• Stinging trees are found alongside the walking tracks. They grow to 4m high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves, stems and red fruits are covered with tiny silica hairs that inject toxins when touched, resulting in a painful sting that can persist for months. If you are stung, and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.
• If you walk along the beach, please be aware that estuarine crocodiles and tropical marine stingers occur in these waters. The beach is also subject to storm surges and tidal influences.
• Some plants in this park such as cycads are extremely toxic to dogs, always keep your dog on a lead and do not allow them to eat anything along the tracks.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

In an emergency

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000). Download the Triple Zero emergency app—it could save your life.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Earl Hill Conservation Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.

Essentials to bring

To make sure you have an enjoyable visit, please remember to bring:

• sturdy shoes for the walk
• a well-equipped first-aid kit and know how to use it
• a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water
• insect repellent and protective clothing to avoid bites, stings and sunburn
• rubbish bags or suitable containers for carrying your rubbish out of the park for appropriate disposal.

Before you visit, check park alerts for the latest information about conditions at Earl Hill Conservation Park.

Permits and fees

Permits are required for commercial and some organised group activities. See park permits and policies for more information.

Climate and weather

During the wet season, from December to April, there are frequent, heavy downpours. Maximum temperatures through the wet season generally range from 27°C to 33°C, with high humidity.

The cooler, drier months, from May to September, are the best time for walking. The weather is pleasantly warm during this time, with reduced humidity and maximum temperatures averaging 26°C.

Pets

Dogs are permitted on the walking tracks within this park but must be on a leash and under control at all times. Please respect other visitors and the environment and bag and remove dog faeces from the park or deposit in bin provided at the start of the Woodland walking track. Penalties apply for failure to remove your dog’s faeces from the park.

Please be aware that some plants in this park such as cycads are extremely toxic to dogs, always keep your dog on a lead and do not allow them to eat anything along the tracks.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in nearby surrounding suburbs and Cairns.