About Mount Lewis

Park features

Many of the highest rainforest-clad mountains of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area are, for the most part, inaccessible. The 28km Mount Lewis drive is a notable exception. Winding through rainforest-clad ridges and spurs, the road climbs to over 1,200m before following the contours around the chain of peaks that form the watershed of the Mossman and Mitchell rivers.

Mount Lewis is a treasure trove of unique and endemic wildlife. The area between Mount Lewis and Atherton Tableland has high habitat and species diversity, especially animal life. The beautiful upland rainforest dates back to the evolution of flowering plants on earth. Some flowers are indicative of Australia’s link with the ancient landmass of Gondwana.

• Read more about the nature, culture and history of Mount Lewis National Park.

Looking after the park

• Pull to the side to let other traffic past but do not damage vegetation or create new tracks. Use the passing bays provided.
• Watch out for washouts, scoured road shoulders and loose surfaces. Be especially careful in wet weather when some roads and creek crossings may become impassable.
• Avoid driving on these roads during and after heavy rain. Driving and riding on wet, unsealed roads causes damage to the road surface. The gate to Mount Lewis is generally closed over the wet season to maintain the integrity of the road. Please check park alerts before travel as these dates may vary depending on the start of the wet season.
• Stay on existing roads. If an obstruction blocks your path, don’t drive into the roadside drain to pass it. Remove the obstruction if possible and safe to do so, or return from the direction you came. Ensure that obstructions do not block roadside drains.
• If you get stuck, try not to use trees for winching. If you have no choice, look after the vegetation by using tree protectors.
• Unlicensed trail-bike riders and drivers are not allowed in parks and forests. Riders and drivers must be licensed and vehicles must be fully registered.
• Wash vehicles, bikes, shoes and gear thoroughly before entering this park to prevent the spread of weeds and diseases
• Everything in the park is protected. Please leave everything as you found it.
• Domestic animals are prohibited in national parks.
• The use of firearms and chainsaws are prohibited in national parks.
• Southern cassowaries live in Mount Lewis National Park. Please be aware of them when driving and riding in the park and remember to be Cass-o-wary.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Mount Lewis State Forest became Mount Lewis Forest Reserve on 16 October 2001. On 11 December 2009 it joined the adjacent Riflemead Forest Reserve to become Mount Lewis National Park. Since then, 2 areas of unallocated state land—Round Mountain and Lyons Lookout were added to the park. Today the total land area of the national park is 27,860ha.

QPWS manages the park to:

• protect the park’s natural condition
• ensure threatened species are protected
• provide facilities for minimal impact and nature-based recreation
• protect parks from overuse
• concentrate human activity in less sensitive areas
• help visitors enjoy the park’s special attractions.

A section of the Mount Lewis forest drive passes through Brooklyn Nature Refuge, owned by the non-profit Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Purchased in 2004, the 60,000ha property is protected as a nature refuge.

Tourism information links

For tourism visitor information centre locations visit Discover Queensland and for tourism information for all regions in Queensland visit Queensland Holidays.