All photos by Sarah Latham.
Tully Gorge, located on the Atherton Tablelands is a perfect example of a mystical ancient landscape. The gorges formed over millions of years of water etching through and leaving their mark, have left a naturally stunning landscape. An outer-wordly view that we recommend everyone puts on their Cairns To-Do List!
Getting Here
Located on the Atherton Tablelands, approximately a 2 – 2.5-hour drive out of Cairns, put ‘Tully Falls Lookout Road’ into your Maps or GPS.
Depending on your personal preference you can drive up The Gillies Range or the Palmerston Highway. While the Palmerston Highway is an additional 15 minutes to your total journey, many favour this route as The Gillies Range is quite high maintenance range that requires high concentration.
Artwork on The Gillies Range
Towards the end of your journey, you will drive through windy, forest lined roads. While these roads are very quiet, be careful when going around corners as the road is relatively narrow. The very last part of your journey is unsealed road, however, it is in very good condition.
When you arrive at Tully Falls Lookout you will see a car parking area and even a compost toilet. The view from this lookout is quite amazing as well; however, the view that will blow your mind is only a relatively short walk to your right. From the lookout you can see the pools of water that is your end destination.
Take the defined path to your right and follow it through. You will cross on bridge small creeks and waterfalls. You will finish the track at a set of stairs to your left that lead to a creek. Go down the stairs and you will see a small trail continues to your left. Follow this back along the creek (heading back in the direction you came from) until you find a place to cross. Please be very careful about snakes and other wildlife in this area and be cautious where you place your feet.
Once you cross you will be walking over the smooth flat rock formation. Head towards the view/the edge and you will find yourself at the view and the small pool!
This pool can be stagnant with tadpoles when it has not rained recently. Don’t swim in stagnant water. Instead enjoy the phenomenal out-wordly view in front of you. There are many rock pools nearby this pool and if not stagnant are wonderful also to swim in.
What To Bring
Walking shoes, swimmers, towel, camera (of course!), drone (if you have one this is a brilliant place to see from above), food (take all rubbish with you when you leave) and drinking water
Nearby
While you’re here there are other places nearby to check out
Please note these instructions could become out dated at any time and after any weather event. Please obey all trail and road closure signs as first and most important instructions.
Do not attempt in heavy weather. This area floods in heavy weather.
Written by Sarah Latham.
All photos by Sarah Latham
(Not to be reposted without permission).
