Dalrymple Gap

Dalrymple Gap

📅Sunday 18 October 2026 7:00 am

About this event

When: Sunday 18 October 2026
Location: Dalrymple Gap, Girringun National Park
Leader: Cherry
Grade: L34
L = Duration: Long - 6 to 8 hours
3 = Terrain: Established but rough walking track, creek crossings, uneven surfaces, and a sustained climb
4 = Fitness: Moderate - a full-day walk requiring reasonable endurance over approximately 16 km
A full-day rainforest and creek walk along the historic Dalrymple Gap track, following an old route across the Cardwell Range to the historic stone bridge.
https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/club-walk-grading-system/
AWTGS = 4 - established but rough track with creek crossings, steep sections, uneven surfaces, and some potentially slippery terrain
Distance: Approximately 16 km return
Duration: Full day - allow approximately 6-8 hours
RSVP: [email protected]

Join Cherry for a full-day walk along the historic Dalrymple Gap Walking Track in Girringun National Park, north-west of Ingham. This beautiful Wet Tropics walk passes through open eucalypt forest and lush rainforest, follows picturesque creeks, and climbs the Cardwell Range to one of the most interesting historic features of the track - the old stone-pitched bridge near Dalrymple Gap.

For this Club walk, we will start from the southern access and follow the track towards Dalrymple Gap and the historic bridge before returning the same way, making the walk approximately 16 km return.

The route follows Dalrymple Creek for much of the lower section, with several creek crossings along the way. Depending on recent rainfall and water levels, these may involve stepping across rocks or getting your feet wet. There may also be an opportunity for a swim in one of the creek pools during the day.

As the track approaches the Cardwell Range, it climbs more steadily through rainforest towards Dalrymple Gap. Huge rainforest trees, strangler figs, creeks, and changing forest types make this a particularly scenic walk, while remnants of the old road provide an interesting glimpse into the area's history.

At the historic stone bridge, we will stop for a break before retracing our route back to the southern trailhead.

Although this is predominantly an established National Park walking track rather than an off-track bushwalk, it is still a substantial full-day outing. Participants should be comfortable walking approximately 16 km, negotiating creek crossings and uneven ground, and completing a sustained climb before returning the same way.

The final route and turnaround time may be adjusted by the walk leader depending on weather, creek levels, track conditions, group progress, and available daylight.

Bring:
* At least 2 L of water, with additional water recommended in warmer conditions
* Water treatment or filter if planning to refill from creeks
* Lunch, morning tea, and snacks for the day
* Electrolytes
* Sturdy enclosed footwear suitable for bushwalking and creek crossings
* Hat and sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Rain jacket
* Swimmers and a small towel if you would like to swim
* Personal first aid kit, including compression bandages and blister treatment
* Long sleeves and/or long pants recommended

Meeting details and driving directions will be provided once you RSVP. Please allow for a substantial drive from Townsville to the southern access of the Dalrymple Gap track.

Clicking "Going" on Facebook does not register you for the event. The meeting location and final details will be emailed to registered participants by the walk leader.

This event is free. Visitors may participate in up to three Club walks before being required to apply for Club membership.

Some activities may be suitable for children, depending on the nature of the trip, the terrain, and the child's age, experience, and ability. Children older than 12 and under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless the Club has approved other arrangements consistent with its current policies. Please contact the trip leader before attending with a child so they can advise whether this full-day activity is appropriate.

Child Protection and Risk Management Policy - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/child-protection-and-risk-management-policy/

Please read the Townsville Bushwalking Club's Walker Guidelines and What to Bring information before attending.

Walker Guidelines - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/walker-guidelines/
Walk Together - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/walk-together/
What to Bring? - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/what-to-bring/
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