Crystal Cascades to Kennedy Highway

Starting from the end of Redlynch Intake Road, Redlynch, this walk explores the woodlands of Dinden National Park as it meanders along Clohesy River, visiting Copperlode Dam and Clohesy Fig Tree along the way. Embark on a lengthy journey that’s going to test your endurance whilst rewarding you with panoramic views, lovely little birds and the peaceful feeling of remoteness. Regardless if you’re on a bike, running or taking your time; this trip is going to be a good experience (considering you have the required amount of fitness and navigational skills). The picnic area near the dam offers truly exceptional views over Lake Morris and can be a great place to pause and rest. Another place to stop would be the Clohesy Fig Tree, where there’s a boardwalk taking you to the humongous tree. Notice the change in vegetation as you make your way through the woodland. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-16.9620322,145.6796013)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Mulgrave Road, A1 Turn on to McCoombe Street, 91 then drive for 2.4 km Keep left onto Pease Street, 91 and drive for another 5.8 km Turn left onto Redlynch Connection Road and drive for another 1.2 km At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Redlynch Intake Road and drive for another 7.9 km
Finish	(-16.9059652,145.5667624)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the Crystal Cascades car park at the end of Redlynch Intake Road, head towards the picnic area along the dirt track as you pass by informative signposts to your left, moving directly away from the road. 165 metres in, make a perpendicular left turn at the 3-way intersection near the picnic tables to continue along Crystal Cascades to Kennedy Highway Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Redlynch Intake Road. There is a toilet (about 60 m back from the start). Find the car park at the start. Find the gate at the start. Find the shelter at the start. Find the Crystal Cascades at the start. After another 115 m pass a seat (on your right).
	Turn left, to head along Crystal Cascades - Copperlode Dam Track. After another 20 m pass the shelter (30 m on your right).
	After another 2.3 km (at the intersection of Lake Morris Road & Crystal Cascades - Copperlode Dam Track) turn right, to head along Lake Morris Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 450 m (at the intersection of Lake Morris Road & Bridle Creek Road) turn left, to head along Bridle Creek Road (a service road). After another 225 m pass the toilet (60 m on your right). Then come to the viewpoint (40 m on your right). After another 20 m pass the cafe (45 m on your right). After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 80 m long) After another 60 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 105 m veer right, to head along Bridle Creek Road. After another 2.1 km head through/around the gate.
	After another 960 m (at the intersection of Clohesy River Road & Bridle Creek Road) continue straight, to head along Clohesy River Road.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Clohesy Fig Tree. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 7.1 km continue straight, to head along Clohesy River Road. After another 1.9 km continue straight, to head along Clohesy River Road.
	After another 4.2 km (at the intersection of Cedar Park Road & Clohesy River Road) continue straight, to head along Clohesy River Road (a residential road).
	After another 2.8 km come to the end.

This little side trip takes you to the Clohesy Fig Tree.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 70 m come to "Clohesy Fig Tree". Clohesy Fig Tree After a straightforward 300-metre boardwalk, you'll be met by a stunningly big, ancient fig tree.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Crystal Cascades to Kennedy Highway

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	22.5 km
Time	5 h 30 min to 9 h

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 7.5 km apart with the largest gap of 22.3 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 7.5 km apart with the largest gap of 19.3 km.

Seat: There is one 175 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-62 m	[toilet]
Shelter	55 m	[shelter]
Seat	175 m	[seat]
Shelter	190 m	[shelter]
Toilet	3.2 km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Cairns Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Wednesday 9 October
  
  32°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower near the coast, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Thursday 10 October
  
  23°C → 31°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching 28 to 35.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:10am to 3:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 13 [Extreme]
  
  Friday 11 October
  
  22°C → 31°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds easterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light before dawn then becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching 27 to 35.
  
  Saturday 12 October
  
  22°C → 31°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds easterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching 26 to 33.
  
  Sunday 13 October
  
  21°C → 30°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers near the coast, slight chance elsewhere. Winds easterly 25 to 35 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 16 and 22 with daytime temperatures reaching 25 to 33.
  
  Monday 14 October
  
  21°C → 30°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Tuesday 15 October
  
  21°C → 31°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Dinden National Park alerts
  Planned burning operations: Dinden National Park and Bare Hill Conservation Park
  Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will be conducting planned burning within Bare Hill Conservation Park and Dinden National Park. This burning will occur from 09th October - 09 November 2024 . Affected parks: Davies Creek National Park, Dinden National Park, Dinden West Forest Reserve and Bare Hill Conservation Park
  Temporary closure: White Rock peak walking track, Dinden National Park (update 27 Sep)
  Due to recovery works after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, access to White Rock peak walking track on Lake Morris Road is closed from Wednesday 22 May to Saturday 30 November 2024 (dates inclusive). The walking track will be closed during this period. Affected parks: Davies Creek National Park, Dinden National Park, Dinden West Forest Reserve and Bare Hill Conservation Park
  
  Alert kindly provided by © Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Weather Forecast

Alerts