How to do Girringun National Park and Wallaman Falls

If you’re a fan of a waterfall, then you’ll be no stranger to Girringun National Park. For it’s here, among the epic green expanse nudging Ingham in our tropical north, that the state’s largest single-drop waterfall resides, Wallaman Falls. But that’s not all there is to see and do at this destination which forms a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Get better acquainted with all there is to see and do with this detailed guide to Girringun National Park.

What’s so special about Girringun National Park?

Girringun National Park comprises six sections; Blencoe Falls, Dalrymple Gap track, Mount Fox, Princess Hills, Wairuna and Wallaman. Without a doubt it’s most famous for resident Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest permanent single drop waterfall which plunges 268 metres into a cloud of mist. But that’s not all that you’ll find here - there’s the segmented Blencoe Falls, the Herbert River Falls, and the equally idyllic Herbert River. And a conical-shaped ancient volcano dubbed Mount Fox, alongside a scattered collection of lengthy walking trails, including the Dalrymple Gap Walking Track, which follows a historic road.

The trails of Girringun National Park

While Wallaman Falls tends to attract the crowds to Girringun National Park, its walkers are best catered to. This place is the gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walk Walks, and offers plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs - just keep in mind that many of the resident trails are closed during the wet season, between December and April. At other times you’re welcome to explore the gathering which ranges from easy strolls to overnight hikes through the wilderness.

Most famous is the Dalrymple Gap Walking Track, a 10 kilometre stretch which follows the route of early European explorers. Or take it easy with the 2.6 kilometre Murray Falls option, which welcomes dogs, as long as they are on a leash.

Best photo spots of Girringun National Park

You may find it difficult to distinguish the most photo-worthy parts of Girringun National Park as it’s so photogenic, but there are certainly spots within its ample foliage that make for a great photo memento. Namely its waterfalls - Wallaman Falls boasts both a lookout and a base from which you can snap a shot. The same goes for Blencoe Falls, and Herbert River Falls, formed by the Herbert River which sits on the park’s edge at Princess Hills.

But those aren’t the only eye-catching landmarks - conical Mount Fox is an ancient volcano with a large crater that’s a must-visit whether or not you have a camera in hand. It’s as old as it is eye-catching - it sits on a 23.6 million year-old basaltic plain, with the cone itself formed 560,000 years ago.

Where to stay in Girringun National Park

With six different distinct sections of Girringun National Park to choose from, that means at least six different options when it comes to where to pitch your tent for the night. Arguably the most popular place to pay a visit is Wallaman Falls camping area thanks to its easy access to one of the region’s most famous landmarks. This pleasant camping area can be found in open woodland adjacent to Stony Creek and offers its visitors use of its toilets, showers, and a barbecue, plus campfires are allowed.

Though if you’re travelling with a big group you may prefer the Blencoe Falls site, which offers plenty of large group camping areas alongside a number of private sheltered sites along the creek. Campfires, fishing, and kayaking are welcomed here, and there are some toilets to boot.

Flora and fauna of Girringun National Park

Large pockets of wet forest and rainforest congregate throughout Girringun National Park. But that’s not the extent of its diversity - there’s open forest and woodland too, interspersed with granite ridges and a handful of waterfalls.

As for the native residents of Girringun National Park, there are quite a few - most notably are the crocodiles, both the freshwater and saltwater variety. It’s for this reason that it’s best not to swim in its cluster of waterholes, lagoons, and rivers unless specified. But if you keep an eye out you’ll spot these reptiles in the flesh, alongside turtles, fish, wild cassowaries and a rich diversity of water birds. In fact, the bird life of this region is famous - the park forms part of the Wooroonooran Important Bird Area because it supports populations of many bird species endemic to Queensland's Wet Tropics.

Getting to Girringun National Park

When it comes to how to get to Girringun National Park, you have a few options at your disposal. You may have already found your way to the town of Ingham, which sits an hour’s drive south and is well worth a visit in its own right. It is, after all, the home of the Pub With No Beer (or Lees Hotel), made famous by Slim Dusty's song and now bestowed a Queensland Government commemorative plaque.

If instead you’re travelling to the region by plane you can choose to fly into Cairns (a four hour drive) or Townsville (just 2.5 hours away).

And while you’re welcome to explore alone, you may be better off following the expert guidance of leading local guides North Queensland Tours which meander around the entirety of Tropical North Queensland.