Buujan Quiinbiira walk, Girringun National Park (Wallaman Falls section). The Buujan Quiinbiira (Boo-jun quin bee-rr-ar) walk starts at Wallaman Falls and winds its way through open forests and past palm-filled gullies before crossing the Herbert River to reach the Yamanie pick-up point.
Day 1Wallaman Falls to Pack Trail camp site (23.3 kilometres)
From Wallaman Falls, follow an old forestry track through a range of landscapes including she-oak dominated country, open forest and rainforest. Or, from the Wet Tropics Great Walk information shelter, wander down the road and across the Stony Creek bridge to the start of the walk. Small gullies teeming with ferns and palms are scattered throughout the forest. If you look carefully, you might catch a glimpse of the brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies fluttering through gullies or forest kingfishers perched on branches in the shade. About five kilometres along the track you will come to a large clearing. This was once a forestry quarry. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is rehabilitating the area. In time this scar on the landscape will disappear. The remains of an old forestry camp can be seen a further 7.2 kilometres down the track. For about 10 years this camp was home to the road gangs, forestry officers and timber cutters, who worked here. Just past the forestry camp is Garrawalt Creek, a perfect spot to stop for lunch. Spend a moment peering into the rock pools and be rewarded with a glimpse of a platypus or hear the plop of a water dragon seeking refuge in the stream. After lunch, you will cross over three more creeks. Flagstone Creek is the last creek crossing for nearly 14 kilometres, so fill up your water containers. Continue on a further 4.4 kilometres to the Pack Trail camp site, your home for the night.
Day 2Pack Trail camp site to Yamanie pick-up point (14.2 kilometres)
After a peaceful night sleeping under the stars this mornings walk will take you back in time. Re-live the past by walking part of the Dalrymple Track forged in the 1860s by George Dalrymple and his team. The track provided an essential route for bullock teams hauling basic supplies from the Port of Cardwell to the frontier homesteads. Be prepared for a steep decent on unstable surfaces. Part way down the steep hill, there is a break in the canopy. Enjoy the sensational views across the Herbert River Valley. At the base of the hill you will pass through a big scrubby gully. Not far down the track is the Yamanie turn-off. Enjoy a pleasant walk through open forest, along the high banks of the Herbert River. Keep your eyes and ears open for resident wildlife. This section of track is marked with trail markers. Listen for the noisy chatter of scaly-breasted lorikeets or the deep, gruff call of the wompoo fruit-dove. Scattered throughout the open forest are small gullies filled with riparian rainforest including large fig trees. The transformation in the vegetation is sudden, affected by changes in soil quality and moisture levels. Spend a moment peering into the river and be rewarded with a glimpse of a platypus. Freshwater turtles can be seen basking on logs or peeking through the surface of the water. The river is also home to many different fish such as barramundi and mangrove jack. In a big, long, deep waterhole in the Herbert River, you will find another of the localsa large estuarine crocodile took up residence here years ago. Remember to be croc wise in croc country and only cross the river where marked.
Walkers must be self-sufficient and have the right equipment and bushwalking gear. Always tell someone your walking plans and when you expect to return. Mobile phone coverage is limited.
Distance: 37.5 kilometres one way.
Time: Allow two days.
Grade: Difficult.
