Suche
Mein Konto
Ivan Evans Walk, Waddlebla Peak & Boiboi Peak – Cairns Hiking Guide
A quick walking guide to an extension of the Ivan Evans Walk in Cairns to Waddlebla Peak and Boiboi Peak on the Waddlebla Trail. The Ivan Evans Walk is a popular hike among Cairns locals looking for a quick stroll close to the city. However, the Ivan Evans Trail itself is fairly short and not much of an adventure in itself. For this reason I decided to combine the Ivan Evans Walk with the steeper Waddlebla Trail up to Boi Boi Peak and Waddlebla Peak. This made it a much more challenging, scenic and rewarding…
Ivan Evans Walk, Waddlebla Peak & Boiboi Peak – Cairns Hiking Guide
A quick walking guide to an extension of the Ivan Evans Walk in Cairns to Waddlebla Peak and Boiboi Peak on the Waddlebla Trail.
The Ivan Evans Walk is a popular hike among Cairns locals looking for a quick stroll close to the city. However, the Ivan Evans Trail itself is fairly short and not much of an adventure in itself. For this reason I decided to combine the Ivan Evans Walk with the steeper Waddlebla Trail up to Boi Boi Peak and Waddlebla Peak. This made it a much more challenging, scenic and rewarding hike - but without leaving much in the way of views.
Note that there are dozens of trails that run through the dense rainforest of Ellen Close Reserve, and many of them are mountain bike trails. Please respect that many of these trails were created and managed by mountain bikers. I'm sure they don't mind sharing their trails, but hikers and trail runners should stay out of their way and stay alert and look out for downhill riders.
For the purposes of this blog I will outline the route I took to Boiboi Peak and Waddlebla Peak. However, if you wish, you can choose alternative routes or finish the hike earlier once you reach Waddlebla Peak near Lake Morris Road.
Where is the Ivan Evans Walk Trailhead?
The Ivan Evans Walk begins at the end of Ellen Close, a suburban street in the Bayview Heights suburb of Cairns. The trailhead is only about 10 kilometers from the Cairns coast and only requires a short 15-minute drive.
Once you have driven to the end of Ellen Close, park your car and look for the signpost on the grassy area to the right of the cul-de-sac.
alt=“IVAN EVANS WALK TRAILHEAD”>
Via the Ivan Evans Walk and the Waddlebla Trail
Since there is no single route or route to Boiboi or Waddlebla peaks, I will simply go through my route and experience along the way to help you plan your hike. The first section follows the popular Ivan Evans Walk before detouring onto a path signposted as a “Service Track”. However, it is just the beginning of a network of mountain bike trails that lead to Lake Morris Road.
From Lake Morris Road you have to walk a few hundred meters along the road before rejoining the Boiboi Peak Trail.
As I mentioned above, hikers and trail runners should be on the lookout for mountain bikers and stay out of their way (take out your headphones).
GPX file
Here is a GPX map that I recorded with my Garmin watch. If you want, you can download the GPX track by clicking the link below.
GPX file: Download
My Strava: Visit
RELATED POST: Cairns Hikes: 36 Best Hikes
Ivan Evans Walk
The Ivan Evans Trail is a pleasant path through Ellen Close Reserve, connecting Ellen Close to Toogood Road with a small viewpoint in the middle. The route is only 2.4 kilometers long and easy to follow. It's also not too steep, making it a good walk if you're looking for something easy or quick.
After about 600 meters (about halfway if you go to Toogood Road) you will come to a viewpoint. This is known as Boiboi’s Lookout, but it really wasn’t that impressive. Not to be confused with the equally inconspicuous Boiboi Peak.
If you want to continue to Waddlebla Peak and Boiboi Peak, you need to turn left at this viewpoint.
alt=“IVAN EVANS WALK”>Ivan Evans Walk
Waddlebla Trail
Although not signposted, the change to the Waddlebla Track is immediately obvious. The path becomes dramatically steeper at the start of the climb.
Although there aren't many good views at all due to the dense vines and rainforest, the Waddlebla Trail makes for an enjoyable climb with sections of easy, rocky terrain. However, don't underestimate the steepness, especially if you've been injured.
alt="WADDLEBLA TRACK CAIRNS">
There's a highlight just before Lake Morris Road, where the most exciting features are a wooden sign nailed to a tree and an old, dilapidated treehouse.
alt="WADDLEBLA TRACK">
If you continue along the same path you will soon come out on Lake Morris Road. You can end the hike here or continue up Lake Morris Road and watch for cars and cyclists after 600 meters to find the next trailhead. You can also walk a little further to reach the White Rock Trailhead, which offers one of the best viewing points in the area.
Boiboi track
The Boiboi Peak trailhead is on the right side of Lake Morris Road, 600 meters above the Waddlebla Trail. It is not immediately obvious and is not signposted. However, you shouldn't have any trouble finding the route opposite a wide, grassy clearing on the road just before the dogleg turn.
The Boiboi Peak Track is less steep than the Waddlebla Track and (as far as I know) is not used by mountain bikers. You may also notice that the rainforest is denser and more tropical, with some tree fall and a lot of waiting.
alt=“BOIBOI PEAK TRAIL CAIRNS”>
MORE: GLACIER ROCKS | SADDLE MOUNTAIN
Waddlebla Summit
Eventually you reach Waddlebla Peak, although you'll be excused if you miss it. Really, it's just as anticlimactic as the rest of the hike. However, if you are taking this walk, then you were already aware of this. Instead, find reward in the tranquility of secluded trails through lush tropical forest.
This trail continues on a similar gradient for another kilometer before reaching Boi Boi Peak, the highest point of this hike. Again unfortunately, but not surprisingly – no prospect in sight.
From here I decided to turn around and head back to Ellen Close. However, this path continues for another 2 kilometers as it descends to Redlynch. A good option if you want to continue would be to go to the Crystal Cascades and Fairy Falls in Redlynch after the walk.
alt="WADDLEBLA TRAIL CAIRNS">
Return to Ellen Close
From the highest point at Boiboi Peak I went back the same way. I took a wrong turn on one of the mountain bike routes on the Waddlebla Trail, as you can see on the GPX map, which led me to turn around the corner to Vine Close.
More Cairns hikes and adventures
I hope you found this short mini guide to the Ivan Evans Walk and Wadelbla Trail to Waddlebla Peak and Boiboi Peak useful. If you enjoyed the hike, check out some of my other guides and blogs about Cairns hikes and adventures below.
I've also written a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Cairns and if you like waterfalls, this guide to the best waterfalls in Cairns.
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
alt=“IVAN EVANS WADDLEBLA PEAK & BOIBOI PEAK WALK”>
On Pinterest?
Why not save this Ivan Evans Walk guide for later? Follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest to stay up to date with all the new travel guides and blogs.
PIN IT FOLLOW ME
.