Glacier rock viewing hike Stoney Creek – Cairns

Glacier rock viewing hike Stoney Creek – Cairns

The Glacier Rock hike is a short out-and-back hike that offers great coastal views from Cairns to the northern beaches. The gentle climb to the 450m high Glacier Rock viewpoint is a great bet to catch outstanding sunrise or sunset views near Kuranda.

It seems that wherever you stand in Cairns, the bare, barren surface of the glacier rock is exposed against the iconic rainforest backdrop.

If you fancy a short but worthwhile hike near Cairns or Kuranda, then the Glacier Rock hike is an excellent choice. We decided to head out about an hour before sunrise, hoping to catch the sunrise from above.

alt="GLACIER ROCK LOOKOUT CAIRNS">
alt=“GLACIER ROCK HIKE CAIRNS”>
alt=“GLACIER ROCK SUNRISE VIEWPOINT IN CAIRNS”>

Glacier Rock Cairns, as well as the other trails and trails in Barron Gorge National Park, form what was once an essential network of Djabugay trails. These trails are significant to the indigenous community because they were useful routes to connect the coast to the high plains.

Directions to Glacier Rock Cairns

The Glacier Rock hike is located in Barron Gorge National Park, with most access points starting near the Stoney Creek trailhead.

The short, 260 m long Glacier Rock track branches off a fork in the Douglas Track. This means that for those who just want to hike to Glacier Rock Lookout, there are a few options available.

Option 1: Start at the Stoney Creek parking lot

Based on online Barron Gorge trail maps, the best starting point is the Stoney Creek parking lot. From here, take the Stoney Creek/Douglas trailhead, bear right and follow signs for the Douglas Track.

This option adds approximately 750M each way as the trail connects near the Douglas Track Road Trailhead (Option 2 below).

Option 2: From Douglas Track Road

The second option to start the Glacier Rock hike is on a dead end road at the end of Douglas Track Road. This road is the last one on the right, just before the Stoney Creek parking lot.

There are a few places to park your car and the trailhead is an unmarked bush access path just to the left of a gated private driveway.

I've marked the location for the Glacier Rock start point on the map below to make it easier for you to find.

RELATED: WHITE ROCK LOOKOUT HIKING CAIRNS

Glacier rock hiking route

So how far is Glacier Rock Cairns? The Glacier Rock hiking trail is approximately 3.5 miles (5.9 km) long and begins with an out-and-back Douglas Track trail from the Douglas Track Road trailhead.

If you leave from the Stone Creek parking lot, add another 1.5 km round trip.

Glacier rock map

Below is a trail map for the Stoney Creek area. You'll see that this map covers the Glacier Rock Track, which begins near Stoney Creek, as well as other trails to Barron Falls and even the Skyrail.
alt=“BARRON GORGE NATIONAL PARK MAP”>Source: QLD Parks

GPX route

Below I have attached a GPX file of the route I took from the end of Douglas Track Road to Glacier Rock Lookout, recorded with my GPS watch. You can download it and follow it if you want. But honestly, this track is pretty easy to follow and it's very hard to get lost along the way.

GPX file: Download

My Strava: Visit

What to Expect on the Glacier Rock Walking Track

Hiking distance: 5.9 km there and back
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Altitude: 395 m elevation difference to 450 m AMSL
Difficulty: Easy

Although much of this route is a climb, the 395m elevation gain is spread out, meaning it is more of a gentle climb and not too steep.

First section of Stoney Creek

Starting from the Douglas Track Road trailhead, you enter a dense, bushy section with tall grass on both sides of the track just before reaching a makeshift plank bridge over a small ravine.

Soon the path leads to a fork with a signpost, where you must take the right path (Douglas Track). At this point the trail joins the Stoney Creek parking lot trail.

Shortly after the fork, the trail begins to climb, with several switchbacks as you make your way to the ridge.

Douglas Track Rail Crossing

About halfway you will come to a bridge that allows you to cross the train tracks. After this bridge, the metal stairs behind the bridge go steeply uphill.
alt="Douglas Track Railroad Crossing Bridge">

RELATED: Red Arrow, Blue Arrow Tracks Cairns – Mount Whitfield Loop

Breaking out of the bush

After another short switchback climb, the track opens up to an exposed, grassy section that offers progressively better views before reaching a flat section that serves as a powerline service track.

Follow this wide path to a point where the McDonald Track joins the Douglas Track. To your left is a signpost indicating the final stretch to Glacier Rock Overlook.
alt="GLACIER ROCK LOOKOUT HIKE NEAR CAIRNS">

RELATED: Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (Lambs Head) Cairns Hiking Guide

Glacier rock lookout

Just 800 feet from the fork, you'll have reached Glacier Rock, marked by a signpost next to the cliff-side viewpoint.

From the Glacier Rock viewpoint you can enjoy sweeping views of the Cairns coastline, including the northern beaches, Cairns City, the Barron River, Earl Hill, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and the distant mountains of the Lamb Range.
alt="Glacier Rock Sunrise Viewpoint Cairns">
alt="GLACIER ROCK CAIRNS HIKING GUIDE">

Cool off at Stoney Creek

After enjoying the sunrise from Glacier Rock Lookout, it's time to return to the parking lot the same route you came.

If you want to cool off, Stoney Creek, a refreshing swimming hole, is the perfect place. This is just around the corner at the Stoney Creek Carpark.
alt=“STONEY CREEK FALLS CAIRNS”>

RELATED: Devils Thumb Hike in Mossman

Cairns Accommodation Guide – Where to Stay

Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wondering where to base yourself? Below I have listed some of the best options near Cairns Esplanade. I have also written a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns as well as a comprehensive accommodation guide for Port Douglas.

Crystalbrook Riley – If you’re looking for luxury and location, Crystalrbook Riley can’t be beat. This is the best 5 star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you would expect from a Crystalbrook resort.

Tip: Be sure to head to Rocco’s Bar at the top of Crystalbrook Riley for great views over Cairns!
alt=”Girls sunbathing at Crystalbrook Riley Resort in Cairns”>
Rydges Resort – This hotel offers great value for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, close to the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a hot tub, a fitness center and even an award-winning restaurant.
alt=“RYDGES ESPLANADE RESORT IN CAIRNS, WHERE TO STAY”>
Fitzroy Island Resort – If you prefer to stay on one of the picturesque islands of the Great Barrier Reef, look no further than Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can do a day trip here, I highly recommend spending the night so you have more time to explore the reef, coral beaches, and rainforest hiking trails.
alt="FITZROY ISLAND RESORT">
Gilligan’s Backpackers – The best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. That's because this one has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a full kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.

alt=“GILLIGAN’S BACKPACKER RESORT”>

More photos from the glacier rock hike

Here are some more photos from the Glacier Rock Cairns hike to inspire your trip.
alt="RAILWAY CROSSING ON THE DOUGLAS RAILWAY TO GLACIER ROCK">
alt=“CAIRNS MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES FROM GLACIER ROCK CAIRNS”>
alt="GLACIER ROCK LOOKOUT CAIRNS">
alt=“GLACIER ROCK SUNRISE HIKE, BARRON FALLS NATIONAL PARK”>

More things to do in Cairns

I hope this quick guide to hiking to Glacier Rock Viewpoint was helpful when planning your activities in Cairns.

For more ideas on hikes, islands, waterfalls and other attractions in Cairns, check out the links below. Otherwise, check out my Cairns Hiking Megapost for more tropical hiking trails and routes.

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• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
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