Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (Lambs Head) Cairns Hiking Guide

Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (Lambs Head) Cairns Hiking Guide

The Kahlpahlim Rock Hike, also known as Lamb's Head, is a hiking trail near the town of Mareeba, Queensland. This is a pleasant hike that can be done all year round and passes through both dense pine forest and dense tropical rainforest.

At the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. If you want a solid half-day hike to one of the best views near Cairns, you should definitely try this one.

Kahlpahlim Rock location

The Kahlpahlim Rock hike is located in Dinden/Davies Creek National Park, near the town of Mareeba, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cairns. Although it looks much closer to Cairns on the map, you have to drive around the national parks and towards the Tablelands to access the trailhead.

How do I get here?

I am not aware of any guided tours or companies that organize trips to the Kahlpahlim Rock Hike. This means that the best way to get here is to drive yourself to the trailhead.

As mentioned, it only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the trailhead from Cairns. First, drive up the winding Kennedy Highway past Barron Falls and Kuranda. From Kuranda, continue on the same highway for another 25 minutes until you reach Davies Creek Road on the left.

This road leads to Davies Creek Falls, which is a worthwhile stop to cool off after the hike. Continue past the waterfall and the several designated campsites (behind site 6) until you see a small parking area with a worn sign indicating the start of the Ridge Track. I have marked the exact location of this parking lot on the map below.

You can either leave your car here and start on the Ridge Track like I did, or drive another 5 minutes down Davies Creek Road until you reach the small parking area for the Kahlpahlim Rock trailhead.
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Featured in: 22 Great Things to Do in the Atherton Tablelands

Kahlpahlim Rock Hiking Trail

Next to the Mt Bartle Frere hike, the Kahlpahlim Rock hike is my favorite hike near Cairns. You'll experience changing terrain as well as some of the greatest views of Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands you'll find anywhere.

The route is well marked with orange arrows and ribbons on the trees. Since it's a bit out of the way, you'll probably have the entire route to yourself.

Circuit distance: 18km return loop. This took just over 4 hours at a moderate pace.

Elevation difference of the hike: 860 m elevation difference (1280 m AMLS at the ridge summit)

Difficulty of the hike: This route is generally classified as difficult. However, if you have a decent level of fitness, you will have no problem completing the hike to Kahlpahlim Rock. It's no more difficult than Walsh's pyramid hike.
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RELATED: Devils Thumb Hike (Manjal Jimalji)

Kahlpahlim Rock Trail

The Kahlpahlim Rock Trail is a longer, wider extension of the ridge that begins at the very end of Davies Creek Road. The trail begins through tropical flora and climbs steeply over a rocky outcrop on an old pine-dotted logging path and ends with a climb through dense, wet tropical rainforest.

Both trails meet at a plateau rock section that showed signs of burnback or fire when I finished the hike. From here it is a wet, steep climb to the base of the huge Kahlpahlim rock. From here the path leads left along the rock face, down the wet slopes and finally doglegs steeply up to the ridge.

Once you reach the ridge, you can go right to reach the rock or left to reach the research station.

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• alt=“KAHLPAHLIM ROCK RESEARCH STATION ANSICHT DES EINZUGS“>Forschungsstation Kahlpahlim Rock.

COMPLETE CAIRNS GUIDE: 22 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS UPDATED 2020

The ridge path

The Ridge Trail also begins on a gentle incline that quickly becomes steeper as you reach a section of dense pine forest. After a steep and rapid climb, you reach the ledge where the two paths join.

The Ridge Trail is said to be steeper than the Kahlpahlim Rock Trail, which is why some recommend starting with the latter and descending on the Ridge Trail.

However, I found the Ridge Trail to be an easy climb. If you're short on time and want to have a blast, you can also go up and down the ridge path as the total distance is shorter.
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ALSO NEARBY: Turtle Rock Hike, Davies Creek National Park

The loop

The Kahlpahlim rock hike is best completed in a circular loop. Both trails lead to Kahlpahlim Rock, so you can choose which track you want to start with.

I decided to do the climb on the steeper Ridge Trail and come back down on the wider Kahlpahlim Rock Track. Note that parking for these trails is located at various locations along Davies Creek Road. So if you walk the loop you have to walk a final 20 minute road section.

Kahlpahlim rock map

Here is the official Queensland Parks Kahlpahlim Rock Map which you can download or print. Note that both tracks are included and meet at a rocky section before the final climb to the ridge.
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Kahlpahlim Rock Hike GPX map

Below is the Kahlpahlim Rock GPX route I took. You can download these from the link below and use them on your phone or GPS watch to help you navigate. However, don't rely on it as your primary means of navigation.

GPX file: Download

My Strava activity: Visit

Kahlpahlim Rock (Lambs Head) summit and view

At the top of the Kahlpahlim Rock hike, you'll get the best views of Cairns and the adjacent rainforest by climbing the rocky clearing to the right as you reach the ridge.

You can also go left here and follow the orange markers to a clearing with a large research station. Following the trail markers further into the adjacent bush will also lead you to a steep grassy clearing with great views of the Atherton Tablelands.

Below are some shots I took of the ridge and with my drone.
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RELATED: Red Arrow, Blue Arrow Tracks Cairns – Mount Whitfield Loop

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!
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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.
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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.
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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.

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More epic hikes and adventures in Cairns

I hope you found this Kahlpahlim Rock Hike Guide useful. If you have any questions or want to get in touch with us, don't forget to leave a comment.

If you're up for more adventures in Far North Queensland, check out some of the other in-depth guides below or check out the ultimate list of top things to do in Cairns or this huge Cairns hiking list.

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