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Red arrow, blue arrow tracks Cairns – Mount Whitfield Loop
A guide to hiking the Red Arrow Track and Blue Arrow Track Loop to the summit of Mount Whitfield (Lumley Hill Lookout), just a stone's throw from Cairns. The Cairns Arrow Tracks are the most popular hiking trails near Cairns due to their easy access and proximity to the Cairns CBD. Starting from the Cairns Botanical Gardens, hikers have a choice of several trails in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, categorized by color; red arrow, blue arrow, yellow arrow and green arrow. In this short guide, I hope to answer all your questions and help you...
Red arrow, blue arrow tracks Cairns – Mount Whitfield Loop
A guide to hiking the Red Arrow Track and Blue Arrow Track Loop to the summit of Mount Whitfield (Lumley Hill Lookout), just a stone's throw from Cairns.
The Cairns Arrow Tracks are the most popular hiking trails near Cairns due to their easy access and proximity to the Cairns CBD. Starting from the Cairns Botanical Gardens, hikers have a choice of several trails in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, categorized by color; red arrow, blue arrow, yellow arrow and green arrow.
In this short guide I hope to answer all your questions and help you plan your day hike to the summit of Mount Whitfield (Lumley Hill Lookout), combining the Red Arrow Track and Blue Arrow Track in one big loop.
Where are the arrow marks in Cairns?
All arrow tracks are located within the Mount Whitfield Conservation Area and are accessible from the Cairns Botanical Gardens car park.
To get here, expect a short 10-minute drive from the Cairns CBD or, alternatively, a 4-kilometer walk along the Cairns Esplanade to the Botanic Gardens. There is plenty of parking along Collins Ave.
The Red Arrow Track Cairns is best accessed via the trailhead located right next to the Tanks Art Center on the map above.
Cairns Mount Whitfield Map / Arrow Traces
Below is the map for Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, outlining all the arrow trails adjacent to Cairns. The map and all information provided is from the Cairns Regional Council website.
(Click image for full quality).
alt=““>Source: Cairns Council
Mount Whitfield Summit Loop (Lumley Hill Viewpoint)
In my opinion the best trail accessible on foot from Cairns CBD is the Mount Whitfield Summit Loop to Lumley Hill Lookout which follows these Cairns Arrow Tracks.
For this blog post I have outlined the path I took; The Red Arrow and Blue Arrow tracks in a loop. However, there are alternative start/finish points listed below.
Red arrow trail
The Red Arrow Track is perhaps the most popular trail in the Mount Whitfield Conservation Area. It is one of the shortest loops, starting next to the Tanks Art Center (map above) and ending at the nearby Botanical Garden Visitor Center.
The short, 1.5 km loop forms the first section on the way to the connecting Blue Arrow Track. However, it is more often completed as a short walk alone.
This section has steep sections with very well maintained and easy to follow concrete steps as it climbs to the ridgeline above the Botanic Gardens.
alt=“Red Arrow Track in Cairns,”>
After approximately 20 minutes you will reach the connection points for the other routes, right next to the Aeroglen lookout overlooking Cairns Airport.
alt="Red Arrow Track in Cairns ">
alt=”Wallaby on the Red Arrow Track in Cairns “>Some local Cairns Wildlife, just 4km from the CBD
Alternative 1: Yellow arrow trail
An alternative way to access the Blue Arrow Track loop is to take the Yellow Arrow Track from a small access road just off Aeroglen Drive (pinned on Google Maps).
This route is slightly steeper and includes several switchbacks as it climbs to the overlook right next to the Blue Arrow trailhead.
However, note that if you start the Mount Whitfield summit loop from the Yellow Arrow Track, you will also need to finish the hike by descending on the same track, as the Red Arrow car park and the Yellow Arrow car park are far apart. I recommend starting on the Red Arrow Track to complete the entire track as a loop without any repeating sections.
alt="Yellow arrow trail in Aeroglen, Cairns">
Alternative 2: Green arrow trail
The second alternative is to start the walk at the Green Arrow Track trailhead, accessible from Brinsmead (also pinned on Google Maps). This track is less maintained but still easy to navigate. It is also much longer and if you want to return to the Green Arrow starting point you will have to repeat this section after the Blue Arrow loop.
alt=“Tree roots on the Green Arrow Track “>
Blue arrow trail
Now for the fun part. The starting point of the Blue Arrow Track begins right near the Aeroglen viewpoint. You'll notice that trail maintenance and construction immediately eases, creating a more natural and enjoyable route.
There are two routes you can take along the Blue Arrow Track to the summit of Mount Whitfield, both of which meet again at Aeroglen Lookout, right next to the Yellow Arrow Track terminus.
alt=“BLUE ARROW TRACK CAIRNS”>
It's entirely up to you which trail you want to take first, as you both walk when you make the loop. Both tracks are similar, although I would say the right track is a bit steeper.
alt="BLUE ARROW TRACK IN WHITFIELD CONSERVATION AREA">
After the Blue Arrow Track, look for “Blue Arrows” and ribbons in the tree marking the path. This is a popular route so you shouldn't have much trouble finding your way around.
There is also a signpost approximately 400m from the summit of Mount Whitfield (Lumley Hill), where the Blue Arrow Track loops.
View of Mount Whitfield (Lumley Hill Lookout)
The view from Mount Whitfield follows the Barron River and extends well out to the Coral Sea, with Green Island visible on most clear days. You can also see Cairns Airport and the distant rainforest ridges of Barron Gorge National Park.
Unfortunately, the view is largely obscured by a large communications building and power lines staggered down to the sea.
As an alternative for those looking for better views while hiking in Cairns, try Kahlpahlim Rock (Lamb's Head), Glacier Rock, White Rock Lookout, Mount Yarrabah or, if you're looking for a greater challenge, even Bartle Frere or Devils Thumb.
Don't be discouraged though, this loop alone is still a very scenic route to enjoy just a stone's throw from Cairns CBD and Esplanade. Just don't expect much in terms of views from the top.
alt="View from Lumley Hill Viewpoint ">
Return to Cairns
After a break, we continue down the Blue Arrow Track to the signpost where the loop connects. From here, take either the left or right path, depending on which you ascended.
You will soon reach Aeroglen Lookout, where the Blue Arrow Track, Red Arrow Track and Yellow Arrow Track join. Follow the left path to descend through beautiful bamboo forests back to the Botanical Gardens.
GPX map and hiking data
Here is a GPX map recorded by my Garmin GPS watch. This can be useful for planning your route or finding out what to expect on this hike. I wouldn't use it as a navigation tool as all the arrow trails are very easy to follow.
GPX file: Download
My Strava: Visit
RELATED: Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (Lambs Head) Cairns Hiking Guide
alt="Blue Arrow Track in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, Cairns">
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 Cairns travel and hiking guides
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to the most accessible hiking trails in Cairns. the Red Arrow and Blue Arrow Loop to the summit of Mount Whitfield.
But don't let it end there. For more guides and hiking resources in Cairns, check out the list below. A great place to start is this Cairns mega post on the best things to do in Cairns, Australia or this epic guide to Cairns' best hiking trails.
More photos from this Cairns hike
alt="Blue Arrow Track in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, Cairns">
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alt="View of Cairns Airport from Aeroglen Lookout">
alt="Wallaby on the Red Arrow Track in Cairns">
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- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
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- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
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- 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.
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alt=“RED ARROW BLUE ARROW PURSUES CAIRNS”>
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