Turtle Rock Hike - Cairn's hiking guide

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The Turtle Rock Hike (Turtle Head Rock) is a circular hiking trail in Dinden National Park near Cairns, Queensland. The hike offers a spectacular base block viewpoint, light rock climbing and a simple river crossing.

The Turtle Rock Hike in Dinden National Park is a great morning or afternoon circular hike for those who are looking for a quick adventure from Cairns. I ran this route for a sunrise trip with my father as a fast morning micro adventure from Cairns and can only highly recommend it.

In this guide, I will describe in detail how to get to the starting point of the hiking trail, which you can expect on the track, and I will also add a few photos of which I hope you will inspire your trip!

Where is the turtle hike?

The Turtle Rock Circuit is located in Dinden National Park, about 61 kilometers from Cairns on the Tablelands side of the Lamb Range. The starting point of the hiking trail is accessible from the nearby campsites knots 3 and 4 at the Davies Creek Road. This street is not paved, but well graduated. A 4WD is ideal, but you will make it with a normal 2WD limousine or a flow rear.

This section of the Dinden national park is shared by the cover with the Davies Creek National Park and has eucalyptus forests and several freshwater streams and waterfalls.

In this remote area of ​​the tropical north of Queensland, there are many adventures to experience, many of which are among my personal favorites. These include the Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (Lambs Head), the Davies Creek Falls and the nearby Emerald Creek Falls.

Google Maps Pin: "Turtle headpress"

How to get from Cairns to the starting point of the trail

To get to the Turtle Rock Circuit Trail, you have to take the Captain Cook Highway north towards Smithfield. Then turn left onto Kennedy Highway, which climbs the Macalister Range to reach Kuranda. Drive a further 22 kilometers past Kuranda, where you will see a sign with the inscription "Davies Creek".

Turn on the left to the Davies Creek Road and follow this unpaved road for 10 kilometers, past the Davies Creek Fall on the left. The entry point of the hiking trail is on the right. Pay attention to the signs "Camping knot 3 & 4".

This campsite is a wide clearing right next to the stream and the starting point of the Turtle Rock Circuit begins here.

See also: 14 great things that can be done in Kuranda, Australia,

The Turtle Rock Circuit

Hiking route (circular path)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Height: 910 meters of AMSL | Total profit: 320 meters
Medium

The Turtle Rock hike is best done against clockwise. In this way you will overcome the steepest part of the hike early and leave a gentle descent back to the campsite. The route is worn out and easy to follow. There are also orange arrows on the trees that mark the route. So you shouldn't have any problems finding your way around.
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presented in: 22 great things that can be done in the Atherton Tablelands

Hiking routes

When you arrive at the nodes mentioned above of the campsite, go towards the obvious external toilet cabin. The Turtle rock hike begins only 20 meters from here.

The first section of the ascent to the Turtle Head Rock begins with a slight climb through dry eucalyptus forest. After a short walk, the path becomes steeper and you have to climb a little over light boulders. This section is quite steep, but it doesn't take long. Before you get yourself, you reach Turtle Rock, just 2.2 kilometers from the starting point.

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If you approach the rock for the first time, it is immediately clear where the name of the Turtle rock hike comes from. The large boulder resembles a turtle with an outstretched head that Sundays on the edge of the cliff.
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It is possible to climb the Turtle Head Rock to enjoy a breathtaking view over the untouched Dinden National Park. Be careful because it is a steep drop on the other side.

After enjoying the view and resting the legs, follow the orange arrows to the left (with a view of Turtle Rock) and enjoy the gentle way back.
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Towards the end of the path, you have to cross the "Varch Creek", which is nothing more than a jump over the constriction. The path then leads back to the Davies Creek Road, just a few hundred meters to the right of the campsite. Just follow the arrows to the left and you will soon arrive at the warehouse node.
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Related Post: Cairn's hikes: 36 Best hikes

Turtle Rock GPX file

gpx file: download

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More photos of the Turtle Rock Hike Cairns

Here are a few photos of the hiking trail and the bouldering viewpoint for the sunrise.

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Cairn's accommodation guide-where to spend the night

Are you planning a trip to Cairns and wonder where you should settle? Below I listed some of the best options near Cairn's Esplanade. I also wrote a comprehensive accommodation guide for Cairns and a comprehensive accommodation leader for Port Douglas.

Crystalbrook Riley - if you are looking for luxury and location, the Crystallrbook Riley is unbeatable. This is the best 5-star resort in Cairns and offers absolutely everything you expect from a Crystalbrook resort.

TIP: Definitely go to Rocco’s Bar on the top of the Crystalbrook Riley to enjoy a great view over Cairns!
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Rydges Resort-This hotel offers an excellent price-performance ratio for an epic stay at a decent price! The location is perfect, near the Esplanade and has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, a whirlpool, a fitness center and even a 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, you are exactly right in the Fitzroy Island Resort. While you can take a day trip here, I strongly recommend spending the night so that you have more time to explore the reef, the coral beaches and the hiking trails in the rainforest.
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Gilligan’s backpackers-the best backpacker option for a great atmosphere in Cairns is Gilligan’s Backpackers. This is because this has a swimming pool, air conditioning, a complete kitchen and a great common area to meet other travelers.

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Further hikes and adventures near Cairns

If you liked this short guide to the Turtle Rock Hike of Cairns, be sure to read a few more blog posts that I wrote to find further Cairns adventure ideas. If you have any further questions or trail updates or feedback on the blog, please let me know by leaving a comment.

My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
  • telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
  • landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one 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 from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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