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Turtle Rock Hike – Cairns Hiking Guide
The Turtle Rock Hike (Turtle Head Rock) is a circular hike in Dinden National Park near Cairns, Queensland. The hike features a spectacular boulder overlook, easy rock climbing, and an easy river crossing. The Turtle Rock Hike in Dinden National Park is a great morning or afternoon loop hike for those looking for a quick adventure from Cairns. I ran this route for a sunrise trip with my dad as a quick morning micro-adventure from Cairns and highly recommend it. In this guide I will detail how to get to the trailhead, what to do along the way...
Turtle Rock Hike – Cairns Hiking Guide
The Turtle Rock Hike (Turtle Head Rock) is a circular hike in Dinden National Park near Cairns, Queensland. The hike features a spectacular boulder overlook, easy rock climbing, and an easy river crossing.
The Turtle Rock Hike in Dinden National Park is a great morning or afternoon loop hike for those looking for a quick adventure from Cairns. I ran this route for a sunrise trip with my dad as a quick morning micro-adventure from Cairns and highly recommend it.
In this guide I will detail how to get to the trailhead, what to expect along the way, and I will also include a few photos that I hope will inspire your trip!
Where is the turtle rock hike?
The Turtle Rock Circuit is located in Dinden National Park, approximately 61 kilometers from Cairns on the Tablelands side of the Lamb Range. The trailhead is accessible from nearby campsites Nodes 3 and 4 on Davies Creek Road. This road is not paved but is well graded. A 4WD is ideal, but you'll manage with a regular 2WD sedan or hatchback.
This section of Dinden National Park shares coverage with Davies Creek National Park and features eucalyptus forests and several freshwater streams and waterfalls.
There are many adventures to be had in this remote area of tropical north Queensland, many of which are my personal favourites. These include the Kahlpahlim Rock Hike (Lambs Head), Davies Creek Falls and nearby Emerald Creek Falls.
How to get to the trailhead from Cairns
To get to the Turtle Rock Circuit Trail, you must take the Captain Cook Highway north toward Smithfield. Then turn left onto the Kennedy Highway, which climbs the MacAlister Range to reach Kuranda. Continue another 14 miles past Kuranda where you will see a sign that says “Davies Creek.”
Turn left onto Davies Creek Road and follow this dirt road for 10 kilometers, passing Davies Creek Falls on the left. The trailhead is on the right. Pay attention to the signs “Camping Node 3 & 4”.
This campsite is a wide clearing right next to the creek and the Turtle Rock Circuit trailhead begins here.
See also: 14 Awesome Things to Do in Kuranda, Australia
The Turtle Rock Circuit
The Turtle Rock hike is best completed counterclockwise. This way you overcome the steepest part of the hike early and leave a gentle descent back to the campsite. The track is well worn and easy to follow. There are also orange arrows on the trees marking the route. So you shouldn't have any problems finding your way around.
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Featured in: 22 Great Things to Do in the Atherton Tablelands
Hiking routes
Once you arrive at the campsite hubs mentioned above, head towards the obvious outdoor toilet stall. The Turtle Rock hike starts just 20 meters from here.
The first section of the climb to Turtle Head Rock begins with a gentle incline through dry eucalyptus forest. After a short walk the path becomes steeper and you have to climb a bit over light boulders. This section is quite steep but doesn't take long. Before you know it, you'll reach Turtle Rock, just 1.4 miles from the starting point.
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- alt=“TURTLE ROCK TRAIL CAIRNS“>
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When you first approach the rock, it's immediately clear where the name of the Turtle Rock hike comes from. The large boulder resembles a turtle with its head outstretched sunning itself on the edge of the cliff.
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It is possible to climb Turtle Head Rock for breathtaking views over the pristine Dinden National Park. Be careful as there is a steep drop on the other side.
After taking in the views and resting your legs, follow the orange arrows to the left (facing Turtle Rock) and enjoy the gentle walk back.
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Towards the end of the trail you have to cross Varch Creek, which is nothing more than a jump over the narrows. The trail then returns to Davies Creek Road, just a few hundred yards to the right of the campground. Just keep following the arrows to the left and you'll soon arrive back at the camp node.
alt=“DINDIN NATIONAL PARK DAVIES CREEK HIKE”>
RELATED POST: Cairns Hikes: 36 Best Hikes
Turtle Rock GPX file
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More photos from the Turtle Rock hike Cairns
Here are a few more photos of the trail and the boulder overlook for the sunrise.
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- alt=“TURTLE ROCK TRACK DINDIN NATIONALPARK“>
- alt=“DAVIES-CREEK-NATIONALPARK-WANDERWEG“>
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.
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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 hikes and adventures near Cairns
If you enjoyed this quick guide to the Turtle Rock Hike from Cairns, be sure to check out some other blog posts I've written for more Cairns adventure ideas. If you have any additional questions or trail updates or feedback on the blog, please let me know by leaving a comment.
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
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