Walsh's pyramid hike in Cairns - full hiking guide
Walsh's pyramid hike in Cairns - full hiking guide
A short guide for hiking to the Walsh pyramid from Cairns. Copy one of the most unique trails on the coast of Cairns in the tropical north of Queensland.
A little south of Cairns is the highest free -standing natural pyramid in the world; Walshs pyramid. Hikers who want to climb the summit are rewarded with some of the best panoramic views on the coast of Cairns and Innisfail.
In this short hiking guide, I will describe in detail how to get to the Walshs pyramid, information about hiking trails and hikes as well as what you can expect. You will also find some photos of the route and the summit, from which I hope you will inspire you to tackle this epic route!
presented in: 36 best Cairns hikes
Walshs Pyramid-A natural free-standing pyramid
Walsh’s Pyramid is an independent summit that rises over sugar cane fields in the small town of Gordonvale.
At first glance, you will be excused when you make the mistake of believing that it is an artificial pyramid that is covered with eucalyptus bushes. In fact, the mountain is a natural phenomenon and the highest of its kind all over the world.
Walshs pyramid height
You wonder how high Walshs pyramid is?
The height of the Walsh pyramid is 922 meters above sea level. Hikers start quite close to the sea level, so that the total height is almost 900 m.
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How to come to the hiking trail
The beginning of the Walsh’s Pyramid hiking trail is about 25 km from Cairns. Expect a 30-minute drive.
To get here, you have to take the Bruce Highway (A1) in the south and turn on the Moss Access Road, just a few hundred meters after crossing the Mulgrave River via the Desmond Trannore Bridge.
After you have turned onto the Moss Access Road, circle the curve and find a small parking lot on the left, where the starting point for the Walshs Pyramid hike is also located.
I attached the exact location of the hiking parking space below to help you. If you navigate to this pin, it is really impossible to get lost. Do not make the usual mistake of following Google Maps' instructions to the pyramid, since they are led to a private property.
Google Maps Pin: "Walsh’s Pyramid Parking and Walking Track"
The pyramid hike of Walsh
Hiking route: 6.2 km (back and forth)
duration (back and forth)
Höhe: approx. 900 m Total height difference | Summit height: 922 m Amsl
DIY (exhausting)
The Cairns Pyramid Walk can be viewed as a rather exhausting hiking trail due to the almost 900 meters of altitude that are necessary to reach the summit. However, the route is easy to track and well marked in most sections and does not require climbing or technically difficult sections.
The total route is 3.1 km to the font point of the Walshs pyramid. Expect about 2 hours to reach the summit, depending on your speed and fitness level.
There are markings on every Kilometer. You also have to look for ligaments and triangular markings on the trees that show the way to the summit.
The Walsh’s Pyramid Track is quite steep due to the naturally steep slope of the pyramid. Although it is not extremely difficult, you have to have at least a decent level of fitness to try it.
Details of Walh’s Pyramid Hiking Wide
The path begins at the parking lot, which is marked on the map above. Almost immediately the path becomes steeper and begins to win at height.
The beginning of the route is quite dense with vegetation. Immediately after the 2 km mark, they break out to a small rocky lighting with large boulders.
This is a good place to take a short break and enjoy the view. The navigation through the sloping scree field is probably the most difficult section.
My best advice in this section is that if you lose sight of markings, you go back on the way to which you came up until you find one again. In general, after the rocky clearing, you should keep on the left and avoid going up the wrong, leaked paths.
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The next section to the summit is quite straightforward and you shouldn't have any problems. However, it seems as if the route is getting a little steeper, so prepare your legs for burning.
The last few hundred meters of altitude are the steepest of the entire Walshs Pyramid hike. It is not about climbing, but about a steady climb to the rocky lead at the summit.
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See also: The ultimate packing list for Cairns
Views from the summit of the Walsh-Pyramide
As soon as you have finally reached the summit, you have a wide 360-degree view, including the islands outside of Innisfail, Cairns and Trinity Inlet as well as the mountain backdrop in the south.
There are several places for sitting and resting and enjoying the view. I found that the best view was only a little further down behind the summit, where there are some large flat rocks that give a perfect viewpoint.
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Relatives: Best waterfalls in Cairns
Tips for hiking Walh’s Pyramid in Cairns
I would recommend starting the hike to Walsh's pyramid early in the morning, even before dawn. This is because it can get pretty hot on the route and you can even enjoy some incredible views of the sunrise halfway.
also pay attention to the path markings. On some sections it can be a bit difficult to stay on the way, especially when there is a fog or a cloud cover near the summit.
Since this hike will take at least 3.4 to 4 hours, remember to bring water with you because you will not find any on the way.
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Best time to try the pyramid hike from Walsh
It is possible to climb the Walsh pyramid all year round, but in the hot, wet season it will definitely be warmer.
Cairns has a tropical climate with two main years; Wet and dry. April to November is a dry season in which there is less rain and cooler, drier weather in Cairn's. This is the best time to take the hike because the probability of rain is lower and the ascent is more convenient.
await you for the rest of the year more rain and hot and moist conditions with an average of 28 to 34 degrees. I always use Willyweather for current information about the weather in Cairns and the Walsh’s Pyramid Walk.
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The annual pyramid race
The Walsh’s Pyramid Race is an annual trail running event that begins and ends in Gordonvale. It is a grueling race with a lot of climb. The winners need an average of about an hour and a half.
More photos of the Walsh’s Pyramid Summit
Are you looking for some photos of the Walsh pyramid to inspire your hike? Take a look at some of the pictures that I made from the route and the summit from the sunrise and the wide view. The picture above in this blog post shows the Walsh pyramid from Behana Gorge Road.
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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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More Cairn's hikes and adventure
you liked the hike to the Walsh pyramid and you are looking for further epic adventures near Cairns?
Below you will find a list of other hikes, waterfalls and adventure activities in Cairns. Before you go, take a look at this list of the best activities in Cairns!
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