Hike up to Lambs Head & Kahlpahlim Rock

10/01/2017Mike Gaia

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10/01/2017Mike Gaia

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The hike up to Lambs Head (Kahlpahlim Rock), just one hour from Cairns, will have your head in the clouds for days.

Highlights

Spectacular views
Amazing sunsets
Beautiful rainforest
Orchids, moss, bower birds and other animals

Varch Creek Trail

After 10 minutes the Varch Creek Trail starts to the right, after another 10 minutes there is a log bridge. 5 minutes after that there is a giant Rose Gum Tree on the left. After another few minutes, the trail crosses a creek with rare Orania Palms and then from there, it starts climbing really steep for about half an hour.

Then the trail continues undulating until it intersects with another trail. This other trail is an alternative route but it’s in the sun and not very exciting so I usually walk up and down the same way. From the intersection, it takes another 30 minutes to the top. All up it’s 2-2.5 hours one way.

It’s one of my favourite walks because Lambs Head is one of the highest spots in the area and features a very unique landscape and spectacular views across the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Best time of the year to do it is in September to see the masses of King Orchids flowering and it is the driest time of the year with the clearest skies.

Essential Gear

First Aid Kit
Hiking sandals or boots
Camera
Rain gear (just in case)
Food and water

How To Get There

From Cairns, it’s about a 1-hour drive, mainly on sealed road but the last 10 kms are dirt road that can be quite badly corrugated. 2WD is possible but 4WD is more comfortable.

Drive towards Mareeba and turn left at the Davies Creek National Park turn off. Follow the road which will turn into a dirt road, past the lower camping nodes, the waterfall, the upper camping nodes all the way until the road finishes. Park your car and start the hike on the other side of the bridge past the bollards.