Palmerston, Wooroonooran National Park

Australia: The Land Where Time Began

Palmerston, Wooroonooran National Park

What's special?

Beautiful lowland rainforest, wild rivers, the North Johnstone River gorge and waterfalls make the Palmerston Section of Wooroonooran National Park one of the most scenic places in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Both lowland and upland rainforests can be seen in the Palmerston Section.

Rainforest reaches its greatest diversity here in this high rainfall area. More than 500 rainforest trees occur here, including blackbean, milky pine, water gum and red tulip oak. Many wildlife live in this part of the park, including the tiny musky rat-kangaroo, double-eyed fig-parrot and chowchilla.

The Wari and Dulgubara people who lived in and near the Palmerston area have a special connection to this place. In 1882, explorer and bushman Christie Palmerston walked from Innisfail to Herberton with Aboriginal guides in 12 days, an incredible feat in those days. The highway follows the route he took and the park section and highway are named in his memory.

Exploring Palmerston

Have a picnic at Goolagan’s picnic area or other spots along the highway. Look for platypus and freshwater turtles in Henrietta Creek.

Go birdwatching during the day or spotlight for possums at night. See many waterfalls along the walking tracks. Enjoy the view over the gorge from Crawford’s Lookout.

Go white water rafting on the North Johnstone River. Permits apply.

Camp in the rainforest at Henrietta Creek. Tent and caravan sites, toilets, a shelter shed and picnic tables are provided. Boil the creek water for five minutes before drinking. Take a fuel stove.

Walking

Wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent to protect you from leeches. Take drinking water. Many tracks are one way. Arrange a vehicle drop-off or pick-up if possible. Walking along the highway is not recommended.