Tully Gorge National Park
Tully Gorge National Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
21 reviews
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WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,652 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
There are two sections to the Tully Gorge National Park & they are not connected by road or other means so they are two separate day trips. I did a trip with a friend out to the tablelands section on the way back from a camping weekend.
The Tablelands section is accessed via Ravenshoe and involves a long & bendy but insanely pretty 24km drive down Tully Gorge Rd through tropical rainforest heading past some walking trails including the famous Misty Mountain walking trails (I stopped and did the shorter Wabunga Wayema trail on the way back which leads to a secluded waterfall) and passes the turnoff to Koombooloomba Dam near the end (I drove out along the dirt road and had a look at the dam as well). At the end is Tully Gorge lookout but this is not that impressive so definitely do the 1km walk down the marked track to the right towards the gorge. At the end of the track you need to do a bit of work to get to the gorge as there is no path. You need to cross some slippery/muddy sections & rock hopping & scrambling is required but when you to the gorge after 10-15 mins it’s awe inspiring, with emerald green rock pools, beautiful fresh mountain air and a gorgeous gorge with stunning rock formations covered with vegetation to marvel at. For the drive it’s worth it and you can have a swim and be alone with nature (it wasn’t busy the day we were there). This was another FNQ beauty that I was delighted to have the pleasure of seeing.
The Tablelands section is accessed via Ravenshoe and involves a long & bendy but insanely pretty 24km drive down Tully Gorge Rd through tropical rainforest heading past some walking trails including the famous Misty Mountain walking trails (I stopped and did the shorter Wabunga Wayema trail on the way back which leads to a secluded waterfall) and passes the turnoff to Koombooloomba Dam near the end (I drove out along the dirt road and had a look at the dam as well). At the end is Tully Gorge lookout but this is not that impressive so definitely do the 1km walk down the marked track to the right towards the gorge. At the end of the track you need to do a bit of work to get to the gorge as there is no path. You need to cross some slippery/muddy sections & rock hopping & scrambling is required but when you to the gorge after 10-15 mins it’s awe inspiring, with emerald green rock pools, beautiful fresh mountain air and a gorgeous gorge with stunning rock formations covered with vegetation to marvel at. For the drive it’s worth it and you can have a swim and be alone with nature (it wasn’t busy the day we were there). This was another FNQ beauty that I was delighted to have the pleasure of seeing.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ursula K
17 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a lovely place. Very peaceful, glorious rainforest. Best way to experience it is on a raft, with Raging Thunder to get a real feel for the place. We were told there are crocodiles further south beyond the rapids. Would suggest a good repellent as there are insects that create huge bites that itch for days.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark O
Tully, Australia6 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
As stated in the title the Tully River Gorge National Park is a place of rare and very spectacular beauty about 30 to 40 minutes inland from the Bruce highway. It is a location where the sights observed during the trip in can be just as enjoyable and interesting as those viewed at the destination .
Leaving Tully and travelling along the sealed gorge road you travel through a wide range of rural blocks and farm land that eventually reaches the beautiful Tully river where the heavily forested narrow gorge then gradually winds up the valley past the State forest park and to the roads terminus at the Kareeya power station .
The traveler will see cane farms, cattle grazing properties, large extensive banana farms, the entrance to the army jungle training centre and then numerous small and one large bridge . They will see several spectacular river lookouts and the state forest park and camping grounds.
The misty Mountains walking trails can be accessed along a dirt road that leaves the gorge road just before the Tully river bridge. It would be wise to check on the condition of this road before using it as it can get rough.
The forest park has a beautiful grassed day visitor area and camping ground with toilets , covered eating areas and parking areas. The river can be accessed from this area.
But a word of caution as large estuarine crocodiles are common only a short distance downstream from the park, so it would be wise to check with national parks staff before swimming in the river. Also as the river is regularly used by rafting tours there are regular rises and falls in river heights each day due to surges of water being allowed out of Kareeya dam each day.
One other minor concern that may bother the visitor to the park is that, after the first rains in November/December there are often droves of biting March flies that come out of the forest looking for unprotected skin to bite, so a good insect repellant is recommended when going for walks or picnics at that time of year.
However don't let these things deter you from visiting and experiencing this spectacular area it is well worth the effort and you will get some great photo's to remember the area by.
Leaving Tully and travelling along the sealed gorge road you travel through a wide range of rural blocks and farm land that eventually reaches the beautiful Tully river where the heavily forested narrow gorge then gradually winds up the valley past the State forest park and to the roads terminus at the Kareeya power station .
The traveler will see cane farms, cattle grazing properties, large extensive banana farms, the entrance to the army jungle training centre and then numerous small and one large bridge . They will see several spectacular river lookouts and the state forest park and camping grounds.
The misty Mountains walking trails can be accessed along a dirt road that leaves the gorge road just before the Tully river bridge. It would be wise to check on the condition of this road before using it as it can get rough.
The forest park has a beautiful grassed day visitor area and camping ground with toilets , covered eating areas and parking areas. The river can be accessed from this area.
But a word of caution as large estuarine crocodiles are common only a short distance downstream from the park, so it would be wise to check with national parks staff before swimming in the river. Also as the river is regularly used by rafting tours there are regular rises and falls in river heights each day due to surges of water being allowed out of Kareeya dam each day.
One other minor concern that may bother the visitor to the park is that, after the first rains in November/December there are often droves of biting March flies that come out of the forest looking for unprotected skin to bite, so a good insect repellant is recommended when going for walks or picnics at that time of year.
However don't let these things deter you from visiting and experiencing this spectacular area it is well worth the effort and you will get some great photo's to remember the area by.
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peta O
Atherton Tablelands, Australia30 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
Drive up the gorge, enjoying views of the river as you go. Lots of places to pull over to explore. Parking area with facilities.
Written March 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark H
6 contributions
Jan 2018
If you haven't seen a gorge have a look, otherwise it is nothing that you can't see better elsewhere. Enjoy the country drive through the Banana farms.
Written January 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kerrik68
Ayr, Australia31 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
Picnic area with bbq and sheltered tables. Fresh, cold, running mountain water lagoon a quick few steps from the car park. Absolutely beautiful and crystal clear. Perfect for people of any age to swim, have a picnic, relax, mountain hike to waterfalls.
Written November 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobjanh
Brisbane, Australia2,416 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
It is a great drive out from Tully to the national park, all sealed, that initially passes through fascinating farmlands, then follows the Tully River upstream to the NP itself.
Other than the picturesque drive, the main attraction in the park is the river which is best viewed from the NP day use and picnic area which has excellent facilities.
This is also where the Tully River rafting excursions depart from on a daily basis.
The road continues a few km further upstream to where the HEPP power station is located and discharges into the river: their are numerous spots where you. Can stop and access the river for very nice views.
Other than the picturesque drive, the main attraction in the park is the river which is best viewed from the NP day use and picnic area which has excellent facilities.
This is also where the Tully River rafting excursions depart from on a daily basis.
The road continues a few km further upstream to where the HEPP power station is located and discharges into the river: their are numerous spots where you. Can stop and access the river for very nice views.
Written January 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Twistieman
Townsville, Australia15 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Between the raging Tully River, bubbling crystal clear creeks, and dense rainforest Tully Gorge National Park protects some of the regions most stunning untouched environments. Worth a short diversion for a picnic or a day trip to explore!
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,652 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
I live in Cairns and had heard whispers of Alligators Nest for a while and decided to seek it out when I was down in Mission Beach (about half an hour away) for a music festival.
It is an absolutely gorgeous spot with no alligators (it is named after a local scout group, the Alligators) but plenty of crystal clear water surrounded by lush rainforest.
I felt like I was in my own private paradise and spent a good half hour swimming in the creek and washing away my worries on a hot summers day. The creek is not well signed posted or advertised so there are relatively few people here other than locals which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Therefore I’d love to tell you how to access Alligators Nest but I’d have to kill you. I challenge you to see if you can find it! Hint: The turnoff is just north of Tully on the Bruce Highway.
It is an absolutely gorgeous spot with no alligators (it is named after a local scout group, the Alligators) but plenty of crystal clear water surrounded by lush rainforest.
I felt like I was in my own private paradise and spent a good half hour swimming in the creek and washing away my worries on a hot summers day. The creek is not well signed posted or advertised so there are relatively few people here other than locals which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Therefore I’d love to tell you how to access Alligators Nest but I’d have to kill you. I challenge you to see if you can find it! Hint: The turnoff is just north of Tully on the Bruce Highway.
Written August 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen O
Mount Colah, Australia649 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
What a fabulous swimming and picnic area hide away. Crystal clear water and lovely lawn area right next to the car park. The steps right down to the water make it very accessible and the attraction would be suitable for all ages.
Written June 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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