Mount Sorrow Walk – A Daintree Adventure
About the Mount Sorrow Walk
- Distance: 7 kilometres return
- Allow: 6 hours
- Elevation: 680 metres
- Start: 152-90 Rykers Road, Cape Tribulation, North Queensland, Australia
The Mount Sorrow walk is an adventurous and challenging 7-kilometre return walk. Walkers will have breathtaking views and an immersive rainforest experience. From the coastal lowlands, the trail climbs steeply through lush rainforests.
Moving from a valley adorned with towering trees and large buttress roots to an upland forest rich with orange palms and cycads. As you ascend, watch for Boyd’s forest dragons perched on tree trunks and delicate epiphytes nestled high in the canopy.
Experienced bushwalkers are best suited for this walk
The Mount Sorrow Walk features sections that require log-hopping and careful navigation around tree roots and rocks. The steep, rugged terrain is well worth the effort, with the summit reaching 680 metres.
Reach the top and take in the sweeping views of the stunning Daintree coastline. From here are breathtaking views of Cape Tribulation and Snapper Island, with shadows of the Great Barrier Reef’s reefs visible on clear days. The lookout is a perfect spot for watching spangled drongos, topknot pigeons, and drifting butterflies.
Early starts are essential for those taking this trek to avoid the midday heat and ensure a safe return before nightfall. This walk is best attempted in dry conditions, as rain can make it slippery and hazardous. Distance markers every kilometre help monitor your progress and keep you motivated.
Each section offers unique insights into the Daintree’s diverse ecosystem throughout the walk. The 1–2 km stretch showcases cauliflorous trees that bloom and fruit directly from their trunks, while the higher sections reveal wind-sheared vegetation and open forests dominated by wattles. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of plant species, from the pandanus understorey to the rare Ryparosa kurrangii, with its striking white flowers.
Where is the Mount Sorrow Walk
The Mount Sorrow Walk is 36 km from the Daintree River ferry and beyond the Kulki day-use area at Cape Tribulation. The ferry crossing is open daily, with a small fee, making this iconic trek accessible to visitors from Cairns or further afield. Sturdy shoes, water, and preparation are key to enjoying the beauty of this remote rainforest trek safely.