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Herberton is home to a number of walking trails. They range from shorter walks that showcase the heritage buildings of the township, to intermediate-length walks that include the river and the closer hills, to much longer walks that penetrate deep into the rugged ranges. Guided walks of the Great Northern Mine track are available on a Wednesday. They take approximately one hour to complete and are on formed pathways. These should be pre-booked wherever possible by calling the Herberton Mining Museum on (07) 4096 3474. Longer overnight treks can be arranged with local guides. Please note Herberton is just under 1,000m above sea level and the high elevation of the trails in tropical conditions makes it important to guard against dehydration and sunburn. Good walking shoes recommended, take water and always tell someone of your walking plans.
Herberton is situated at an elevation of just under 1000 metres (3000 feet) and lies out of the higher rainfall belt of the Wet Tropics. The elevation ameliorates the hotter conditions often encountered by visitors to the North Queensland tropical paradise, and the lower rainfall counteracts the humid conditions especially of the coastal lowlands. In fact, frosts do occur in winter and nothing beats an open fireplace on those cold nights – an experience to write home about in the tropics! The lower rainfall also combines with the tough granitic countryside to make the walking trails robust enough to be available all year round – wet or dry. Only major events like bushfires or cyclones may close the trails and even then only for short periods.
It is important to remember that Herberton is a historic mining town. As such please DO NOT deviate from the marked trails. There are deep mine shafts found across this country and some are hidden or obscured by vegetation or partial collapse. Also when planning a walk, please remember the following ‘Walk Safe’ guidelines. Take adequate drinking water and wear appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen etc), do not disturb flora or fauna and be aware that some sections of the trails are used by horse riders and motor-bike trail riders, please extend them the courtesy of giving way.
For your convenience you can download a copy of the Great Northern Fire Trail map and information here.
© Herberton Mining Museum History Association 2024
