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Herberton has a rich mineral, mining, social and pioneering history. To learn more of our mining past, we recommend the Great Northern Mine Walk. This is a 1.3km moderate walk, through the Mining Freehold beside which the town of Herberton grew. Scroll down for more information. For the really adventurous, longer treks, generally including overnight camping, can also be organised. There are a series of longer treks and trails around Herberton, scroll down for more information and a downloadable map.
Please note if you are interested in shorter walks, there are several interesting Herberton town and river walks available.
The Great Northern Mine Walk is both pretty and interesting. It consists of a short figure-of-eight pathway that takes you past the three main mineshafts that contributed the lion’s share of tin ore production which, for decades, was the anchor and economy of Herberton. Walkers should ensure footwear is adequate and bring, or purchase from the Visitor Information Centre, some water.
Please note: As the trail is steep in places, ordinary wheelchairs are problematic. Please contact the Visitor Information Centre for current information by phoning (07) 4096 3474 or email herbertonvc@trc.qld.gov.au
There are many longer treks, trails and rides covering the countryside surrounding Herberton. The Bluff Trail is a full day walk that takes you over one of the original pioneer roads to Herberton – the road that Mrs Hull took several times a week, laden with newly churned butter from her farm, to sell to the townsfolk of Herberton. It’s a wonderful climb up through the mountain heath that leads to the top of the Bluff. Then there is a two-day trek known as Jungleman. This retraces the cross-country journey between Herberton and Irvinebank made by Ion Idriess, who mined around Herberton circa 1911. Or for the ultimate adventure, you can take a trail following ‘In Their Footsteps’ of Leichhardt and Kennedy. Both explorers passed through the Tablelands, following routes that were to the west of Herberton. A number of their campsites have been documented and guides can plan trips that follow in their footsteps. These expeditions are tailored to suit participants and duration varies, but they can be up to three weeks.
For keen riders there is The Rush Track and the option of some Endurance Rides. The Rush Track is a mule pack train route that linked Herberton to mines to the west around Watsonville and further afield. These are guided walks. The Far North Queensland Endurance Riders Association holds regular rides throughout the year, along pre-planned routes. For more information on all of these longer treks, trail and rides please download the Trek brochure here.
© Herberton Mining Museum History Association 2023