This track follows one of the first trails linking the Hodgkinson goldfield (west of Mareeba on the Atherton Tableland) with the port of Cairns. In 1876 Native Trooper Sub-inspector Douglas founded a track down through the Barron Gorge valley, mostly following one of the original Bama (local Aboriginal people) walking pads. Later named the Douglas track, it was upgraded for drays and used extensively until the railway line from Cairns to Myola (near Kuranda) was opened in 1887.
Starting from the Stoney Creek/Douglas trailhead (near Lake Placid), the track climbs steadily through rainforest, and traverses the face of Stoney Creek Gorge, crossing the Kuranda-Cairns railway line on an overpass. The track then ascends the distinctive landmark of Red Bluff steeply via a series of stairs and switchbacks and continues underneath the power lines to the junction of the McDonalds and Douglas tracks. This section of the walk offers scenic views to the east over Cairns and the Barron River delta and to the west over the rainforest-clad Barron River gorge.
The Douglas track then descends into multi-layered rainforest, where stone retaining walls from the original formed dray track can be seen in places. A short side track leads to Glacier Rock with a spectacular panoramic view of the coastal lowlands and surrounding ranges. The Douglas track continues to weave through rainforest, steeply undulating in places, and crosses several creeks before leaving the original dray road winding through rainforest and across a deep gully before arriving at the Speewah trailhead in Speewah Conservation Park.
You need to be fit, experienced and well-prepared to undertake this walk. Tell a responsible person where you're going and when you expect to return. Carry plenty of drinking water....
