Starts on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill. Fit walkers only. No water on the track.
Directions in Google MapsA proper hike, right behind the city
The Blue Arrow is the walk you do when the Red Arrow stops feeling hard. It's a 6 kilometre circuit through the rainforest of Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, and council allows about 5 hours return.
It's rated Grade 4: very steep, with tree roots, rocks and a lot of steps. Queensland Parks is clear that only fit walkers should tackle it, and asks you not to start after 2pm so you're out before dark.
There's a lookout with a picnic shelter 600 metres in, which makes a lovely turnaround point if you just want a taste.
The Blue Arrow circuit in numbers
- Distance: 6 km circuit.
- Time: about 5 hours return.
- Grade 4: very steep, a formed track with obstacles like tree roots and rocks, many steps. Some bushwalking experience is recommended.
- Start: a trailhead on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, east of the Tanks Arts Centre or near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.
- Lookout and picnic shelter: 600 m from the start.
Signs sit at every major junction and wherever the track gets unclear.
The 2pm rule, and why it matters
Queensland Parks puts it simply: do not start the Blue Arrow circuit after 2pm. Under the canopy it gets dark earlier than you expect, and five hours is a long time on steep ground. Start in the morning and you'll finish with time to spare.
Carry plenty of water, because there is none on the track. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring insect repellent.
Linked tracks: Green and Yellow Arrow
Four circuits link up on the Whitfield Range. The Green Arrow (Grade 4, 3 km, about 1.5 hours one way) branches off near the top of the Blue Arrow loop and finishes at Bel Air Drive in Whitfield. The Yellow Arrow (Grade 3, 1.9 km, about 1.5 hours return) starts on Aeroglen Drive and joins the Blue Arrow. Handy if you're staying on that side of the hill.
Blue Arrow walk: good to know
Straight from Queensland Parks and the council track guide.
Fit walkers only
Grade 4, very steep, with roots and rocks. Queensland Parks recommends it for fit walkers only.
Not after 2pm
Allow plenty of time to get out before dark.
Carry all your water
There's no water on any of the Mount Whitfield tracks.
No dogs
Domestic animals aren't permitted in the conservation park.
Best time of year to walk
Queensland Parks calls May to September the best walking months, with maximums around 26°C and lower humidity. December to April brings heavy downpours and real heat. Walk early in any month.
On and around the Blue Arrow
Swipe or use the arrows. Tap a photo to see it bigger.
Blue Arrow Walk: the route on a map
Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
Access to the park is on foot only. The Red and Blue Arrow trailheads are on Collins Avenue, near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and east of the Tanks Arts Centre.
Route line from OpenStreetMap. On the day, follow the signs and markers on the track.
Open in Google MapsMore big days near Cairns
If the Blue Arrow is your kind of morning, Walsh's Pyramid is the next step up. Or let someone else plan the adventure.
Red Arrow Walk
A one-hour rainforest climb with a city view, starting at the Botanic Gardens.
See the guide →Walsh's Pyramid
A 922 m granite peak near Gordonvale. Steep, shadeless and unforgettable at the top.
See the guide →Cairns Botanic Gardens
Flecker Garden, a palm-shaped conservatory, lakes and free guided walks. Free entry.
See the guide →Behana Gorge Canyoning
Abseil, jump and slide your way down the gorge with a guide.
Blue Arrow walk FAQs
How long does the Blue Arrow take?
About 5 hours return for the 6 kilometre circuit, according to Cairns Regional Council's track guide.
How hard is the Blue Arrow walk?
It's Grade 4: very steep, with roots, rocks and many steps. Queensland Parks says only fit walkers should tackle it, and some bushwalking experience is recommended.
What time should I start the Blue Arrow?
In the morning. Queensland Parks asks walkers not to start the Blue Arrow circuit after 2pm.
Is there a lookout on the Blue Arrow?
Yes. There's a lookout with a picnic shelter 600 metres from the start, a nice spot to turn around if you only want a short walk.
Is the Blue Arrow harder than the Red Arrow?
Much. The Red Arrow is 1.5 km and about an hour. The Blue Arrow is 6 km and about 5 hours, on rougher ground.