Starts on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre. No water on the track.
Directions in Google MapsOne hour, a lot of steps, one great view
The Red Arrow is the walk Cairns locals do before work. It's a 1.5 kilometre loop up the Whitfield Range, starting a few minutes from the city in Edge Hill, and it takes about an hour.
It's steep. Council rates it Grade 3, with short steep hills and a lot of steps, so you'll feel it. The reward is a lookout over the city, Trinity Bay and the mangroves along the Barron River, and a picnic shelter at the top to catch your breath.
Go early. You'll share the track with joggers, brush-turkeys scratching in the leaves and, if you're lucky, a pademelon or two.
The Red Arrow route, step by step
The circuit starts from a trailhead on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre. It climbs through rainforest and patches of open forest on the slopes of the Whitfield Range, reaches the top with a picnic shelter, then loops back down.
- Distance: 1.5 km circuit.
- Time: about 1 hour return.
- Grade 3: short steep hills, a formed and clearly signposted track, many steps. No experience needed, a general level of fitness is.
The track is popular and can be busy, especially early and late in the day. Keep left, and let the runners past.
What you see from the top
Queensland Parks describes the lookouts on these circuits as having views over Cairns city and suburbs, Trinity Bay, the coastal mangrove forests along the Barron River, the airport and the northern beaches. On a clear morning you can watch planes come in over the water.
The first part of the track is a favourite spot for two ground birds: the Australian brush-turkey and the orange-footed scrubfowl. In the denser rainforest, listen for the noisy pitta's call, which sounds like "walk-to-work". Red-legged pademelons, small rainforest wallabies, browse in the forest too.
What to bring for the Red Arrow
- Water. There is none on the track.
- Proper shoes. The steps get slippery after rain.
- Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Leave the dog at home. Domestic animals are not allowed in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
The park is open 24 hours, but walk in daylight only. There are no wheelchair-accessible tracks on Mount Whitfield.
Red Arrow walk: good to know
The practical bits, from Queensland Parks and Cairns Regional Council.
No water on the track
Fill up before you start. The Botanic Gardens are right next to the trailhead.
Daylight only
The park is open 24 hours, but the walks are for daylight.
No dogs
Domestic animals aren't permitted in the conservation park.
Want more?
The Blue Arrow starts from the same street and is a much bigger day. Read our Blue Arrow guide first.
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.
The Red Arrow in pictures
Swipe or use the arrows. Tap a photo to see it bigger.
Red Arrow Walk: the route on a map
Collins Avenue, Edge Hill
There are two trailheads on Collins Avenue: one near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and one east of the Tanks Arts Centre. On-street parking is along Collins Avenue, and the Sunbus stops outside Flecker Gardens.
Route line from OpenStreetMap. On the day, follow the signs and markers on the track.
Open in Google MapsMake a morning of it in Edge Hill
The Red Arrow, the Blue Arrow, the Botanic Gardens and the Tanks Arts Centre all sit on the same street. Pair the walk with a garden wander, or keep the energy up and book a big day out.
Blue Arrow Walk
The serious Mount Whitfield circuit: 6 km of steep rainforest and a lookout over the city.
See the guide →Cairns Botanic Gardens
Flecker Garden, a palm-shaped conservatory, lakes and free guided walks. Free entry.
See the guide →Tanks Markets
Art, vintage and live music around old WWII fuel tanks, last Sunday of the month.
See the guide →Kuranda Skyrail & Scenic Rail
Up by train, down by cableway, with time in Kuranda village in between.
Red Arrow walk FAQs
How long is the Red Arrow walk in Cairns?
It's a 1.5 kilometre circuit and takes about an hour return, according to Cairns Regional Council's Mount Whitfield track guide.
Is the Red Arrow walk hard?
It's Grade 3: short steep hills and many steps on a formed, clearly signposted track. You don't need hiking experience, but you do need a general level of fitness. Queensland Parks calls all the Mount Whitfield walks strenuous.
Where does the Red Arrow start?
On Collins Avenue in Edge Hill, from a trailhead near the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre. A second trailhead sits east of the Tanks Arts Centre.
Is there water on the Red Arrow?
No. Bring your own, especially in the warmer months.
Can I take my dog on the Red Arrow?
No. Domestic animals aren't permitted in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
What's the difference between the Red Arrow and the Blue Arrow?
The Red Arrow is 1.5 km and about an hour. The Blue Arrow is 6 km, about 5 hours return, Grade 4, for fit walkers only, and you shouldn't start it after 2pm.