The nature park is just over an hour west of Cairns by car, an easy day trip destination from there, or Mareeba, which is significantly closer. Walking trails traverse the boulder field, guiding visitors along the massive and often strangely shaped rocks. Not surprisingly, the rock wallabies are a big draw—and some 4WD and outback tours from Cairns stop here to cool off in the swimming holes and take a peek at the wallaby colony.
Day use and camping fees are discounted for high school and elementary school students.
Leashed dogs are allowed in the campsites but not near the gorge due to the presence of other animals.
Accommodation options include nicely appointed cabins, safari tents, and campgrounds.
Granite Gorge Nature Park is about 45 miles (75 kilometers) west of Cairns and is best reached by car. Take National Highway 1 north from Cairns, which eventually veers south to Mareeba. Pass through Mareeba, take Chewko Road, and turn left on Paglietta Road past the Chewko Lookout. Travelers without a car: 4WD or outback tours from Cairns are your best bet.
The nature park and Cairns—the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and one of Australia's most beloved travel towns—are year-round destinations. The crowds arrive during the dry season from April to October when the weather is dry and beautiful. To avoid the tourist crush, visit in April and May or later during September and October.
Granite Gorge Nature Park is worth visiting to dip in the swimming holes and say hello to the cute wallabies—but there's plenty else to do in this area of Northern Queensland. Start at the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Center and decide which nature reserves to visit. There’s Bilwon State Forest and Nature Reserve, Hann Tableland National Park, and Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve nearby, among others. Daintree National is also just 2 hours north of the park by car.
