It was originally an Aboriginal trail between the coastal and mountain regions and in the early days of settlement, was a crucial link between Port Douglas and the hinterland for settlers and miners. It is 6km long and can be very steep in places so a moderate level of fitness is required to tackle the Bump Track
The Wet Tropics Management Authority says that while the old road has been affected by erosion, it provides an opportunity to experience a range of forests, from rainforest to dry eucalypt scrub. There are excellent views to the sea from the road and you will also see Mowbray Falls in the distance as you walk along the road. There is a marked trail to the falls 2 km away which will take about an hour each way to walk.
How To Get There
Access from Captain Cook Highway: To reach the bottom of the walk, turn off the Captain Cook Highway onto the Mowbray River Road a few kilometres south of Port Douglas. Cross the river and then take the right hand fork onto Connelly Road. The Bump Track starts on your left about 3.5 km from the highway.
Access from Julatten: To reach the top of the Bump Track, turn off onto the Euluma Creek Road from Julatten. Then take the turn off down Black Mountain Road where you will find the top of the Bump Track about 5.5 km along this dirt road.
Don’t forget your water bottle, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes!
