Location
GORDONVALE
What it is?
Gordonvale ia a beautiful hidden gem south of Cairns where you can go: swimming, camping, exploration, horse riding, hiking and potentially see a crocodile.
Goldsborough Valley is part of the Wooroonooran National Park
What it offers?
The Pyramid is prominent as you drive towards Gordonvale, no matter which way you are travelling from, it is to the south of Gordonvale and you can’t miss it. There is a sugar mill and a small country town with monthly markets in the town park. The town is surrounded by sugar growing farms, but there is so much more to the Gordonvale area.
The Gillies Highway takes you up to the Atherton Tablelands from Gordonvale. The Mountain View Pub still stands; this was the lower gate location when the Gillies was only one lane until 1957. There is memorabilia on the walls depicting what once was.
Behind the Mountain View Pub is Little Mulgrave River, one of our favourite destinations on a hot summer weekend. The water was always crystal clear, cool and refreshing. We wasted many an hour here.
If you follow Goldsborough Road to the end, you will eventually come to the Goldsborough Valley camping area and some hiking trails. The camping area is located next to a river, but there have been crocodiles sighted here, so please be careful. More information can be found HERE.
Wheelchair Access?
May require assistance.
What we did?
Little Mulgrave River is one of our favourite locations in the Cairns region. We bought a floating tube from Kmart and floated away the hours on hot humid Sundays. Life was good.
Horse riding was on our list of things to do with my eldest daughter, but unfortunately, she and her partner did not return before we moved on. This is definitely on the list of must do things when we return.
Highlight?
Little Mulgrave River
Would I do it again?
100%. I love this area.
What do you need?
As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception is patchy); water bottles; healthy snacks for hiking if you choose to; wide brim hat: sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes; swimmers and towels; umbrella for sun/rain; jacket; picnic and picnic blanket; floating tube!
With Kids: water; snacks; wide brim hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Pets: We saw lots of dogs enjoying the water with their owners. Goldsborough Valley camping area is part of the Wooroonooran National Park, so domestic animals are not permitted here.
Yearly Events
The Great Pyramid Race is held every August. This is a 12km race from Gordonvale to the top of the Pyramid and back.