granite gorge nature park

get in touch with nature & have a little workout, photographers dream, little bit of rock climbing & the wildlife is awesome $10 well spent

This was our second visit to Granite Gorge, and we loved it even more this time, and wished we could spend at least another hour. The wallabies are simply delightful, so very good-natured and cute. We went on a boiling hot day, when the wallabies were mainly dozing among the rocks, but the more intrepid (or hungry) ones ventured out for the paper bags of food ($1 from the cafe). We got some wonderful photos and videos of them. If you like wildlife, this place is not to be missed.The cafe is a very pleasant place, with lots of tables and chairs and of course - as the gorge is a little off the beaten track - never that busy. However, it only sells snacks - ice cream, crisps - that sort of thing, and no hot drinks, which is a shame. A nice cup of tea would have gone down very well.Take insect-repellent, as there are some pretty nasty biting flies out on the rocks. That's the only downside of this wonderful place.

This was one of my favorite experiences in Australia. I spent about 3 hours here on the way to Cairns, and when it came time to leave, I didn't want to go!At a price point of $11 ($10 entry + $1 for wallaby feed), Granite Gorge represents tremendous value for money.WHAT TO BRING:Grippy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, camera, bathers and towel (if you swim), and binoculars, if you birdwatch.WALKING TRAILS:With several trails to suit various ages and fitness levels, Granite Gorge has something to offer everyone. The trails are sign-posted with white paint, so you won't get lost and can feel secure there's a safe trail. However, the markers are unobtrusive enough to allow an impression of adventure and independent exploration. If you're lucky, there won't be any other people around and you can take in the beautiful nature in peace. And, of course, you can blaze your own path to clamber over boulders and forge the streams / rivers. Just be careful (especially of moss and wet rocks) and wear shoes with good traction.The long trail also features what may be petrified dinosaur tracks.WALLABIES:The wallabies are very accustomed to people and will probably approach you anyway, but the one-dollar bag of feed lasts a long time and guarantees that they'll get very close, so you can get the pictures you want. Be aware though that they are still wild animals, and if there are several wallabies competing for food from your bag, they may get too excited and bite and scratch at you a little (enough to leave marks, but nothing too severe).

We were surprised at how great this place is! Drove in to have a look and ended up staying for two nights! Cabins are great - clean, lovely big deck to sit and soak up the breeze and scenery. Kids loved feeding the rock wallabies, swimming and walking over the boulders. Kids made to feel very welcome. Dogs are also welcome.

We spent a few hours and had a wonderful time. We were surprised by the menagerie of animals on the property, which added to our visit. The long walk was challenging but worth it and very fun to do if you like climbing over boulders. The Rock Wallabies were an added bonus. Very cute! Overall we enjoyed it more than we had expected to and were really glad we went.

BEST ADVISE.....go early morning, opens 9am. Or late afternoon when it gets cooler. These times are best for feeding the rock wallabies, they hide in the shade during the heat of the day & you cant feed them due to not being able to get to them. We were there from 9am for a couple of hours.Take plenty of WATER, a HAT, TOWEL, CAMERA, SUNCREAM & WALKING SHOES with good grip.Not suitable for overweight, unfit/unhealthy people or those afraid of heights, or children under 7 unless you want to carry them over boulders, in some parts you need 2 hands to get yourself up.BEWARE of the green moss around the waterways (VERY SLIPPERY). The only bad things I'd say were....The so called area to swim in is very unappealing, green moss & green water, we didn't find it inviting at all. Have your feed ready it brings a LOT of turtles in, we were feeding a group of 30 at one stage.The price I paid was $10 for an adult (this price is advertised on the web site as being the long walk, as I found out when googling their web site when I arrived home), but I was told on the day the long walk was closed, so should have been charged $7.50 for the short walk.Bags of feed are $1 each, it goes a long way. Ask the lady at the counter to hold the male blue tongue lizard he's a cutie.Overall I'd recommend this attraction but only to certain types of people

We decided to drive up to Granite Gorge from Clifton Beach. The drive was amazing as it winds you up the mountain and through Kuranda's rainforest into the town of Mareeba. We did take a couple wrong turns but the information centre in Mareeba easily pointed us in the right direction. This facility is basic but such a special spot for making a connection with the gentle rock wallabies. We went to spot a rock wallaby and got so much more. The hiking is challenging but very doable. I agree with other reviewers who note you should be sure footed and confident as it isn't an easy stroll. The paths are well marked and we all loved climbing up, over and under the rocks. We were travelling with an 11 year old and 8 year old. It's not just the hiking, rock wallabies and even a quick dip in the swimming hole (the swimming hole was a little "scary", it's not super clear water at all, but we were so hot and it was really nice when we did get in.). We really enjoyed meeting the animals that are housed there as the lady has so much knowledge and has a keen interest in birds. There were many that she cares for onsite that you can interact with. I don't know if it's the norm for her but she did allow my girls to play with the guinea pigs, blue tongued skink and have a beautiful bird on them for some photos. I imagine if it were busier the critters would have to be kept away for their own safety.We loved this trip and it was a welcome adventure for all of us. The cost is very reasonable, especially considering the tour prices in the area. Honestly couldn't have been better. Pack a lunch and enjoy it out on the boulders or at one of the picnic tables set up around reception. Bring lots of water, it is very hot out on the trails... and don't wear flip flops, wear sturdy running shoes or hiking shoes to get the most out of your time.We saw a tour bus come in while we were there and they stayed only about 20 minutes. We said how much they missed by not doing the hikes or even just looking around. They all just filed off the bus, fed the cute little rock wallabies and were on there way... this is a bonus of the adventure, not the entire experience. Go to hike and explore.

If you want to get up close and personal with wild rock wallabies in a great outback setting here is your chance. Granite Gorge is a little off the beaten track but there is camping there if you need to aren't in a rush and can stay longer. Only 30 minutes to Mareeba.There is a fee for this natural activity which a few people I have come across say is excessive. I disagree as there is a lot of maintenance and insurance, it would not be cheap to run so please don't be put off by the price. Nice day out.

Excellent nature park chock full of Rock Wallabies and huge granite rocks. I especially went there to see the Rock Wallabies and the massive granites that surrounds the park and what a lovely surprise. Bought a bag full of stuff for the Wallabies as advised so they knew when they saw us entering their enclosure. They ran up the stairs to greet us and were quite happy to hang on to your pants for dear life if you weren't quick enough to give them something. Just so terrific to see them up close although be careful of their claws and make sure the food is on the palm of your hand because they also have sharp teeth but they were quite friendly and we were happy to engage with them. There were a few eerie moments when the others think you are concentrating on feeding one Wallaby but they were mostly pleasant all of the time. And what about the tiny and cute little Joeys being carried around in the mothers pouch. Wow! For a Rock Wallaby that small to be carrying around a little Joey is just total amazement. And the granite or igneous rocks well, they are from another place and time. Just the utter size of them is breath-taking and to think that was created through some volcanic activities is quite scary. So glad we do not have active volcanoes nearby or do we? Anyway did the short walk around the park stepping on the huge granites and the views all around are just brilliant. I think it might also work to see the park after a heavy rain from the debris all around and huge cracks on the sides of the granites. Well worth the trip and would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone.

i am not a day tripper but rather a passionate nature photographer. The camping ground was my home for 5 nights.....it was excellent, not many others around, tons of wildlife and clean facilities.The toilets and showers were good and the newer kitchen block had all you wanted.It is not the place to bring kids swimming and indeed a lot of the rock wallabies look a bit shabby.I was interested in the Bowerbirds, Rainbow bee-eaters and honeyeaters. At night there were possums and even the odd Quoll strolled by.The Granite Rocks gave a good background but in essence this is good for nature lovers but not really a place to bring family.

Went in for a day trip and swim. Not worth the time taken to drive in. Run-down, crappy facilities, and a dirty dam to swim in. Nothing really to do with young kids. Charged $5 per person to get in - $7.50 if you want to do a walk... On the plus side, the staff were friendly. Got to Mossman Gorge instead!

The kids enjoyed rock hopping & searching for the rock wallabies. It is such an interesting site as volcanic activity forced up huge boulders. The sheer size of some of these boulders are awesome.

If you are looking for five star, go someplace else. Granite Gorge is about doing it a little rough but with basic facilities, its about being able to bring your dog, have a camp fire and just be. Feed the wallabies, swim in the weir climb through and over the giant bounders and enjoy the wildlife and the views. At night the entertainment is the flames of your campfire, the stars in the sky and the yarns told by your mates.Hurry up and go see Colleen and enjoy the experience before the Government Regulators move in and spoil it all.

Some really lovely camping spots newly added down by the river and a brand new ablution block have further enhanced this park. The home of the Mareeba Rock Wallaby, that can be hand fed on the rocks is just one of the many attractions; add to this truly amazing views and bush walks and you have a very special spot.

Had a really enjoyable afternoon of clambering through this amazing landscape. Please note that to do the full circuit you will need to be sure on your feet and have a reasonable level of fitness. Some parts are quite challenging.Please don't feed the lovely local critters too much (as they are a wild population), and I strongly suggest serious sun protection. The heat and glare off the rocks can be a bit intense.