Bramston Beach House

With an altitude of 1622 metres, Mount Bartle Frere is acknowledged as Queensland’s highest mountain. Various types of rainforest surround the whole of the hiking trail making it a shelter for the wildlife species. Adventurous backpackers are usually attracted to this hiking site not only because of the challenging trail but more importantly the view that you get to perceive once you reach the summit. The Aborigines call it Chooreechillum, but its common name was derived from the surname of the former British colonial bureaucrat, Sir Henry Bartle Frere, who was also Cape Colony’s acting British Governor when the Zulu Wars commenced. From there, it can be said that this mountain is associated with a somewhat important part of history making it more meaningful to climb.

Situated within the Wooroonooran National Park, Mount Bartle Frere can be accessed through the hiking trail that starts in the car park of the Josephine Falls, which another common destination among visitors. From the parking area, it would take about 10-12 hours of walking (or roughly 15km in distance) to reach the mountain’s peak. Climbing this mountain is not just demanding because of the steep rocks and unstable weather conditions but more importantly, the orange markers that are placed to guide the hikers are rather tricky to recognize. First time hikers are usually prone to pursuing the wrong footpath and a number of visitors have actually went off course even during the earliest part of the trail. But even so, with the proper amount of prepping and cautiousness, hiking up Mount Bartle Frere could be one worthwhile experience especially when you get the opportunity to observe the coastal lowlands and the Atherton Tablelands from above. Camping on the mountain premises is allowable once you secure a permit from rangers. It is recommended to ascend during the colder season like winter since there is a small chance of rain during this time

Another way to climb up this historic mountain is through the west side of the mountain, where a small camping site is positioned. With already an elevation of 700 m, hikers can accomplish the climb with less difficulty within the day. Bushwalking clubs regularly take advantage of this option during the months of June to October, when the weather condition is dry and cold. You can get to the starting point of this trail by driving through the Topaz and Gourka Roads.

After a rough day of mountaineering, it would be wonderful to reward yourself with some well-deserved R&R. And what better way to do this than to spend the night at the well-appointed Bramston Beach House, which is a few away from the mountain. The Mount Bartle Frere sits at the south of Cairns, which is located alongside Babinda making the Bramston Beach House reachable via the Bruce Highway and then turning off at Evans Road. It is the perfect place to unwind following strenuous activities like this. It is designed to cater to those who seek comfort outside the walls of their own homes.