Granite Gorge

Just a little outside Mareeba is this must see destination especially if you are travelling with children, love wildlife or appreciate spectacular scenery photograph opportunities Granite Gorge. A delightful spot, rock wallabies can be seen all day, but Granite Gorge is best experienced in the afternoon when up to 50 rock wallabies converge in a small area hungrily waiting to be fed. The wallabies have grown up with human contact, and as a result are tame, friendly and happy to be touched and photographed while being hand fed.

Massive and dramatic volcanic granite boulders

Mother & Baby Rock Wallaby

Granite Gorge isn't only for children though, with a maze of walking tracks over the acres of massive granite boulders, and through National Park. The boulders were formed from volcanic activity which created a dramatic and chaotic path for the stream to meander through.

The stream dams among the granite in many places, creating safe swimming holes along the way, the pools are a delight to explore within themselves, and you might surprise a family or a couple of kids (as pictured right) taking a dip in their cool refreshing waters. In the wet season, the pace of the stream picks up, and one should take care around wet boulders, and otherwise slippery surfaces.

Kids swimming in the pools

Granite Gorge is quiet and tranquil, nestled in the surrounding eucalypt forest. Much of the walking area is flat and easy-going, with abrupt cliffs providing panoramic views over the countryside.

The land is privately owned, and the caretaker asks for a small fee upon entry of $5 per person, or $10 for a family. Picnic areas and toilet facilities are also maintained, which makes Granite Gorge a perfect spot to break your journey, even more so on a hot day.

Granite Gorge is located southwest of Mareeba, turn off the Kennedy Highway onto Hansen Road, and follow the road signs to Granite Gorge. You will travel through about 14kms of sealed road and a small section (about 1kms) of good condition unsealed road which is approved with rental car companies to travel on. There is an interesting array of wildlife can be seen on the journey.

Visitors to Granite Gorge feeding the rock wallabies by hand