Granite Gorge Nature Park – Meet the Rock Wallabies and Explore Nature’s Playground
Granite Gorge Nature Park
- Meet and hand-feed endangered rock wallabies, a rare and heart-warming wildlife encounter for visitors of all ages.
- Explore scenic walking trails through a surreal landscape of massive granite boulders shaped by ancient volcanic activity.
- Swim in natural freshwater pools, ideal for cooling off after a walk or enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.
- Located just 15 minutes from Mareeba, Granite Gorge is an easy day trip from Cairns and a must-visit in the Tablelands.
- Perfect for families, with safe wildlife interactions, picnic areas, basic facilities, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
- Interpretive signs and scenic lookouts offer educational insights into the geology, flora, and fauna of the area.
- Camping and overnight stays available, allowing you to extend your visit and enjoy a starry night surrounded by nature.
🏞️ Discover Granite Gorge
Tucked just outside Mareeba, Granite Gorge Nature Park is a must-visit gem in the Atherton Tablelands—where dramatic boulder formations meet friendly wildlife and scenic bush trails. It’s a fantastic stop for families, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to connect with the great outdoors in a fun, hands-on way.
Home to Mareeba’s adorable rock wallabies, freshwater swimming holes, and fascinating geological features, Granite Gorge is more than a walk—it’s a natural playground waiting to be explored.
🦘 Meet the Rock Wallabies
One of the main reasons visitors flock to Granite Gorge is the chance to hand-feed friendly rock wallabies. These endangered creatures are completely wild but used to gentle human interaction. Buy a bag of wallaby food from reception and let the kids enjoy a safe, up-close encounter that’s sure to become a holiday highlight.
🥾 Walk Among Giants
The gorge is named for its enormous granite boulders, which create a stunning and surreal landscape. Walking trails wind through, over, and around the rocks—ranging from easy strolls to slightly more adventurous scrambles.
Along the way, you’ll discover ancient volcanic rock formations, hidden crevices, and fantastic photo spots. Interpretive signs share stories of the geology, flora, and fauna that make this area so special.
💦 Swim in Nature’s Pools
Cool off with a swim in the freshwater creek and natural rock pools. There’s a lovely swimming spot near the day-use area—perfect after your wallaby meet-and-greet or a stroll through the boulders. The water is fresh, clear, and incredibly inviting on a warm Tablelands day.
👨👩👧👦 A Perfect Family Day Out
Granite Gorge is family-owned and proudly family-friendly. There are picnic tables, toilets, and camping options, plus a small kiosk with drinks, snacks, and ice creams. It’s a great place to spend a few hours—or even the whole day. Younger kids will love the easy walks and wallaby feeding, while older kids can enjoy rock-hopping and nature exploration.
🌿 A Peaceful Escape into Nature
Despite its popularity, Granite Gorge retains a calm, peaceful energy. The sounds of birdsong, trickling water, and gentle breezes through the trees create a relaxed, natural atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to reconnect with nature, take some deep breaths, and just slow down.
📍 How to Get There
Granite Gorge is located just 15 minutes from Mareeba and around 1 hour from Cairns. The turn-off is well signed from the Kennedy Highway, and the access road is suitable for standard vehicles.
📌 Address: Chewko Road, Mareeba QLD
🕒 Open Daily: Check local listings for updated opening hours and entry fees.
Granite Gorge Map
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
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📣 Plan Your Visit
Hand-feed wallabies, climb giant boulders, and cool off in a freshwater creek—all in one magical spot.
Granite Gorge is one of the Tablelands’ most loved nature parks, and it’s easy to see why.