BELLENDEN KER NATIONAL PARK

  Bellenden Ker National Park is an area of tropical rainforest containing
  Queensland's highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere (1622m).  The 79,500ha
  park is an important component of the Wet Tropics, an area of 900,000ha
  between Townsville and Cooktown,  listed in 1988 as a World Heritage
  Area for its outstanding natural values.

  RAINFOREST SPECIES
  Because of the wide altitudinal range within the park (80-1622m), a number
  of different types of rainforest are found.  The foothills support tall,
  largeleaved lowland rainforest.  On the lower slopes, patches of cyclone-
  damaged scrub occur.  High winds, probably associated with cyclones, break 
  up the rainforest canopy.  This enables more light to penetrate encouraging
  prolific vine growth.  Cyclone-damaged scrub may remain in this state for 
  years as the vines retard the growth of the smaller rainforest trees below
  them.

  With increasing altitude, the rainforest gradually changes.  Apart from
  differences in tree species, changes include a reduction in leaf size and
  a lower and more even canopy.  On the peaks above 1 500m, the forest has 
  a low, dense canopy as a result of frequent high winds.  A characteristic
  and unusual tree species here is Leptospermum wooroonooran which forms much
  of the upper canopy.
  
  ACCESS
  Access to the Bartle Frere section of the park is from Josephine Falls.
  The turnoff to the Falls is 43km south of Cairns and 2km south of Miriwinni.
  The park entrance is 8km from the Bruce Highway.
  
  JOSEPHINE FALLS
  A short (800m) graded walking track leads from the entrance to Josephine
  Falls.  In the Falls area, picnicking facilities and toilets are provided.
  Camping is not permitted.
  
  MOUNT BARTLE FRERE HIKING TRAILS
  The access route to the mountain's peak is undeveloped but well marked.
  The terrain is mostly steep with the initially dominant rainforest 
  vegetation changing to low scrub and open grassland on the ridges.  
  Water is available most of the year from a spring at the remains of an old
  hut near the summit.  
  It is possible to continue walking west from the summit to Gourka Road,
  about 15km from Malanda.  This 7.5km trail is very steep and difficult.
  Information is available from the Ranger at Josephine Falls.
  Camping in undeveloped areas may be allowed depending on conditions.
  A permit is required and can be obtained from the Ranger.
  
  IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
  The upper ridges of the mountain can cloud in at short notice and care
  is needed to avoid getting lost.  Sudden rainstorms are common.  Dry 
  clothing should be carried as temperatures can drop rapidly at night 
  all yearround.
  Ensure that you are completely selfsufficient in all basic necessities 
  such as food, water, camping gear and protective clothing and including
  suitable footwear.  A compass and good map are essential.
  Make sure that you register your trip details with the Ranger at Josephine
  Falls, specially your departure and expected time of return.  Always check
  in with the Ranger on your return.
  If you find yourself lost, remain where you are, and wait for the arrival 
  of a search party.  To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, please follow the
  above advice.
  Only fit, experienced walkers should attempt this walk.
  
  WET TROPICS WORLD HERITAGE AREA
  One of only a few places worldwide to meet all four criteria for World
  Heritage listing, Queensland's Wet Tropics contain outstanding examples
  of major stages in the earth's evolutionary history, continuing biological 
  evolution, exceptional beauty, and habitat for threatened species.
  A management strategy being developed by the Wet Tropics Management Authority
  is based on the five goals of the World Heritage Convention - protection,
  conservation, preservation, rehabilitation, and transmission to future 
  generations.
  
  CARING FOR NATIONAL PARKS
  Regulations listed below are designed to help you care for Bellenden Ker and
  other national parks.  Please follow them to ensure your enjoyment of the
  park's natural environment every time you visit.

    * Leave pets outside the park. Their presence frightens native animals 
      and most will instinctively hunt birds and other small animals.
    * Leave flowers, ferns and other plant material, living or dead, undamaged.
      What is easily picked may take years to replace.
    * Leave the native animals alone remember this is their home.
    * Firearms are prohibited.
    * Please care for the environment when hiking in the park.
    * Please bring out your rubbish from the hike.
    * Obtain a camping permit and register your trip details before and after 
      your hike with the Ranger at Josephine Falls.
    * Human waste must be buried.
    * Keep to marked trails.
    
  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
      Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service,
      Bellenden Ker National Park,
      PO Box 93, MIRIWINNI QLD 4871.
      Tele hone 070 67 6304.