Holidays are great, but we do tend to eat and drink too much, these holidays keep fit in Port Douglas, experience the Bump Track.
History of the Bump Track
The historic bump track was blazed in 1877 by Christie Palmerston. The original track linking Port Douglas with the goldfields was a supply line for early settlers and miners on the Tableland and Hodgkinson Goldfields. It was the first track south of Cooktown wide enough for carts and wagons. The track fell into disuse when the Cairns-Mareeba railway line opened in 1893 and with the creation of the Captain Cook Highway, the use and importance of the Bump Track decreased. It is now a popular trail for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The Bump Track is six kilometres long and can be very steep in places. The old road is greatly affected by erosion, but provides the visitor with an opportunity to experience a range of forests, from rainforest to dry eucalypt scrub. There are excellent views across to the sea from the road. You will see Mowbray Falls in the distance as you walk along the track. There is a marked trail to the falls off the bump track 500mtrs on the Black Mountain Road side of Robbins Creek . It will take about an half an hour each way to walk this side route.
The Walk
This walk is not for the faint hearted!! If you enjoy keeping fit and like a challenge give it a try.
Depending on your level of fitness you can walk or run the bump track. Walking up at a fast pace will take between 20 – 30 minutes (approx 1.5km incline) depending on your level of fitness. You can choose to wander and take in the spectacular views and perhaps observe some of the wildlife along the way. Once you hit the landing it’s a nice flat walk in the rainforest for approx 2kms until you get to Robbins creek, as long as the water isn’t too high you can cross the creek and continue on. There are a number of walks you can take from there.
Getting there
From Nautilus Holiday Apartments Port Douglas head South on the Captain Cook Highway for approx 5kms, turn right into Mowbray River Road , Connolly road extends from the junction of Trezise Road and Mowbgray river road to the head of the valley and the start of the Bump Track. Look for the sign just beyond the horse-riding ranch on Connolly Road.
Port Douglas, the perfect holiday destination, Nautilus Apartments, the perfect holiday accommodation.