JCU Walking Track

North Queensland

The JCU Walking Track is a joint project of TropEco and JCU Discovery Rise. 493 well-maintained steps through beautiful bushland up to a gorgeous view of Townsville out to the ocean and James Cook University. Kangaroos, crickets and other critters are common along this enjoyable walk.

Dogs Permitted
Cycling Permitted
Eucalypt Forest
133m
Maximum Elevation
56m
Total Climb

Getting there

The carpark for the trail is located behind the JCU Western Campus on Endeavour Drive. Parking here is free. There is signage indicating the start of the walk at this carpark.

Maps

The Wanderstories website has maps and gpx files avaliable. 
The map is also avalable on OpenStreetMap which the Strava Running and Cycling GPS app (iOS and Android) uses.
If you're planning on doing some mountain biking then download the Trailforks Mobile App for iOS and Android.

Route/Trail notes

In addition to the walking track, there are many mountain bike trails. If you decide to adventure down one of these, you can have trouble finding your way back to the main walking track so take care. There are 493 steps to the JCU Summit which takes about 10 minutes, but if running is more your style then you'll reach the top in around 5 minutes. When you get there, you'll find seating and a magnificent view of Townsville and James Cook University.

There is mobile reception for the entirety of the walk. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen and a mobile phone with you.

At the top, you'll have the option to continue to a higher peak. While there are multiple trails, there are no stairs and extreme care should be taken on loose gravel and rocks especially on descent.

Permits/Costs

The walking track and mountain bike trails are free. Parking at the designated carpark is free. Camping is not permitted at any time. Walking on the mountain bike trails is not permitted.

Other References

Comprehensive information on the mountain bike trails can be found on Trailforks and Wanderstories websites.

Comments

Completed JCU walking track with my 7 year old son, he really enjoys this track however there are a lot of bugs that get on him at this location as opposed to the Mount Louisa track possible due to more Eucalyptus trees, I'm not sure. We both enjoy this walk very much and do it often.

Allison on 24 Jun, 2023

Walked to the top summit. Track is in good condition.

RDeg on 3 Jun, 2020

There is a further track to reach the summit. Great!

Hunts on 2 Jun, 2019

Where

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