NEWS AND UPDATES

CYCLONE YASI: Check with QPWS and local councils about closures and damage to the trails before you plan any walks through the region. It is likely that most trails in the region will have been damaged by Yasi. In the Cassowary Coast region and further south tracks may be closed for some time. Damage is extensive.

Go to http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/park_alerts/index.php or ring 1300 130 372 for up to date information.

The Alexandra Falls creek walk is closed at the request of the Heritage Lodge Management. The owners have requested that walkers do not ask the Lodge for access through their property.

If you have an old version of the Cairns & Kuranda book, the historic Surprise Creek Track is closed and the lower entry to the track is fenced off. it seems unlikely that the track will ever be reopened

If you have an old version of the Cairns & Kuranda book, there has been a change to the description of the access point for the Lake Morris walk that starts at Crystal Cascades. The old toilet block, 150m in from the entrance gate no longer exists. The track still starts 150m in from the gate. We have not walked the track recently but feedback (thanks, Michael) indicates that the start of the track is now clearly marked at both ends with some brand new signs. According to the cafe staff this has resulted in it becoming increasingly popular. The new map can be obtained from this link.

QPWS and Q-Rail have come to an agreement about the Douglas Track railway line crossing, near Red Bluff on the walk to Glacier Rock from Stoney Creek. The track has been upgraded and an overpass has been built to allow walkers to cross the line safely. The track was officially re-opened in November 2008.

The Blencoe Falls Tracks are being upgraded and a campsite amenities block has been built. Blencoe Falls is the western end of the Great Walks trail. The area has suffered cyclone damage. Ring the QPWS office for an update.

For safety reasons the Cooktown Scenic Rim walking track has been changed slightly. The steep downhill section from the summit is closed, and the link between the carpark and Finch Bay has been closed. All recent copies of the book have been amende accordingly

For more information: phone: 07 4097 97697, fax: 07 4097 7272, or email: Footloosebooks