Mount Sorrow Walk

Only for very fit, experienced bushwalkers, the Mount Sorrow Trail rewards you with breathtaking views on a clear day at 680m elevation.

The first couple of kilometres of this walk pass through lowland rainforest and are very pleasant. The gradient is mild to steep, however the surface is generally uneven.

The last couple of kilometres however become very difficult with one section even having a rope to help you ascend a very rugged steep section. When they say this walk is only for the fit, believe them.

It is however a very rewarding walk, especially if you are able to do it on a clear day. Although there are glimpses of the coast through the rainforest on the way up, the platform offers views to the north and south of cape tribulation.

It is possible to continue on for about 15 minutes past the platform (by squeezing around it or climbing over it), however this section is definitely more dangerous, and involves climbing and some very precarious ridge walking, that could see you fall and disappear into the surrounding rainforest, never to be seen again. This section takes you to a rock face that offers 180 degree views, again, however, do not attempt this section unless you are very confident / experienced and someone knows you are going.

A walker has been lost on this track, and was never found. Make sure you walk with others, or at the very least, let someone responsible know where you are going and when you should return.

There is no water on the track, so you will need to bring plenty. 4 litres is recommended as it can get very hot.

Leeches and mosquitoes can also be a problem, especially after rain. Insect repellent will make your walk much more pleasant.

View from Mount Sorrow - To the south, showing Alexandra Range, Snapper Island and through to Cairns - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Difficulty

Difficulty: 5

This is a very difficult walk with steep sections, slippery footing and some scrambling.

Getting There

Just north of Cape Tribulation.
From the general store and PKs Jungle Village, head north on Cape Tribulation Road.
Pass the turn off for Cape Tribulation beach and in about 250m you will see a small pull off area on your right.
The track entrance is signed on the other side of the road. It is just a small sign and difficult to see when driving past.

View track start in Google maps

All images for this track

Car Park - Small pull off area opposite the start of the track - Photo by Alex Pawlow

View from Mount Sorrow - Looking to the north of Cape Tribulation - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Mount Sorrow view - View from warning sign (past lookout platform) looking south - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Track Start - The entrance to the walk is difficult to spot, apart from the small sign - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Narrow and steep section - This section is very narrow with a long fall. A mis-step could result in never being seen again. - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Mount Sorrow steep section - This section is extremely steep and a rope has been provided to help climbing - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Lower section of trail - Passes through lowland rainforest and is not too difficult walking here. - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Orb spider on Mount Sorrow - Numerous interesting spiders can be observed on the trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Mount Sorrow walk - Much of the trail is rough scrambling over vines and tree roots - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Candle Vine - On the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Birds Nest Fern - On the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Ficus obliqua - Strangler fig on the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Fan palm - Licuala ramsayi on the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Mount Sorrow Trail - Lower area of the walk, not too steep - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Mount Sorrow Trail - Liana vine - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Mount Sorrow Trail - Some moderately steep sections early on - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Glimpses of the ocean - Tantalising glimpses of the ocean encourage you on to the top of the walk - Photo by Alex Pawlow

View of Cape Tribulation - The ridge leads all the way down to Cape Tribulation. Glimpses can be seen between the trees along the trail. - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Tropical birds nest - Asplenium simplicifrons on the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Tropical birds nest - Asplenium simplicifrons on the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Tropical birds nest - Asplenium simplicifrons on the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Tropical birds nest - Asplenium simplicifrons growing on a cycad, on the Mount Sorrow Trail - Photo by Alex Pawlow