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The Green Arrow track is a challenging yet rewarding walk through the lush rainforest of Mount Whitfield. This Grade 4 trail takes hikers on a steep, winding ascent with breathtaking views and plenty of natural beauty to keep you motivated. Though the track itself is only 3 kilometres each way, the total return distance from the car park is 7.8 kilometres, as there’s a steep road walk to reach the trailhead. Trust us, it’s a serious workout!
As you hike up the mountain range, standing tall over Cairns, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that extend out to the Coral Sea and Green Island. This forested area is rich with life, hosting a variety of plant and animal species. The rainforest that blankets Mt Whitfield remains largely untouched, with prominent rainforest species growing along the steep ridges. These rainforests thrive in the warm, moist environment, making the area an essential part of the ecosystem and a haven for wildlife.
Take in the views over Cairns while surrounded by the dense, lush canopy, with the sounds of the forest accompanying your journey. The trail ends at the junction of the Blue Arrow track, but don’t be surprised if you decide to turn around here—the Green Arrow is a real leg-burner!
"The Green Arrow at Mt Whitfield is a challenging 7.8km return hike with a steady incline to a maximum elevation of 460m. Mostly shaded and winding through rainforest, it offers stunning views over Cairns. Be prepared for steep switchbacks and rough terrain—bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Watch out for the 'wait-a-while' plants that can catch on hikers!"
The hike starts from the car park, and after a steep walk uphill along a road you’ll reach the trailhead. From there, the first half of the trail is relatively easy, with a mix of gentle climbs and minor descents. However, as soon as you hit the halfway mark, the real challenge begins. This is where the Green Arrow shows its true colours: steep, sharp switchbacks and a constant uphill battle. You’ll tackle stairs, tree roots, and rocks as the trail climbs rapidly.
Look out for the strangler figs that dot the trail. These fascinating trees begin life as seeds deposited in the crevices of other trees, often by birds. As they grow, their roots snake downward, enveloping their host tree while their branches reach upward toward the sunlight. Over time, the fig can completely encase the host, sometimes leading to the host tree’s death, leaving a hollow structure behind. However, in some cases, the strangler fig can help support its host, especially during storms. Keep an eye out for these unique trees, whose intricate root systems often steal the show in the rainforest.
By the time you reach the Blue Arrow junction, you’ll have climbed 460m, and believe us, you’ll feel every step! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue to the Mount Lumney lookout, but most people head back down from here. On the way back, it’s mostly downhill (except for a few inclines), making it easier but still requiring focus.
“The Green Arrow is one of the toughest trails on Mt Whitfield, but the views and the sense of accomplishment at the top make every step worth it. It’s a challenging hike, especially with the switchbacks and steep climbs, but if you’re up for it, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Cairns and the surrounding rainforest. Tip: Bring water (you’ll need it!) and make sure to wear appropriate shoes, as the trail can be rough in places. Also, watch out for the ‘wait-a-while’ plants—they love to latch onto passing hikers!” – Richard Johnston
The Green Arrow track is 3 kilometres one way, making it 6 kilometres return. Most people complete the hike in around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on fitness level and how long they spend at the top. The actual return distance from the car park is 7.8 kilometres as the car park is located away from the trail head.
The Green Arrow is rated as a Grade 4 trail, meaning it’s a hard walk. Expect steep gradients, lots of stairs, and some uneven terrain. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and some bushwalking experience to comfortably complete the hike. According to my Stava info the total elevation climbed was 460 metres, to put this into perspective the yellow arrow is around 150 metres.
The trailhead is located on Mount Whitfield, with parking available at the end of Bel-Air Drive in Whitfield. The council has provided a designated car park for hikers, complete with a tap for filling up your water bottles.
The steepest section of the Green Arrow climbs from 100 meters to 350 meters in just 2 kilometres. There are several switchbacks and plenty of stairs, so it’s a challenging ascent.
Make sure to bring plenty of water (2 liters recommended), some snacks, your mobile phone, and a good pair of hiking shoes. The trail can get hot, so sunscreen, a hat, and sun protection are also recommended
No, there is no water available along the trail, so be sure to bring your own. You can fill up your water in the car park before you leave.
Yes, the Green Arrow is well signposted, with markers along the way and a clearly defined path. While you may encounter obstacles like tree roots and rocks, and some sections are covered in leaves, the trail remains easy to follow throughout.
The Green Arrow ends at the Blue Arrow Junction. From here, you can either continue on the Blue Arrow trail or turn around and head back the way you came. This has to be one of the most disappointing conclusions to the a hike as there is no reward at the end, you can however continue left and make your way to Lumley Hill Lookout if you want a view of the Airport and out towards Green Island, this is part of the Blue Arrow.
It’s best to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. The trail is mostly shaded, but it can still get hot, especially on the steeper sections
No you cannot take your dog, Mt Whitfield is a conservation park and therefore you cannot take your dog.
The map above show the Green Arrow walking track as it winds through the Whitfield Conservation Park. The trail starts at the base of Mount Whitfield, climbing through dense rainforest with occasional views of Cairns and its coastline. It connects with the Blue Arrow track at the summit, where you can choose to continue or head back down the same way. You can also download the Cairns Regional Council’s Mt Whitfield brochure.
This trail is best suited for experienced walkers due to the steepness and uneven terrain, but it rewards you with spectacular views and the satisfaction of conquering a tough climb. Just remember, the journey back may be easier, but you’ll still face those few uphill sections before you can call it a day!
The Yellow Arrow track at Mount Whitfield is the ‘easiest’ of the arrow walks, accessible to most people. The 3.8km return hike has some steep inclines, switchbacks and a few stairs. Most of the track is shaded by trees, and there are lookouts over the airport and city.
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