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The Yellow Arrow track at Mount Whitfield is the ‘easiest’ of the arrow walks, accessible to most people with reasonable fitness and mobility. The 3.8km return hike is not as demanding as the Red, Blue or Green Arrows. The well-formed trail has some steep inclines and switchbacks, especially at the start, and a few sets of stairs. Most of the track is shaded by established trees, and there are lookouts over the airport and city along the way.
Locals love the Yellow Arrow. Its duration means you can easily fit it in at the start or end of your day, and it provides a good workout without feeling like a slog. It reaches the same height elevation as the Red Arrow, at 154 metres, but the track itself is longer with less stairs, so the walk is ‘easier’.
Please note the track is not sealed, and it’s a good idea to wear walking, jogging or hiking boots. Also take water with you, as there isn’t any on the way. The Yellow Arrow is a one-way loop, but some people like to combine it with the Red Arrow, as the two tracks are joined. Download the Mount Whitfield Map here. If you combine them, then note the Red Arrow comes out on the ‘other side’ of Mount Whitfield in Edge Hill, so to return to the start you will need to walk around the base of the mountain, and there is a pathway for this, or you climb back up and over, reversing the journey just taken.
The Yellow Arrow at Mt Whitfield is an easy 3.8km return hike with a steady incline to a maximum elevation of 154m. Mostly shaded and winding through rainforest, it offers stunning views over Cairns.
The hike begins at the Aeroglen trailhead. There is a large car park for hikers and walkers, adjacent to the Dog Park and Touch fields. From the car park you take the sealed trail towards Aeroglen and Stratford, which then branches off to commence your ascent on Mount Whitfield. The initial climb is quite steep, and you gain considerable elevation over the first 200–300 meters. Depending on your fitness, this section is tough (we find it tough), but once you are over the initial climb, the trail levels out, making for an enjoyable walk.
One of the highlights of the Yellow Arrow track is the views along the way. Around a third of the way up, there’s a great lookout over the Cairns Airport, where you can sometimes see planes taking off or landing. About two-thirds of the way up, another viewpoint gives a nice look over the northern part of our beautiful waterfront city. Unlike the Green Arrow, which ends at a junction with no real viewpoint, the Yellow Arrow offers small but rewarding glimpses of Cairns as you climb.
The final 300 meters of the trail always feel like a leg burner, but before you know it, you’re at the top. At this point, the Yellow Arrow links with the Red Arrow and Blue Arrow trails, so you can choose to continue down the Red Arrow to make a loop, return the way you came, or take on the Blue Arrow for a longer hike.
Mt Whitfield Conservation Park is home to a variety of wildlife, and the Yellow Arrow track is a great place to spot some of it. I’ve seen an echidna on the trail before, and brush turkeys are a common sight. Occasionally, a wallaby or pademelon might make an appearance. Throughout the hike, there are several signs explaining the rainforest’s unique ecosystem:
“I’ve always loved doing the Yellow Arrow. It’s a good challenge but still easy on the knees, making it a great walk for the morning or evening. It’s the perfect length to fit into your day. When I’m feeling extra keen, I like to go down the Red Arrow and back up to the lookout. And if you want to cheat a little, you can always grab a coffee at the bottom of the Red Arrow at TANK Sixty Four.” – Richard Johnston
The Yellow Arrow track is 1.9 km one way, making it 3.8 km return.
Most people complete it in about 1.5 hours, depending on pace and stops. I find personally it takes around 1 hour, I would imagine if you ran it could take as little as 35 minutes.
It’s the easiest of the Mt Whitfield trails but still offers a good workout. The steep start can be challenging, and the last 300 meters feel tough, but overall, it’s much easier than any of the other Arrow Tracks.
The trailhead is located at the end of Aeroglen, near the touch footy fields. There is a designated car park with lots of space. There’s also an amenity block and covered tables and chairs.
The trail ends at the junction with the Red Arrow and Blue Arrow tracks. From here, you can either turn around and go back down the Yellow Arrow, head down the Red Arrow for a different route back, or continue on the Blue Arrow for a longer hike. Please note that the Red Arrow ends in a different location, on the Edge Hill side of Mount Whitfield, so if you choose to do this you will need to walk around the base of the mountain to get back to your car, or go back up and over Mount Whitfield.
If you are planning on trying the Blue Arrow after the Yellow Allow, you should know this Arrow is a much harder walk which will take significantly longer to complete. We would recommend taking water and some snacks for the Blue Arrow walk – and ensure you check distances and times before heading out. Download the Mount Whitfield Walking Track Map here.
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to hike the Yellow Arrow. That way you can avoid the heat of the day. The track is mostly shaded, but midday hikes can still be warm, especially in summer.
No, dogs are not allowed as the trail is within a conservation park.
The map above show the Yellow Arrow walking track as it winds through the Whitfield Conservation Park. The trail starts at the base of Mount Whitfield near Aeroglen, climbing through dense rainforest with occasional views of Cairns and its coastline. It connects with the Red and Blue Arrow track at the summit, where you can choose to continue on the Blue Arrow, head down the Red Arrow or head back down the same way. You can also download the Cairns Regional Council’s Mt Whitfield brochure.
This trail is suited for all experienced walkers it rewards you with spectacular views and the satisfaction of conquering a climb.
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