Red Arrow Track

Fun walk but not for the faint hearted! Steps steps and more steps. Great cardio workout in the shade of the rainforest, this walk takes about an hour at the most and ends up back down at the Cairns Botanical gardens. The bamboo is just incredible.

Peaceful walk at the beginning & then bam! You’re off & climbing what seems like endless flights of steep stairs. Take water with you & obvs be sun-safe. View of airfield at the top is pretty impressive. Even fit joggers were puffed out - this ‘moderate’ track is a steep, winding workout for the heart & legs

The Red Arrow Walk in Cairns is an absolute gem and a must-do for anyone who enjoys nature, exercise, and breathtaking views! This well-maintained trail is perfect for all fitness levels, offering a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the rainforest while getting in a solid workout. The walk itself is relatively short, but it provides just the right amount of challenge with its steep sections and stairs. It’s an excellent option for both locals and visitors looking for a quick yet rewarding outdoor activity. Along the way, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and the sounds of native birds, making it a truly immersive rainforest experience. One of the highlights of the Red Arrow Walk is the stunning lookout points. As you reach the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Cairns, the airport, and the coastline stretching out into the Coral Sea. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the changing light transforms the landscape into something truly spectacular. The track is well-marked, safe, and easily accessible from the Botanic Gardens, making it a convenient option for a morning or afternoon hike. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful nature escape, the Red Arrow Walk is an incredible experience. Highly recommended!

Really enjoyed this trail, clear and defined path and steps to follow. If you're wanting to see planes flying into the Cairns airport you get a good view at the top, also the point where the red meets the yellow track. Lovely flora and fauna to enjoy along the way. Extends and connects to the other longer/more difficult trails in this region, if you want to be further challenged.

There are a lot of stairs on this track. It is paved all the way. It is only 1.5km long but half of that is up and it is steep. Great workout for the cardio and the legs. There are 250 steps on the way up and the same on the way down apparently. I didn’t count them. There are lots of scrub turkeys and orange footed scrub fowl along the way. Great views from the top. Did I mention the stairs?

Paved and steps the whole way. Great view of the airport from the top.

Clear track to follow. Moderate climb up to the lookout. You can see planes landing at the airport from a high point, connects you to the other tracks as well.

A great short loop leading to lovely views of the airport (if you’re a plane nerd like me). Very popular in the late afternoon.