The Great Green Way
The Great Green Way is one of nature's most breathtaking and memorable journeys, steeped in history and charm. Rugged mountain ranges flanked by sugar cane fields, tropical fruit farms and sprawling deserted beaches offer the visitor endless views and, of course, plenty of photo opportunities.
Stretching from Townsville's twin city Thuringowa to Gordonvale, nestled at the foot of Walsh's pyramid, south of Cairns, The Great Green Way is a journey of discovery. Along the way, you’ll pass through seaside villages and bustling towns where you can stop off for a bite to eat, do a spot of shopping and meet the friendly locals.
Head off the beaten track and you’ll discover some of nature's greatest treasures, and there's every chance you'll come face-to-face with some rather strange-looking characters, such as the ocean cruising dugong, or Australia's largest flightless bird, the cassowary. With jewel-like islands sprinkled off the coast and an abundance of National Parks bordered by the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics rainforest and magnificent Great Barrier Reef, the temptation to get waylaid en route is ever present.
Fresh crystal clear swimming holes filled with some of the purest water on the planet and shady picnic spots offer welcome respite and refreshment for travellers, and there’s a choice of accommodation to suit every pocket along the way. Remember to stop at the Visitor Information Centres for maps and information to assist you with your adventure.
Thuringowa to Ingham
Leaving Thuringowa, you will see Paluma, Hidden 
Valley and the Hervey Range. Beautiful Paluma Range National Park is the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Settled by tin miners over 120 years ago, the mountaintop village of Paluma is a popular weekend retreat. A little further down the road old miners’ cabins still exist in the bush. Behind Paluma Range is Hervey Range, where the wet tropics meet the dry tropics. Big Crystal Creek at the base of the Paluma Range is great for swimming and picnicking.
Ingham is rich in Italian heritage and has a wonderful multi-cultural vibe. Every May the town hosts the annual Australian Italian Festival. Of course, food is a major feature of the event. Nearby Wallaman Falls is the largest single drop waterfall in Australia, tumbling 268m to a spectacular natural pool. Jourama Falls National Park is another popular camping area. Walkers can enjoy the 20km return trip to Dalrymple Gap along one of Queensland's oldest designated roads.
Cardwell to Tully
Cardwell is a popular stop and this laid-back coastal town is the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, Australia's largest island National Park. The Hinchinbrook Channel is popular for recreational fishing and the local eateries are renowned for serving terrific fresh seafood. The legendary 32km Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island attracts walkers from around the world keen to escape the rat race for a few days of back-to-nature seclusion.
Tully is proud of its reputation for being one of 
Australia's wettest towns, and a statue of a large golden gumboot reminds visitors of its status. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy whitewater rafting on the Tully River, while the more sedate can enjoy breathtaking vistas from viewing platforms at Tully Gorge. For the keen angler, Tully Heads and Hull Heads provide a wealth of opportunity to bring one home. For history buffs, El Arish is an historic soldiers' settlement of World War I and boasts an historic pub of the same period.
Mission Beach to Innisfail
Mission Beach is the gateway to the Family Group of Islands and situated on 14km of pristine golden sand beaches. Located mid-way between Cairns and Townsville, it is one of only two places in Australia where two World Heritage areas meet – the Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Boats leave Clump Point jetty and boat ramp daily for Great Barrier Reef and the water taxi and ferry operate to Dunk Island, a short 4km across the water. You can get active with a range of adventure activities such as rainforest walks, skydiving, rafting, kayaking, horseriding and more.
On your way to Innisfail, enjoy the stunning drive through Mena Creek, and take the opportunity to visit Paronella Park, a Spanish castle built in the 1930s with extensive gardens, a café and guided tours. Check out the villages along the way including the small town of South Johnstone with its quaint café, restaurant and pub. Once at Innisfail, the Town Walk showcases the unique art deco appearance of the town's streets and riverscapes. Interpretive maps are available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Babinda to Gordonvale
Mount Bartle Frere, Queensland's highest mountain at 1622m, overlooks Babinda and nearby Miriwinni. The Russell River is popular for whitewater rafting and The Boulders swimming hole offers a cooling respite on a hot summer's day. The Babinda heritage trail offers insight into Aboriginal and early settler history.
At the northern tip of The Great Green Way, Gordonvale's landmark, Walsh's Pyramid, towers 922m skyward. From the summit, there are breathtaking 360 degree views over the region and the patchwork of canefields below. More serious fitness fanatics train year-round for the Great Pyramid Race in August. The township's Settlers Historic Museum houses a wealth of information about the area and its history.
Useful information