MAMU TROPICAL SKYWALK

Walk in The Clouds

Take a walk in the clouds at Mamu Tropical Skywalk. Discover the secrets and splendour of one of the most complex and diverse sections of rainforest in Australia, as you explore this place of wonder, from forest floor to towering canopy. This accessible and ecologically sustainable attraction features a picturesque forest walk linking a cantilever, 350m elevated walkway, and observation tower, allowing you a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the rainforest from every perspective.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk is located in the Palmerston Section of Wooroonooran National Park - a leisurely 30-minute drive from the township of Innisfail, and 90 minutes south of the tourism mecca of Cairns. Positioned within the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics area, Skywalk offers visitors a rare insight into the incredible biodiversity and rich culture and history of this complex and fragile ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the scents and sounds of the lush tropical rainforest, listen to interpretive audio commentary about the history, flora and fauna of the area, and get up close to the diverse array of plants, insects and birdlife that take refuge within the dense forest. Be sure to visit the App or Play store before you go to download the Mamu Tropical Skywalk app, which provides a range of helpful resources, including an informative self-guided audio tour that shares valuable insights and fascinating facts to maximise your experience.

From Forest Floor to Canopy

Upon arrival in the spacious carpark, you will be welcomed by a staff member who will provide directions to the ticketing counter. Enroute you’ll walk up a sloping ramp past two artworks, one created by representatives of the local Mamu people. One features stones hand-painted by local Indigenous children, while the other is a large steel sculpture by artist Roland Nancarrow depicting the animals, birds, and butterflies of the rainforest. Once you have purchased your tickets, you’ll proceed through a gate and begin your adventure. Meander past towering trees and dense undergrowth along the fascinating Forest Walk. Inhale the fresh, earthy scent of the rainforest and listen for the raucous cries of sulphur-crested cockatoos or the joyous laughter of kookaburras overhead. Hear expert commentary provided by the app’s audio guide, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity evoked by ‘just being’ in this ancient landscape.

Soon you’ll arrive at the first elevated structure of the walk. To your left the ground falls away sharply, and a 40m long elevated walkway rises gently to a viewing platform suspended from a cantilever. This elevated position affords uninterrupted views of the river gorge below, and a lush landscape awash with shades of green.

Skywalk and Observation Tower

Further along the Forest Walk you’ll encounter the elevated Walkway. This 350m skywalk takes visitors on an exhilarating journey as it meanders through the forest canopy, up to 15m above the river valley and forest floor far below. Here you can enjoy close encounters with the native plants and animals and hear the wind whispering through the foliage of towering trees and vines clambering for sunlight in the forest canopy.

After descending back to the Forest Walk, you’ll pass by the Midja, a traditional indigenous structure sacred to the local Mamu people. While this feature is for viewing only due to its sensitive nature, it offers a poignant reminder and insight into the historic and cultural value of this ancient, protected area.

Finally, you will arrive at the Observation Tower, a 37-metre-high structure offering guests the option to climb its stairs for spectacular sweeping views from its upper viewing deck.

Offering a unique encounter with nature, the 2.5km Mamu Tropical Skywalk provides a fun, educational and accessible experience for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors should allow approximately one and a half hours to complete this experience at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended, and water bottles can be refilled on site.

Ease of Access

The Mamu Tropical Skywalk boasts a range of thoughtful accessibility features designed to enable all users to enjoy a safe and comfortable experience. During construction, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service consulted with disability reference groups, including Guide Dogs Queensland, to ensure that facilities cater for people who have impaired vision or mobility. This track is suitable for visitors with no or low vision, with tap rails forming a continuous 'shoreline' on the left-hand side of the track. Braille is featured on directional and bathroom signage, and the audio app provides a valuable resource in helping those with sight loss to interpret their beautiful surroundings. Visitors are strongly encouraged to download the Skywalk app prior to arrival, as the availability of internet is limited in the rainforest. Most of the Forest Walk paths and amenities are wheelchair accessible, and seating is provided along the way.

With picnic tables available and located near other award-winning tourism icons such as Paronella Park, it’s easy to see why Mamu Tropical Skywalk is fast gaining popularity as one of the regions must-do attractions.