Australia

This movie shows the Pyramid from 3 views: firstly from the South on the Bruce Highway, then from the North, near Gordonvale, and lastly, an unusual view, from near the top of the Gillies Highway, inland from the mountain, where its pyramid shape is less obvious. I describe the route up in a number of places on the video as "the North East ridge". This is incorrect, the ridge basically runs North.

Walsh's Pyramid, nr Cairns, North Queensland

Character: A steep pull to the top of a renowned local geographical feature. Walsh's Pyramid is claimed to be the highest free-standing pyramid in the world. Views from the top are extensive.

*Remember to take plenty of water and to tell someone of your plans!*

Ascent: ~3000 feet

Time: 3 hours

Map: No good ones found - in good conditions a map is not necessary as the peak is on the highway, and the path is very clear

The view above does not do credit to this hill. On approaches from the North or South (particularly the North), its prominence inland from Gordonvale is unmissable.

The route starts off the Bruce Highway, some 20 km south of Cairns, and only 1 km or so south of Gordonvale. Finding the start is probably the main difficulty on this walk, so pay attention!

800 metres south of the Mulgrave River on the Bruce Highway, a small turn goes off to the right. This is Moss Rd. After 100 m one is faced with the situation in the photo above, and here the small middle track is taken, which is just above the main gravelled track heading rightish, and is marked here by a red rectangle. This rough dirt track is followed around the edge of a cane field, and does a right angle after 100 m or so. The track then widens into a rough parking area (room for 4 or 5 cars!), and this area is shown below.

Parking area

The track starts near where the red box is above.

The path is very clear, and gets steeper towards the top. It follows the obvious north spur of the mountain. Plastic coloured ribbons are attached to trees every 10 m or so. Its amazing to think that once a year the "Pyramid Race" takes place up here from Gordonvale! A few hundred wallies throwing themselves up, and then, more dangerously, down, this step rocky track. Perhaps as walkers we're saner than we realise!

Lower section of path

 

Steeper section

 

Half way!

The terrain varies a little as you climb. There are more open sections, and some slabby rocks that would probably be slippery in the wet. Tree cover is limited so beware of sun burn!

Near the top, after the steepest sections, the path veers more south east, and before too long you're standing on the top. No actual point is marked as the highest, but two large flat rocky outcrops surrounded by bush seemed to be the highest. Just beyond this is another rock that it is possible to scramble to the top of, and thats where I took this 360 degree panorama. Click on it for a large (I mean large!) version.

Panorama from the top of Walsh's pyramid (click on the image above for large version)

Well thats about it. The way back is the same as the way up, but you can admire the views better on the way down!