Starting from the end of the Esplanade off Macrossan Street, Port Douglas, this walk takes you to the scenic Rex Smeal Park and back via the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail, visiting the lookout atop the hill along the way. This coastal hike along the ocean features an exceptional viewpoint that’s going to leave you in awe. Providing you with a 180-degree point of view, this lookout allows you to see far beyond the Four Mile Beach to the south, including the scenic mountain ranges in the distance. To the north on the other hand, you’ll be able to see the Snapper Island and Low Isles. The sunset looks extraordinary from here as you can guess, but you can schedule the walk on a sunrise to have a less crowded & serene experience. The gorgeous palm trees of Rex Smeal Park will welcome you to another viewpoint, this time more down to earth and personal. The soft grass underfoot makes this a great place to have a picnic as well. If you’re here on a Sunday, you can visit the ‘Cotters Market’ that’s set up on Wharf Street. Don’t forget the swim in the cool waters of the Pacific as you enjoy the amazing coastal scenery. Keep an eye out for jellyfish and man o' war. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Getting started From the end of the Esplanade off Macrossan Street, pass through the bollard and head towards the sheltered seating area. Turn left when you make it to the paved walking track, then head along the said track as you keep the ocean to your right. Pass by the white&red lighthouse model to your left to continue along Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the water tap at the start.
Find the Hi Tide at the start.
Turn left, to head along Flagstaff Hill Trail.
After another 110 m come to the viewpoint.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the lookout at the summit of the hill. You'll be able to view the Four Mile Beach and beyond to the south. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 450 m continue straight, to head along Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.
After another 185 m pass the water tap (on your left).
After another 640 m turn right.
After another 35 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left).
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After another 6 m pass the BBQ (on your left).
After another 30 m pass the playground (20 m on your right).
After another 70 m come to "Lookout".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.5 km to get back to the start.
This side trip takes you to the lookout at the summit of the hill. You'll be able to view the Four Mile Beach and beyond to the south.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 65 m turn left, to head along Island Point Road.
About 20 m past the end is "Flagstaff Hill".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
3.1 km
Time
1 h to 1 h 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
1 h to 1 h 45 min
Toilet: There is one 1.4 km from the start.
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Find the water tap at the start.
Find the Hi Tide at the start.
After another 110 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 6 m pass the BBQ (on your left).
After another 30 m pass the playground (20 m on your right).
