Red Arrow Circuit
A steep, 1.5km fitness circuit in Cairns with over 250 steps, offering a challenging workout and connecting to lookouts with scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer people
Red Arrow Circuit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, 1.5km fitness circuit in Cairns with over 250 steps, offering a challenging workout and connecting to lookouts with scenic views.
"Great scenic walk with tree cover, perfect for a good workout and connecting to rewarding views."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The bituminised track and many stairs require good grip. Be cautious on wet days as it can be slippery.
💧 Stay hydrated
Even with tree cover, it can get warm. Carry water, especially if you plan to do multiple loops or connect to other tracks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Arrow Circuit Loop
Cairns Botanic Gardens
A steep, 1.5 km loop with over 250 steps through lush rainforest and bamboo groves. Perfect for a challenging workout.
Yellow Arrow Lookout
Summit of Yellow Arrow track
Connect to the Yellow Arrow for nearly 180-degree views of the airport and Trinity Bay. A rewarding vista after your climb.
Airport Runway Views
Lookout hub on Red Arrow
A unique vantage point offering views of Cairns Airport's runway, a fun surprise for aviation enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Know Your Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The bituminised track and many stairs require good grip. Be cautious on wet days as it can be slippery.
💧 Stay hydrated
Even with tree cover, it can get warm. Carry water, especially if you plan to do multiple loops or connect to other tracks.
👂 Listen for others
The circuit is popular with walkers and runners. Be aware of approaching foot traffic, especially on narrower sections.
🗺️ Use a map
Tracks can be confusing. While Red Arrow is straightforward, connecting to Blue or Yellow might require navigation.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The bituminised track and many stairs require good grip. Be cautious on wet days as it can be slippery.
💧 Stay hydrated
Even with tree cover, it can get warm. Carry water, especially if you plan to do multiple loops or connect to other tracks.
👂 Listen for others
The circuit is popular with walkers and runners. Be aware of approaching foot traffic, especially on narrower sections.
🗺️ Use a map
Tracks can be confusing. While Red Arrow is straightforward, connecting to Blue or Yellow might require navigation.
📸 Capture the greenery
Enjoy the diverse vegetation, from rainforest to bamboo. The scenery is a highlight for many visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Red Arrow Circuit for its excellent fitness potential and challenging climb, with many appreciating the tree cover that offers some relief from the heat. The connection to the Yellow Arrow for rewarding views is a significant highlight. However, some find the views from the Red Arrow itself disappointing due to overgrown vegetation, and the slippery surface after rain is a noted concern.
"Great scenic walk. Tree cover lowers the temperature, so quite manageable on most days."
Pat Grant
"I love this circuit for a good walkout.
Over the years our amazing Cairns City Council has upgraded the Yellow arrow to easily join the Red arrow and makes it a good hours workout.
Generally the track is in good condition but please be mindful that the tarmac walkways (see photos) can be a little slippery in wet weather.
The track is popular with walkers and runners so please be on the listen out for foot traffic."
Chantell Buggins Trauma Anxiety Addictions
"One of the conservation parks 4 official tracks. The red arrow is a short but steep loop. It’s very well maintained, wide and fully bituminised with many, many well built stairs. It’s mainly used for exercise and is very busy most of the time. You’ll be taken through a variety of vegetation from rainforest, although not high quality on the western side, to more open sclerophyll and exotic species including a bamboo on the east. If you’re looking forward to views after all the steps you’ll be sorely disappointed, over the years the vegetation has grown and you now only get very ordinary broken views through the vegetation. If you want a good view you’ll need to walk up another short but steep connecting track to the summit of the yellow arrow where you’ll get almost 180’ views over the airport and trinity Bay. For an exercise only perspective, it’s a magic place, 5stars. For a scenic walk, 3stars is being generous."
Jason Adams (Jase)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily walk from Cairns CBD, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, take a local public bus to the Cairns Botanic Gardens, or a short 10-minute drive.
Yes, there is parking available at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which is the main access point for the Red Arrow Circuit.
While cycling is possible to the general area, the circuit itself is primarily for walking and running due to its steep stairs and paved surfaces.
Yes, you can take a local public bus to the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which is adjacent to the Red Arrow Circuit.
Driving or taking a taxi/rideshare to the Cairns Botanic Gardens is the quickest way to access the Red Arrow Circuit for a short visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Red Arrow Circuit is a public park and is free to access. There are no admission fees.
The Red Arrow Circuit is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's part of the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, which is open from dawn till dusk.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens themselves are free to enter and explore, making access to the Red Arrow Circuit also free.
While there aren't specific guided tours for the Red Arrow Circuit itself, you can find guided walks of the broader Cairns Botanic Gardens.
The main restriction is to be mindful of the environment and other users. Stick to the marked paths and be aware of slippery conditions after rain.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Completing the Red Arrow loop typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on your fitness level and pace. Connecting to the Yellow Arrow will add more time.
Yes, it's a great adventure for active families. The stairs can be challenging, but toddlers can manage with supervision.
You'll experience a variety of vegetation, including rainforest, sclerophyll, exotic species, and a notable bamboo grove.
Restroom facilities are available at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which is the starting point for the circuit.
The Red Arrow itself offers limited views due to vegetation growth. For better panoramic views, connect to the Yellow Arrow lookout.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush rainforest, towering bamboo, and the unique airport runway views. The Yellow Arrow lookout offers expansive vistas. 
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, and the Yellow Arrow lookout provides a great vantage point for sunset views over Trinity Bay.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for the panoramic views from the Yellow Arrow lookout.
The main viewpoint is at the summit of the Yellow Arrow track. There are also occasional glimpses through the trees on the Red Arrow itself.
Drone usage is typically restricted in conservation parks and near airports. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to visit during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings, to make the experience more comfortable for everyone. Carrying plenty of water is essential. For a less strenuous option or a more scenic reward, consider focusing on the Yellow Arrow lookout, which offers impressive views without the same intensity as the full Red Arrow climb.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Runners
Be prepared for a consistent climb and be mindful of other users, as the track is popular. The bituminised surface can be slippery when wet, so good footwear is a must. For those training for events, the Red Arrow offers a reliable and accessible way to build endurance and power.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Bring a wide-angle lens to make the most of the vistas. The lush greenery and unique bamboo groves along the Red Arrow also offer opportunities for nature photography. Remember to check the weather, as clear skies will enhance the views from the Yellow Arrow lookout.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Arrow Circuit: A Fitness Hub
This circuit is part of the larger Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, offering a taste of the local flora. While primarily an exercise track, the diverse vegetation, including rainforest pockets and a striking bamboo grove, adds a natural element to the strenuous activity. The popularity of the Red Arrow means you'll often encounter other walkers and runners, creating a sense of community and shared effort.
For those seeking an added challenge or a more varied workout, the Red Arrow can be combined with the Blue and Yellow Arrow tracks. These interconnected trails offer different terrains and gradients, allowing for a customized fitness experience. The council has worked to upgrade these connections, making it easier to transition between them for a longer, more comprehensive training session.
Views and Vistas: Beyond the Workout
The real reward for those seeking panoramic views lies in connecting to the Yellow Arrow track. A short, steep climb from the Red Arrow leads to the Yellow Arrow lookout, which offers a much more expansive and satisfying 180-degree panorama. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Cairns Airport runway and out towards Trinity Bay. This lookout is a popular spot for a breather and a photo opportunity after the exertion of the climb.
For a truly rewarding visual experience, combining the fitness challenge of the Red Arrow with the scenic payoff of the Yellow Arrow lookout is highly recommended. It provides a balanced experience, catering to both the desire for a good workout and the appreciation of the natural beauty and urban landscape of Cairns.
Navigating the Cairns Botanic Gardens Trails
When exploring the Red Arrow, it's helpful to understand its connection to the other marked trails: the Blue and Yellow Arrows. These trails are color-coded and interconnected, allowing for various loop combinations. While the Red Arrow is a distinct, steep loop, the Yellow Arrow offers the primary scenic lookout. Some visitors have noted that the trail markings can sometimes be confusing, leading to accidental detours onto different colored paths.
To make the most of your visit, consider downloading a trail map or using a navigation app. This will help you stay on your intended path, whether you're aiming for a specific workout duration on the Red Arrow or seeking the panoramic views from the Yellow Arrow. The Cairns City Council has made efforts to upgrade these tracks, but a little preparation can prevent getting lost and ensure a smoother experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit