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Mount Hypipamee National Park: A Volcanic Wonder

Explore a unique volcanic crater and lush rainforest at Mount Hypipamee National Park, a hidden gem in Queensland's Atherton Tablelands.

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Discover Mount Hypipamee National Park, home to a unique volcanic pipe and diverse rainforest. A short walk leads to stunning views of 'The Crater,' a deep cylindrical hole formed by a massive gas explosion, and the serene Dinner Falls, the humble beginnings of the Barron River.

A brief summary to Mount Hypipamee National Park

Local tips

  • Bring warm clothing, especially for early morning or evening visits, as the altitude can make it chilly, particularly in winter.
  • Take all rubbish with you and do not feed the wildlife, including the possums that are often seen around the car park.
  • Consider bringing rocks to throw into the crater; they take a while to fall and make a surprisingly deep thud when they hit the water.
  • Extend your visit by taking the Dinner Falls circuit to see the Barron River's humble beginnings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mount Hypipamee National Park is located on the Kennedy Highway, approximately 25km south of Atherton and 15km southwest of Malanda. From either town, follow the Kennedy Highway until you see the brown road sign for the park. The turnoff is well-signposted. After turning off the highway, it's a short 2-5 minute drive to the car park. Parking is available at the car park, and there is no fee. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    Public transport options to Mount Hypipamee National Park are limited. The closest towns with bus services are Atherton and Malanda. From either town, you would need to take a taxi or arrange for a ride-share service to reach the park. A taxi from Atherton to Mount Hypipamee National Park would cost approximately $50-$70 AUD [estimates based on typical taxi fares in the region]. Ride-share services may offer a slightly cheaper alternative, but availability can be unreliable in this rural area.

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Discover more about Mount Hypipamee National Park

Mount Hypipamee National Park, located on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, is a geological marvel and a haven for nature lovers. The park's centerpiece is the Mount Hypipamee Crater, also known as 'The Crater,' a diatreme or volcanic pipe created by a massive gas explosion approximately 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. This explosion blasted through solid granite, leaving a deep, cylindrical hole. The crater is almost 70 meters across, with sheer granite walls plunging 58 meters down to a lake that is over 70 meters deep. The water surface is covered with a layer of native waterweed, adding to the mystique of the site. A well-maintained, 400-meter walking track leads through the rainforest to a viewing platform, offering an uninterrupted view of the crater. Beyond the crater, the park boasts a remarkable variety of vegetation types, including high-altitude rainforest. The diverse forest types support a remarkable diversity of possums and birdlife. The Dinner Falls circuit, an optional diversion from the crater track, takes you to a series of cascades in the headwaters of the Barron River. Mount Hypipamee holds cultural significance, with the name derived from an Aboriginal word connected to a legend of two young men swallowed by a large hole in the earth. Gazetted as a national park in 1934 and incorporated into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in 1988, the park remains an important recreational area.

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