Bartle Frere Tips

[baldhead]

I'm looking to hike Bartle Frere next week as a long day walk
I'm organised with appropriate equipment, read up on track notes

Appreciate any tips / words of wisdom from anyone if you know the walk

Thanks
Carl

[Skid]

Assuming you are starting from Josephine Falls?

- Start early (there is a suitable place to unofficially camp just down the road, called 'golden grove' from memory)
- first few k's are easy going, once across the creek it is pretty much up, up, up
- if it is wet, be prepared for leeches
- be prepared to get wet (the summit is often in cloud, weather can change rapidly)
- trail is well marked, just stick to it, especially across boulder field near the summit if in clouds (visibility can drop to metres, if not on the trail all boulders look the same)
- offer sacrifices to the weather gods in exchange for a clear view from the top
- enjoy!

[baldhead]

Thanks Skid appreciate the tips

Plan is to leave Cairns early before 5 am and start at Josephine falls
Looking at 3-4 day window to pick the best day

Cheers

[bauplenut]

As Skid said.

Oh, might be muddy slippery too if wet on the steep section after Broken Nose junction.

I did it last year in September as a day walk but in dry conditons. Started about 6:30 am. In dry conditions no worries

[nq111]

Take:
- Plenty of water (there are few places to get water on the way).
- Heavy duty DEET to help keep the leeches away.
- A basic shell/ windshirt / light fleece as it can be amazingly cold and windy on the summit.

It can be terrible muggy in places at the lower altitudes so take electrolytes too if that helps you with the heat/hydration.