Due to the large number of National Parks, State Forests and wilderness areas, Far North Queensland is an excellent destination for bushwalking. Permits are not required for day visits to National Parks but they are required if you intend to camp. Open fires are prohibited. There are gentle strolls suitable for all ages and fitness levels, to tracks suitable only for experienced hikers. Walking tracks are well sign posted and maintained and there are tracks in all national parks. Some of the more popular bushwalking areas include the Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation which has several walking tracks, boardwalks and viewing platforms. Mossman Gorge and Cow Bay are two of the most frequented spots in the Daintree. Other popular areas include the Chillagoe Caves (150kms west of Mareeba), Lake Barrine (between Cairns and Atherton), Josephine Falls, Mt Bartle Frere (Queensland's highest peak), Mt Bellenden Ker, Cooper Creek, Crystal Cascades, Mt Whitfield, Dunk Island, Mission Beach, Mt Cook National Park (Cooktown) and Hinchinbrook Island. A permit, organised well in advance, is necessary for bushwalking on Hinchinbrook. The Thorsborne trail, which is the most popular track on Hinchinbrook, takes roughly four days to walk. The Mt Bartle Frere hiking track is for fit and experienced walkers only as it's a 15km, 2-day return trip. To ensure your safety whilst in the great outdoors, a few simple guidelines should be followed: 1. Be prepared - tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Take a first aid kid, compass, maps, raincoat, a hat, water, a watch, insect repellant and sunscreen. 2. Take care near water - rocks can be slippery, currents strong and submerged rocks common in creeks and rivers. Always check for signs before swimming as hazards can include crocodiles, stingers and waterfalls. 3. Stay on the track - read maps and signs carefully. 4. Never feed or play with animals. Leave your pets at home - cats and dogs kill thousands of native animals every year. 5. Take care with fires - use fireplaces or designated BBQs. 6. Take all rubbish with you 7. Never try to rush a trip - walking in for north Queensland can be a lot more taxing than cooler climates, particularly in the hot and humid wet season. 8. Check yourself thoroughly for leeches or ticks An excellent reference book for anyone intending to bushwalk in North Queensland is 50 Walks in North Queensland by Tyrone Thomas.