Iconic Devil’s Thumb Far North hiking trail reopened after Cyclone Jasper closure

After being locked out of the iconic and popular walking trail for almost 18 months, hikers will once again get to experience the wonders of the Devil’s Thumb trail and its unique cloud forest.

Devils Thumb, Daintree hiking, QLD credit: Tourism QLD escape 6 June 2021 cover story hottest places

After being locked out of the iconic and popular walking trail for almost 18 months, hikers will once again get to experience the wonders of the Devil’s Thumb trail and its unique cloud forest.

The Manjal Jimalji (Devils Thumb) trail is a 10.6km grade four hike in the southern section of the Daintree National Park, which takes walkers through thick jungle, cloud forests and granite formations.

The walk was closed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service after damage from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and was originally due to re-open in October 2024, but issues surrounding private property access at the beginning of the walk delayed the reopening.

Off trail hiker Evan Agee started a petition to reopen the hike in December, stating the walk was a major draw card for tourists, hikers and adventurers.

A drone shot from the summit of the Devils Thumb peak in the Daintree National Park. Picture: Supplied

“The petition certainly caught a lot of attention with some influencers and friends from up in the area getting on board and getting in touch with their local members of parliament,” he said.

The petition received over 1200 signatures.

“While I can’t say it is just because of the petition, its reopening, but its definitely a win,” Mr Agee said.

“It’s an amazing hike and people have been itching to get back out there and I’m sure with the extra attention there will be people wanting to check it out for the first time.”

Mr Agee said that he was already planning to walk the trail in the coming days.

“The best spot is at about 1000m above sea level you break through the forest into a coral fern patch, you get beautiful cloud forest with rare vegetation like the mountain tea trees.”

Mr Agee said the early reopening will mean people can enjoy the hike at its best during the dry season.

Keen hiker Evan Agee has started a petition to reopen the popular Devils Thumb walking trail in the southern Daintree National Park that has been closed for an additional year by the Department of Environment and Science.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has now completed the realignment of a new access track to the trail head.

Clearance and maintenance works have also been conducted along the trail to improve the visitor experience.

“They have been able to work out a plan with local land owners to carve a new trail head, it’ll be great to get back up there again,” Mr Agee said.

The challenging trail showcases the unique vegetation of the upland and lowland rainforests and the amazing range of bird life that calls the Daintree home.

It also provides an incredible view of the coastline and the surrounding rainforest.

The Devils Thumb trail is home to immense biodiversity including the endemic Wurunuru Tea Tree (Leptospermum wooroonooran) that is only found in small sections of Far North Queensland above 1100m. Picture: Evan Agee

A grade four walking track, the trail takes around ten hours return and should be attempted by experienced hikers with an above average level of fitness.

Manjal Jimalji is a significant cultural site for the Eastern Kuku Yalanji that tells the story of fire creation.

Originally published as Iconic Devil’s Thumb Far North hiking trail reopened after Cyclone Jasper closure