I Visited the Walsh Pyramid: A Mysterious Natural Wonder in Cairns
A natural landmark you should not miss when in Cairns
At the beginning of 2023, I visited the Walsh Pyramid in Cairns, Queensland, and was blown away by the sheer magnitude and beauty of this natural wonder. As someone who has always been fascinated by natural landmarks, the Walsh Pyramid did not disappoint.
The Walsh Pyramid is a pyramid-shaped hill that stands at a height of 922 feet (281 meters) and covers an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers. The hill is made of granodiorite, a type of rock that was formed by volcanic activity. It was once part of a larger mountain range but has eroded over time, leaving only the distinctive pyramid-shaped hill that we see today.
The pyramid-shaped hill is located near the town of Gordonvale, south of Cairns in Far North Queensland. It is also known as “Bundaji” to the local Indigenous people, the Yidinji, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The hill holds great cultural and spiritual significance to them, with sacred sites and cultural artifacts scattered throughout the surrounding bushland. The Yidinji people have long regarded the Walsh Pyramid as a place of great power, where they can connect with their ancestors and the spirits of the land.
As I gazed at the Walsh Pyramid, I couldn’t help but wonder about its mysterious past. I had read about theories that speculated the hill may have been used as a navigation point by ancient mariners, and I found it intriguing to think that this natural landmark might have played a role in early seafaring voyages.
While I was eager to hike to the top of the Walsh Pyramid, I knew that the trail was not for the faint of heart. The trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and can take 2–4 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and pace. I have always been one for difficult hikes, but due to the worldwide reset from 2020 to 2022, I knew I needed to prepare by taking on more easy hikes first.
Despite not being able to hike to the top of the Walsh Pyramid on this visit, I still felt a sense of awe and wonder being in its presence. The views from the base were stunning, and I could only imagine how much more breathtaking they would be from the top. On a clear day, you can see the Great Barrier Reef, the Cairns coastline, and the Atherton Tablelands in the distance.
The Walsh Pyramid has also attracted interest from researchers and explorers over the years. Some theories speculate that it may have been used as a navigation point by ancient mariners. While there is no definitive evidence to support this theory, it is intriguing to consider the possibility that the Walsh Pyramid may have played a role in early seafaring voyages.
Today, the Walsh Pyramid has been designated a nature reserve by the local government, and visitors are encouraged to respect its cultural and environmental significance by sticking to designated trails and taking care not to disturb any sacred sites or wildlife. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or adventurer, the Walsh Pyramid is a must-see destination in Cairns that is sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Have you been to the Walsh Pyramid? What was your experience like? Do you have any tips for those planning to hike to the top? Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
