NOAH CREEK TREKS AND TRAILS

Groups must notify the Reserve Manager of plans prior to departure and upon return for all hikes and use of walking trails.

The manager will be able to pass on to you up to date trail condition information. At times, this may include open / closed trail information and up to date time restrictions for guest use of restricted trails. There are restrictions in place at times during the year, to help prevent erosion and in turn minimize our impact to the local environment.

Further information, maps and directions are available upon arrival. Please note no unauthorised access is permitted to the reserve and its walking trails.

For more hiking safety and grade information click here.

Staying Safe on a Walk or Hike

Walking in the Noah Valley Reserve provides a great opportunity for truly exploring the local rainforest. To ensure protection of this wonderful environment, please ensure minimal disturbance to plants and animals along your path. Do not feed the animals and always remove any waste.

Walks are graded by ability requirements

• Easy Walk: Suitable for all ages, but take care with children. Generally even surface
• Moderate Hike: Some steps and inclines; for people who walk occasionally. Irregular Surface with loose, uneven base
• Hard Hike: Steep steps and inclines: for people who walk regularly. Visitors with heart or respiratory problems should not attempt these walks
• Challenging Trek: long distance trail with steep inclines, irregular surface, uneven base, suitable for experienced walkers with navigation skills, high level of fitness

Generally all walks on the Reserve fall into a moderate to hard hike classification with the exception of the Creek Walk, Mill Walk and day use function venue areas.

Please note Noah’s requires the use of experienced local guides for all remote challenging treks i.e. mountain treks. Guides can be arranged with prior notice i.e. upon booking.

In some of the reserve areas, walking tracks take advantage of native animal tracks and are not always clearly signposted or marked, stay aware of your surroundings and the topography and be sure to take care not to wander off your planned route.

If you’re keen to head out on a longer hike or overnight camp always be prepared. The rainforest, due to cover gets dark early, ensure you plan to finish your walk well within daylight hours. An experienced guide does their research and plans your walk around the group’s capabilities ensuring everyone is comfortable with the planned route.

Check weather forecasts and conditions with the Noah Valley’s Reserve Manager and be aware that weather conditions can change.

Walk in groups of three or more – in an emergency one might need to wait with an injured person while the other gets help. Individual travel insurance is also recommended as emergency extraction in remote areas is often by helicopter and can be costly.

Some hikes require scrambling and rock hopping skills. If you’re uncertain of the difficulty of the walks, contact the local Reserve Manager. Stream beds can offer quick access further into the rainforest but note rock hopping over rocks and boulders can be very slippery, especially after rain.

The Valley offers only very limited mobile phone service; consider taking a locator beacon which can be used as a last resort.

Always provide route details with the Reserve Manager and tell them about any medical conditions and when to expect you back.

Wear or take appropriate clothing and closed-toe footwear and always take a waterproof jacket. Note hard sole walking boots can be less than ideal on slippery rocks. For longer walks take more water and snacks and a first aid kit. Remember insect repellent and a torch.

Check in when you return and report any trail hazards or track condition issues to the Reserve Manager. This way information is constantly passed on to the next walkers.

Noah Valley Rainforest Trails works closely with a number of local tour operators providing exclusive time slotted access into the valley. We have limited spaces available but will happily take enquiries.

We are also always looking for professional local guides to add to our list offered direct to guests.

Tour Operators / Guides must have own liability insurances, agree to Noah’s terms and conditions, must provide guidance to guests at all times whilst on the property and must ensure pre-notification to site manager for all private walks or hikes with communication around entry and exit to the reserve.

Our aim is to offer exclusive private tour facilities and trails for both guests and out tour operator business partners. Access times must be agreed and adhered to.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF OUR BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IN PARTICULAR:

Adverse Weather

In the event of adverse weather conditions (e.g. wet season, major flooding, cyclones, damage from tree falls), Noah’s at its discretion may close the Reserve, all or in part; and will attempt to contact affected operators before arrival and / or assist in finding alternate routes on the Reserve. Reserve trail closure is to protect the safety of Guests and the natural environment.

Liability

It is acknowledged that the property is in a wilderness area and that all Guests should at all times exercise caution whilst on the Reserve. The Operators hereby indemnify Noah’s against all actions claims demands losses damages costs and expenses which their employee’s, guest or their invitee may sustain or incur or for which Noah’s may become liable as a result of their Guest staying or walking on the property.

Hazard Reporting

We ask that you assist us by immediately report any incident, any observed trail hazards and or maintenance needs to the Reserve Manager.