General News
13 October, 2026
Lookout access restricted
THE newly-opened Henry Ross Lookout on Kuranda Range Road no longer provides access to visitors travelling up to the Tablelands, following the installation of barriers to prevent vehicles turning into the popular spot.
The bright yellow Lego-like barrier prevents drivers from turning right which they were able to do before the lookout was closed as a result of substantial damage to the road during Cyclone Jasper.
The changes to the lookout access were highlighted in comments from road users on a Facebook post by Member for Barron River Bree James, who announced that drivers would enjoy uninterrupted two-lane traffic along the whole of the Kuranda Range Road over the Christmas and New Year period.
Social media comments noted that the new lookout arrangement would mean anyone travelling up the range and wanting to take in the spectacular view would have to drive as far as the entrance to Rainforestation, turn around and go back down to access the lookout.
To return to their journey back up the range, they would have to continue travelling down the range to find a convenient and safe turning point, possibly as far as Smithfield.
One post was concerned that visitors would take undue risks looking for ways to cross at random sections along the twisting road.
“The new traffic management layout at the lookout on the range is encouraging illegal U-turns and creating an avoidable accident risk,” the man wrote.
“While driving the range, I have seen several motorists – particularly tourists in rental cars – make illegal U-turns to access the lookout on their way uphill.
“There appears to be sufficient road width to reinstate the original traffic arrangement that was in place before the works. I believe this option should be reviewed.
“I urge the Department of Transport and Main Roads to reconsider the current layout and provide safer, more practical access to the lookout before an accident occurs.”
In blunter terms, another response said: “They have royally screwed that one up. They need to reinstate a turn-in lane asap!”
One comment also suggested the barricade appeared to have also been extended to prevent cyclists from “accessing the downhill track”.
In a response to The Express last week, a spokesperson from Ms James’ office said the Department of Transport and Main Roads had advised that the “left-in, left-out arrangements” were to improve safety “by preventing vehicles travelling uphill on the Kuranda Range from crossing opposing traffic lanes to enter the lookout”.
“As a result, the lookout can now only be accessed directly by vehicles travelling downhill,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR acknowledged the inconvenience of having to continue to Saddle Mountain Rd to make a legal U-turn before returning to the lookout but advised that its priority is ensuring the safety of all road users, including those wishing to stop, park and enjoy the lookout safely.
“While we understand the impact this may have on those accessing the lookout, our office respects the department’s decision, which has been made based on road safety.”
The Express asked TMR to provide data to support the safety concerns, such as a history of accidents at the lookout, and whether any consultation with road users and tourism operators had been conducted before the changes.
The department did not respond.
