Golden Gumboot, Tully: Australia’s Wettest Landmark
🌐 Website: Tully Golden Gumboot
📍 Location: Corner of Butler Street & Bruce Highway, Tully QLD 4854
⏰ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (exterior); interior stairs open daylight hours
⏳ Duration: 1 hour
🧒 Family Friendly
Golden Gumboot, Tully: Australia’s Wettest Landmark
Have you heard of the Golden Gumboot in Tully? This unique monument celebrates Tully’s claim as Australia’s wettest town, famous for its record-breaking rainfall. In this post, you’ll discover the story behind the Golden Gumboot, what makes Tully so special, and why this quirky landmark is well worth a visit on your Queensland travels.
Why the Big Golden Gumboot Is Worth Visiting in Tully
If you’re road-tripping the Cassowary Coast or chasing Big Things around Australia, the Big Golden Gumboot is a must-see stop. Towering 7.9 metres high, the Gumboot marks Tully’s record annual rainfall—7.9 metres in 1950! More than just a roadside attraction, you can step inside the gumboot and climb the spiral staircase to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of this lush, tropical region.
It’s quirky, it’s educational, and it’s a fantastic photo op—especially for families, photographers, and travellers exploring Queensland’s far north.
What to Expect at the Big Gumboot
You might come for the novelty, but there’s more to this gumboot than meets the eye. Here’s what makes it worth a stop:
- A 7.9m-high fibreglass gumboot representing Tully’s highest recorded rainfall
- Climb the internal staircase to the viewing platform at the top
- Spot the giant green tree frog perched near the top—a nod to Tully’s rainforest ecosystem
- Informative plaques sharing quirky facts about Tully and its wet-weather history
- Free to visit and open day and night (though climbing is safest in daylight)
Tip: Don’t forget your camera—sunset from the top can be surprisingly scenic.
A Brief History of Tully and Its Rainy Reputation
Tully is no stranger to water—this small town has long vied for the title of Australia’s wettest place, alongside nearby Babinda. The town grew around the sugarcane industry, with European settlers arriving in the early 1900s and the Tully Sugar Mill opening in 1925. The Big Golden Gumboot was built in 2003 as a playful yet proud symbol of the town’s relationship with its tropical climate.
Today, Tully remains a gateway to the Wet Tropics World.
What Else to Do in Tully
- Tully Sugar Mill Tours – Take a guided tour (seasonal, typically June to November) to see behind the scenes of this working sugar mill. 👉 Visit the official Tully Sugar website for tour schedules, and don’t miss our firsthand experience in this blog post all about the tour — including chewing on fresh sugarcane.
- Tully Gorge National Park – Just a short drive west, this lush rainforest escape is perfect for white water rafting, hiking, and birdwatching.
- Cassowary Coast Drives – Explore the scenic coastal route between Tully and Mission Beach, with plenty of wildlife and nature spots along the way.
Visitor Tips & FAQs for the Big Golden Gumboot
🧭 Planning Your Visit
What is the address of the Big Golden Gumboot and how do I get there?
📍 Corner of Butler Street & Bruce Highway, Tully QLD 4854
Located right in town on the main highway—look for the bright yellow boot! It’s about 2 hours south of Cairns or 2.5 hours north of Townsville by car.
What are the opening hours of the Big Golden Gumboot?
The gumboot is accessible from the outside 24/7. Interior access and stairs are open during daylight hours (best visited between 7am–6pm).
How much time should I plan to spend at the Big Golden Gumboot?
Plan to spend 30–60 minutes here, or longer if you pair it with a stroll around town or a mill tour.
When is the best time of year to visit the Big Golden Gumboot?
Dry season (May–October) offers clearer skies and easier access to surrounding rainforest parks, but the wet season (November–April) brings waterfalls to life—just bring a brolly!
🚗 Getting There & Accessibility
How do I get to the Big Golden Gumboot from Cairns?
Drive south on the Bruce Highway for around 2 hours (150 km). The drive is scenic, passing cane fields, banana farms, and lush rainforest hills.
Is there parking available at the Big Golden Gumboot?
Yes, there’s free parking nearby, including space for campervans and caravans.
Is the Big Golden Gumboot accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
The base and surrounding area are wheelchair accessible, but the internal stairs to the viewing platform are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Are there any transport or mobility services available on-site?
No transport services on-site, but the Gumboot is located close to town amenities including public toilets and rest areas.
Are bathroom facilities available at the Big Golden Gumboot?
Yes, public toilets are available near the Big Golden Gumboot in the adjacent park area.
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Accessible toilets are provided and include ramp access, handrails, and sufficient space for wheelchairs or mobility aids.
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While there isn’t a designated parent room, the accessible toilet offers enough space for basic baby-changing needs.
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The facilities are typically clean and well-maintained, serviced regularly by the local council.
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If assistance is needed, staff at the nearby Tully Visitor Information Centre are happy to help.
🧳 What to Bring & Know
What should I bring when visiting the Big Golden Gumboot?
- Camera or smartphone
- Sunscreen and water
- A light rain jacket (this is Tully, after all!)
- Comfortable shoes if climbing the stairs
Are food and drinks available at the Big Golden Gumboot?
Not directly on-site, but cafés, bakeries, and a pub are all within walking distance in central Tully.
👀 What to Expect
What can I see or do at the Big Golden Gumboot?
Climb the gumboot, read about the town’s record rainfall, snap a photo with the giant frog, and take in the view from the top.
Are guided tours available at the Big Golden Gumboot?
No guided tours at the gumboot itself, but the nearby Tully Sugar Mill offers seasonal guided tours during harvest season.
Where to Find the Big Golden Gumboot
Where to Stay Near the Big Golden Gumboot
Tully Motel – Budget-friendly and right in town, just a short walk from the gumboot.
Sanctuary Retreat, Mission Beach – Eco-lodge in the rainforest, perfect for couples or nature lovers.
Things to see and do Near the Big Golden Gumboot
Tully Sugar Mill Tour – Learn how sugarcane becomes sugar on this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour.
Tully Gorge Lookout – Scenic drive and breathtaking views over the gorge and rainforest valleys.
Where to Eat Near the Big Golden Gumboot
The Golden Gumboot Café – Cosy stop for breakfast, coffee, or a light lunch.
Tully Bakery – Classic Aussie pies and fresh pastries—perfect for a road trip snack.
Popular tours
White Water Rafting on the Tully River – Thrill-seeking adventure in one of Australia’s top rafting destinations.
Mission Beach Rainforest Tour – Explore the nearby coast and lush Daintree-like forests with a local guide.
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