A friendly community exploring North Queensland’s rainforests, peaks, rivers and coast. We run regular day walks, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures with a focus on safety, inclusivity, and Leave No Trace principles.
In June 1962, bushwalkers John Bowkett and Peter Hetherington set out by canoe from The Strand to Magnetic Island and never returned. Despite extensive land, sea, and air searches, they were never found—leaving a lasting impact on Townsville’s outdoor community.
Tragedy struck on 16 June 1962 when Peter Hetherington and John Bourkett vanished while kayak sailing from Townsville to Magnetic Island’s Florence Bay. Despite a week-long search by bushwalkers, RAAF, police, and volunteers, only wreckage was found. Both men are presumed lost at sea.
Discover Brown Mountain Gorge at Mingela, Reid River on this 1962 bushwalk. A 5-mile hike with rock climbing, abseiling practice, and scenic gorge exploration. The Club enjoyed an easy outing with climbs up 20–60 ft faces, creekside tea, and a refreshing swim before returning home.
Explore the epic 1962 circumnavigation and bushwalks on Magnetic Island. Club members paddled 25 miles by canoe, trekked 10+ miles on foot, and tackled caves, surfing canoes, and rugged terrain. A strenuous adventure of rock-hopping, crossings, and coastal exploration near Townsville.
Lost in the rugged Zig Zag Creek near Ewan, RAAF man Kenneth Neilson survived with little more than swim trunks, thongs, and a rifle. Townsville Bushwalkers assisted police and RAAF in the April 1962 search, highlighting the dangers and resilience in North Queensland’s wild speargrass country.
Townsville Bushwalkers’ third attempt to locate the Kennedy Caves near Boggy Camp Creek, Kennedy, NQ, was a success in April 1962. The party discovered Aboriginal rock art galleries, faint cave paintings, and historic timber tracks, making this an easy but rewarding discovery walk.
Hinchinbrook Island's Mt Straloch offered a gruelling 24-hour amphibious challenge in March 1962. The Townsville Bushwalking Club combined canoeing, trekking, and climbing through creeks, mangroves, and rocky slopes, uncovering plane wreckage and enduring crocodiles, tides, and tough terrain.
This adventurous hike to Mt Cook combined rock hopping, hill climbing, and bushwalking, with caves, snakes, and stunning summit views. A classic North Queensland bushwalking story rich in history and challenge.
In March 1962, Townsville Bushwalkers made their second attempt to find the Kennedy Caves near Boggy Camp Creek, Kennedy, NQ. Despite trekking 10 miles and following maps, the Aboriginal art gallery remained elusive, setting the stage for their eventual discovery a month later.
Date 16 & 17 Feb. 1962 Location of search entrance to Murray Creek gorge Party Paul Stephenson, Clarry Brewer, Ray Lane. Grading medium bushwalk Transport Land Rover and foot. 110 miles each way by vehicle. We did not find the caves, in which the art gallery was reported to be,
Experience the power of Wallaman Falls with Townsville Bushwalking Club’s 1962 walk report. Despite heavy rains, the group reached Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall, witnessing roaring cascades, swirling clouds, and luminous spray. A classic North Queensland bushwalking adventure.
Explore Hinchinbrook Island with the Townsville Bushwalking Club’s 1962 canoe and walking trip. Covering 32 miles by canoe and 5 miles on foot, the party discovered crystal-clear springs, Zoe Bay’s tropical beauty, and rugged mountain backdrops—a classic North Queensland adventure.