Best Waterfalls & Couples Adventures in North QLD

Welcome to another recap of the "Take A Hike" podcast! This week, Blair Woodcock, Luen Warneke, and Cherry Judge are joined by a very special guest: Professor Jodie Rummer. Jodie is a marine biologist and Luen's partner of five years. Together, they bring us an episode packed with the "Best Waterfalls and Couples Adventures", featuring hilarious mishap stories, incredible underwater experiences, and some of the top spots to explore around Townsville.

What Makes the Best Waterfall?

The episode kicked off with a heated debate: what makes a waterfall truly great? According to Luen Warneke, the journey is just as important as the destination. A waterfall located just five meters from the car park might be beautiful, but it loses some of its magic without an endorphin-pumping hike to get there.

Cherry Judge shared her top waterfall picks:

• The Terraces: The absolute favourite within a 30-minute drive of Townsville.
• Moochoopa Falls: Crowned the best in Queensland! Located off Bartle Frere in the Russell River area, it requires a 15-kilometre rough bush track to reach - high effort, but incredibly high reward.
• International Favourites: Iguazu Falls and the stunning falls on the border of North Vietnam and China.

Surf and Turf: Couples Adventures

Jodie Rummer applies concepts from sports physiology to fish and sharks to understand how they cope with climate change. Because she spends her time in the ocean and Luen spends his in the mountains, their friends jokingly refer to them as "surf and turf".

When it comes to couples who adventure together, Jodie believes it builds a strong bond. But it is not always sunshine and rainbows!

Memorable Misadventures

Every hiker knows that fatigue, pain, and harsh conditions can test any relationship. Jodie and Luen shared a few unforgettable moments:

• The Leech Incident: While hiking in the Peter Bot and Mount Sorrow area, the pair was attacked by hundreds of leeches. The situation escalated to Luen tumbling down a razorback ridge and running back up completely naked to escape the bloodsuckers!
• Saddle Mountain: Carrying heavy trad climbing gear and rappelling down faces turned into an exhausting slog. This trip birthed Jodie's famous phrase: "This is not enjoyable, Luen."

Finding Zen and Sharks

It is not all gruelling mountain climbs. Jodie took Luen to French Polynesia for a drift dive at 15 to 20 meters deep. Floating peacefully alongside sharks, Luen called it the best underwater experience he's ever had.

Local Favourites Around Townsville

Back on dry land, the couple loves exploring the diverse terrain around Townsville:

• Rainforests: Perfect for getting into a meditative state (even if you get lost looking at mushrooms!).
• Mount Storth: Located in Bowling Green Bay National Park, this dry, scrubby hike offers absolutely gorgeous views.
• Jourama Falls: The location of their very first date, where Luen took Jodie canyoning down the waterfalls.
• Castle Hill: For their second date, Jodie led a multi-pitch night climb up the "Vision" route.

Get Out There!

Whether you are tackling a trail run on Magnetic Island like Jodie or canyoning near Wallaman Falls like Luen, North Queensland has something for everyone. Grab your partner, pick a trail, and embrace the adventure - just remember to check for leeches!