Take A Hike podcast

Family Friendly Hikes & Bush Toilet Etiquette

Looking for a family-friendly hike? We explore a beautiful half-day loop at Big Crystal Creek in Paluma. Plus, the team tackles the awkward but essential topic of what to do if you have to do a number 2 while out on the trails.

Welcome back to the Take A Hike podcast blog! In our latest episode, host Blair Woodcock and regular guests Luen Warneke and Cherry Judge dive into two very different, but equally important, topics: a fantastic family-friendly hike in the Paluma region, and exactly what to do if you have to do a number 2 in the bush.

Here is a breakdown of the key takeaways from the episode.

A Family Friendly Hike: Big Crystal Creek

If you are looking for a relaxing half-day adventure with no massive elevation gains, Luen Warneke has the perfect recommendation. This trail is located at the bottom of the range and gets you right into the water for a refreshing, easygoing day.

The Route:

Start: Mango Tree Car Park (also known as the Rockslides car park) at Big Crystal Creek in Paluma.
The Walk: Walk along the road. You can take a sidetrack to the Rockslides if you like, but otherwise, continue until you cross Nolan's Gully and reach the causeway.
The Junction: The causeway marks the junction where Cloudy Creek and Ethel Creek flow in.
The Hidden Waterfall: From the causeway, head downstream about 100 meters. You will find a beautiful, lesser-known waterfall.
The Return: After enjoying the falls, continue down into the Big Crystal Creek junction, then rock-hop downstream over the boulders until it loops back to your car.

Preparation Tips:

Sun Protection: This area is open bushland, not dense canopy rainforest. Bring a hat, sun-protective gear, and sunscreen.
Navigation: Always carry a map or have a GPS app downloaded on your phone to track your creek hopping.
Gear: Do not forget your swimmers! There are plenty of opportunities to take a dip.

Let's Talk About Poop: Bush Toilet Etiquette

It is the topic no one wants to bring up, but every hiker needs to know. If you are remote hiking without the luxury of Tasmania's incredibly scenic drop toilets (which Cherry and Blair highly recommend for their epic views), you must follow strict etiquette to protect the environment.

The Golden Rules of Going Bush

The 200-Meter Rule: You must be at least 200 meters away from any water body, trail, or campsite. This is heavily regulated by Queensland National Parks to prevent water contamination and unpleasant surprises for other hikers.
The 15-Centimeter Rule: Dig a hole at least 15 centimetres deep using a trowel, your shoe, or a sturdy stick. This ensures native animals will not dig it up.
Leave No Trace: Pack out your toilet paper in a zip-lock bag. Do not leave it blowing around the outback, and avoid burning it in dry brush. Alternatively, if you know what you are doing, carefully select safe leaves to use and bury them in your hole.

The Bidet Revolution

Want to cut down on toilet paper weight and stay exceptionally clean? Luen suggests investing in a portable travel bidet. These lightweight, manual-squeeze bottles (or even fancy battery-operated ones) are becoming increasingly popular among ultralight hikers. Just make sure you still step 200 meters off the trail!