Big Jack - 5 Heads Ck. (10 July 1966)
Hike Big Jack and Five Heads Creek near Townsville for stunning views of Mt Elliott, Ross River, and rugged ridgelines. This 1966 bushwalk featured rocky scrambles, open grassy slopes, and scenic summits, making it a rewarding winter trek through classic North Queensland landscapes.
Participants
Colleen Kelly, Duncan McLean, Fred Toplis, Barry Green, Peter Primann.
Route
As per sketch (See Townsville Special army map)
Access
A car was left the previous evening on the upper Ross R. road just opposite the 5 Heads Ck junction. Here there is a cleared patch on the eastern side of the road safe from bushfires. Lorraine Campbell drove us to our starting point on the road to Charters Towers, 10 miles from Townsville, opposite Big Jack.
Timing
Started walking 8.30 AM.
Big Jack summit 9.30 - 10.0 AM
(morning tea)
Un-named Pk summit (lunch) 2.0 - 3.0 P.M.
Ross R. - 5 Heads Ch Junction 6.0 P.M.
(N.B. It was a cool day & we were a small party, all reasonably fit)
Comments
Big Jack is well worth the effort, particularly for its view of Mt Elliott. The ascent of the "Un-named Pk" (885 70.4) was rather stony and scrubby at the bottom and involved some mild rock-climbing near the top. The view is again quite good. The descent went from the summit was down some interesting slabs. Numerous ridges were negotiated from here to 5-heads ch, all of open grassy variety. A route-finding error was made at the end, as is clear from the sketch.
Conclusions
A trip for the milder winter months when one feels like exerting oneself (12 miles horizontally & 1 mile vertically). At this time of year it was just like walking in a park - except that not one blade of green grass was seen. We did not cross any water. Very enjoyable, very satisfying.
P. M. Reimann.
