Foxlee Waterfalls Exploration - Trip Report

Date: 24 May 2025
Leader: Luen Warneke

Four walkers gathered early for an exploratory adventure along the historic Foxlee Track in Paluma Range National Park. Access to the trailhead required crossing private property (with permission), before the route quickly transitioned onto the steep and well-formed Foxlee Track climbing through lush rainforest.

The morning climb warmed the legs, and at roughly 380 m elevation, we paused briefly at a small opening beside the track where a rocky platform offers glimpses through the trees. About 50 m further along, a better rocky lookout sits perched on a cliff edge, providing wide views across the rainforest-covered valleys of the Paluma Range and over to our destination. It was a perfect place to take a breather before leaving the security of the track and heading off into the forest.

From the lookout area we dropped down a steep gully toward the creek below, navigating carefully through the dense rainforest and crossing a mostly dry creek bed before reaching the base of a striking waterfall. This fall, unofficially christened "Shower Falls" by fellow walk leader Madoc, spills down a steep granite face into a sheltered pool below. The name seemed fitting as the water fans out across the rock, creating a natural curtain of cool spray.

From here the adventure continued upstream. The creek quickly transitioned into broad granite slabs and smooth rock corridors typical of the Paluma Range. Some sections required careful foot placement on damp and occasionally slippery rock, but the scenery more than compensated for the effort.

Not far upstream we reached a granite slab overlooking the valley where a small overhanging rock provided shade. One member was particularly keen to deploy a lightweight chair and settle in for a moment of quiet appreciation of the view - a reminder that sometimes the best part of a bushwalk is simply sitting still and taking in the surroundings.

Continuing further up the creek, the terrain became more enclosed as large boulders began to dominate the stream bed. Before long we arrived at a substantial rock overhang formed by a massive granite boulder, creating a surprisingly spacious cave beneath. Inside, a very small colony of bats hung quietly from the rock ceiling, adding a sense of discovery to the exploration.

After spending some time exploring the cave and creek corridor, we began our return journey by contouring through the forest back toward Foxlee Track, and captured the moment Carl was caught up in the wait-a-while perfectly. Rejoining the track felt almost civilised after the off-track scrambling, and from there it was a steady descent back down the steep trail to the cars.

Although the waterfalls and caves made for a rewarding outing, the creek clearly holds more secrets. The downstream section in particular looks promising and warrants a future exploration to see whether more small cascades and hidden pools lie further below. A classic Paluma outing.

- Luen