Take A Hike: Exploring Crystal Falls at Paluma

Welcome to the very first episode recap of the Take A Hike podcast! In this premier episode, hosts Luen Warneke and Cherry Judge from the Townsville Bushwalking Club introduce us to one of the region's absolute gems: Crystal Falls.

The Townsville Bushwalking Club has been exploring the region for well over 60 years. Thanks to longstanding relationships with local landowners, club members have unique access to incredible trails. If you think there is nothing much around Townsville, this episode will completely change your mind!

The Crystal Falls Walk: High Reward, Low Effort

Crystal Falls is the perfect introduction to hiking in Paluma. Luen and Cherry rate this trail as high-reward, low-effort. It is highly versatile, making it ideal for beginners, intermediates, and families with kids.

• Starting Point: Paluma Dam. If you are not camping, park outside the gates.
• Duration: About a half-day return.
• The Route: Follow the dam track from Riflebird Gully until you reach the first marker for Crystal Creek Falls, then take a right.

Important Safety Tip: There is no mobile phone signal out here! Be sure to visit Paluma.org before you head out to download and print your maps.

Points of Interest Along the Way

While on the track, you can take short detours to Wilfred's Garden and the rock garden. Don't miss Wilfred's Lookout, which offers spectacular views looking straight down into the valley.

The ultimate prize is the Crystal Falls waterhole itself. It features crystal-clear, Instagram-worthy waters with a gorgeous bluish tinge, and it remains swimmable all year round - even in the peak of a Townsville summer. It is an open, beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic.

Level Up: Bullocky Tom's Track

If you want a more advanced, full-day adventure, follow the arrows past Crystal Falls to continue onto Bullocky Tom's Track. Luen and Cherry rate this extension as medium effort, very high reward.

• The History: This area is rich in history. The trails follow paths originally used by Aboriginal people, later utilised by tin miners in the 1870s in search of tin, wolfram, and gold.
• The Route: The trail takes you down a steep slope before coming out at the stunning Paradise Waterhole.
• Duration: Combining Crystal Falls with Bullocky Tom's Track turns your hike into a full-day event. If you start around 7:00 AM, expect to finish by 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM.

Safety First on Advanced Tracks

If you tackle the full-day loop, always go with an experienced hiker and pack carefully:

• Take a hardcopy map.
• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
• Pack a first aid kit.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles: whatever you take in, pack it out!

What's Next?

Tune in next week as the team takes a virtual hike down to the Mount Spec summit. This is a spectacular walk to look forward to in September when the beautiful buttercup orchids come into full bloom.

Want to lace up your boots and join the fun? Follow the Townsville Bushwalking Club on Facebook and join an upcoming club hike.