DCK Hut Long Weekend - Trip Report

Escaping the heat of Brownsville for the October long weekend, we headed to Paluma Range National Park, Mt Spec Section, to spend three days at DCK Hut in the midst of wet tropics mountain rainforest. We had a multi-national group – Columbia, Netherlands, Aussie.

On Saturday morning we drove up to Paluma Dam. Started hiking from Paluma Dam at 0940, for the easy 8 km 2.5 hr walk to DCK Hut using the direct route. A pleasant walk along tracks in the rainforest, crossing scenic rainforest creeks, walking in comfortable temperature in the high teens or low 20s. Found some bowers of the Tooth Billed Bower birds, and could hear them in the trees above. Pointed out the orange Toilet Paper Tree and how it can be useful – got the usual incredulous responses – but I convinced them !

Arriving at DCK Hut, we offloaded the camping gear and food supplies, and had lunch. A lovely scene next to Crystal Creek in the rainforest. At 1430 an intruder arrived - she asked if she could stay, offering chocolate as a ‘bribe’ – after suitable deliberation, we said yes to Debbie’s request. She had come up Bullocky Toms Track (850 mr altitude ascent, a very steep track) for an overnight trip, a training walk ! (actually, I knew she was coming up, but the chocolate bribe was real).

We headed off for a short explore to the nearby historical tin mining area (Garde’s), mining shafts and implements, and then up to Buttercup lookout. The buttercup orchids were in flower, but the other two orchid types there were not in flower yet. Nice view from the lookout with Mt Halifax prominent in the far distance.

Back to the hut. Quick icy swim in the creek pool (there was yelping as some went into the water), wonderful. Dinner was freshly made hamburgers – it is good when people feed me !! Got the fireplace going, which meant we could have warm showers as well. Then the red wine, liqueur and chocolate were served. Luxury (deserved I thought)! During the night, another intruder appeared – the local native white tailed rat – it explored everywhere around us.

Sunday – short rain shower about 0400. Dawn was nice, dry and cool. Cacophony of bird songs abound in the rainforest. Debbie bade farewell as she started her return trek down Bullocky Toms Track. At the hut with our group, I watched as cornflour was kneaded into dough, cooked as flat bread, ham sizzled on the pan, and all served up – breakfast (I can get used to being fed by people – no need for me to take food anymore).

We set off for a rainforest bushwalk to Gold Creek Falls. Two creek crossings were easy. Arrived at the top of the main waterfall, then scrambled down using the rope to the main pool. One person braved a swim, lot of yelping (it is always cold that pool). A nice scenic spot. 

We left Gold and headed to Crystal Creek Falls. Along the way we came across a large python on the track. At Crystal Creek Falls, we had lunch, swimming and relaxing at these awesome waterfalls and pool. The buttercup orchids were also in flower here, but not the other types. The usual red-bellied snake was sunning itself on the rocks at the pool, quickly slithering into its hole in the rocks when we arrived. 

At 1430 decided we need to drag ourselves away from this great spot, and face that steep climb. A 15 minute climb up the steep track, then heading to Johnstone’s Clearing. Short rest at the clearing, then back to the hut – that was a great on-track rainforest bushwalk with two spectacular waterfalls and pools. Total walk distance for the day was 10 km.

That night something went wrong – I had to feed myself ! Ah well. It was a chilly night. Warm showers, thermals and jackets were put on, more chocolate shared, more liqueur (for me at least) and huddled around the fireplace.

Monday – Dawn broke with another cacophony of bird songs, the rainforest treetops shrouded in mist, the creek burbling, a serene environment. 0730 light rain starts. We pack up and start the trek out at 0920 using the direct 8 km route again back to the dam car park. Light drizzle for another hour. We made good time, with obligatory stops for fungi photos, to be back at the dam before midday. Lunch at a dam picnic shelter, then the drive home down the range. Temperature at Paluma was 18, but back on the Bruce Hwy temp was 30 – much nicer up in the mountains. Another great Townsville Bushwalking Club activity in the Paluma Range National Park, Mt Spec Section. Thanks to Wilfred and Suzanne for permission to use DCK Hut.

By the way – it is acceptable to bribe (I mean - reward) club walk leaders with chocolate, red wine / port and liqueur on overnight  trips – even nice food ! Just sayin’ - ok ! 

- Keith