Radio

Do You Know Townsville? Michael Clark on ABC North Queensland Radio

Townsville Bushwalking Club members Luen Warneke and Molly Hoey join ABC North Queensland's Michael Clarke to discuss local hiking, bushwalking safety, favourite walks, and how newcomers can get involved.

Originally broadcast: 8 July 2022

Townsville Bushwalking Club members Luen Warneke and Molly Hoey joined presenter Michael Clarke on ABC North Queensland Radio for the "Do You Know Townsville" segment.

The interview explored the Club's long history, the remarkable variety of bushwalking available across North Queensland, and how newcomers can safely begin exploring the region.

More than 60 years of exploring North Queensland

Founded in 1960, the Townsville Bushwalking Club has spent more than six decades exploring and documenting the mountains, forests, creeks, coastlines, and islands surrounding Townsville.

During the interview, Luen explained that the Club organises walks ranging from easy social outings to challenging, multi-day expeditions. Club members have accumulated an enormous amount of knowledge about the region, including lesser-known destinations, historic routes, and spectacular places such as The Terraces.

Whether someone wants to enjoy a short walk close to Townsville or spend several days exploring remote country, North Queensland offers an extraordinary range of possibilities.

As Molly explained:

"If you just want to go out for an hour and stroll, it is there for you. If you want to be out for three days and not see anyone, you can totally do it up here."

Walking together

Bushwalking Club trips are group activities, generally involving relatively small groups of walkers. This allows members to enjoy a friendly, social experience while learning from experienced walk leaders.

The Club is suitable for people who are completely new to bushwalking, as well as experienced walkers looking to explore new areas with others.

Joining an organised walk also provides access to a valuable network of local knowledge. Members share navigation advice, equipment recommendations, route information, safety practices, and lessons gained from many years of walking throughout the region.

Knowing what to expect

Before each Club walk, participants receive information explaining the route, expected terrain, difficulty, and equipment they should bring.

This is particularly important because North Queensland's terrain can be more rugged than it initially appears. Creek beds, steep ridges, loose rocks, dense vegetation, slippery surfaces, and tropical conditions can make even relatively short walks physically demanding.

People sometimes underestimate the terrain or overestimate their fitness and experience. Clear trip information helps participants choose walks that are suitable for their abilities.

Essential bushwalking equipment

Some of the basic safety equipment discussed during the interview included:

Adequate drinking water
Food and snacks
A first aid kit with compression bandages for snakebite treatment
Sun and insect protection
Suitable footwear
Navigation equipment
A personal locator beacon, particularly for remote trips

A large backpack is not usually required for a straightforward day walk, but participants should always carry enough equipment to manage changing conditions or an unexpected delay.

Walking poles can also provide balance and support, particularly when carrying a heavy pack or travelling across uneven terrain. However, as Molly joked during the interview, they may not suit everyone - especially those who consider themselves particularly clumsy.

Favourite North Queensland walks

The discussion also highlighted some of the outstanding walking opportunities available around Townsville.

One of Molly's favourite local adventures is the three-day walk to the Cape Cleveland lighthouse. The region's islands also offer exceptional walking, while the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island remains one of Australia's most spectacular multi-day hikes.

Shorter walks around Townsville can be equally rewarding, providing access to waterfalls, coastal scenery, mountain views, wildlife, and places of historical and cultural interest.

A community of walkers

For Molly, joining the Club was about more than simply finding people to walk with. It provided a community, a network of support, and access to people who had already explored many of the places she wanted to visit.

The Club brings together photographers, nature enthusiasts, adventurous walkers, and people who simply enjoy spending time outdoors.

Newcomers are welcome to attend Club activities, meet experienced leaders, develop their skills, and gradually progress to more challenging adventures.

Thank you to Michael Clarke, ABC North Queensland, and CIC Townsville for inviting the Townsville Bushwalking Club to participate in the "Do You Know Townsville" segment.

Listen to the full ABC North Queensland Radio interview on YouTube.