February Newsletter
Townsville Bushwalking Club February newsletter - Insulator Creek Paluma trip report, Remembrance Falls Grade 5 off-track walk, and Wallaman Falls Butterfly Falls Lookout adventure. Wet season waterfalls, North Queensland bushwalking and new club events.
Hello fellow bushwalkers,
February has reminded us exactly what North Queensland summer hiking is all about - heat, humidity, flowing creeks and well-earned swims.
Cherry led a cracking trip to Insulator Creek (Bambaroo Track, Paluma) on 1 February, with 10 sweaty and smiling walkers tackling what was officially rated "Character Building".
The road climb did not ease us in gently. The first 45 minutes were steep, steady and unapologetically February. But once we ducked off the road and into the bush, the day shifted. Giant fig trees towered overhead, the creek delivered blissfully cool relief, and Fig Tree Falls provided the reward we had absolutely earned.
And of course, the essential Frosty Mango stop on the way home. Ice cream has rarely been so deserved.
Cherry’s verdict? Stunning - but maybe not in February again. April onwards might be kinder.
You can read the full trip report here:
Townsville Bushwalking Club
Upcoming Walks
Wallaman Falls Bushwalk - Butterfly Falls Lookout and Hearts Falls
Saturday 21 February
Depart Townsville 5:00 am
Grade: 3-4 off-track
Duration: Half day
RSVP: [email protected]
We are heading back to the Wallaman Falls area for a short, exploratory half-day wander through open bushland.
From the camping ground, we will travel on-road and off-track through relatively open forest toward Butterfly Falls Lookout and then to a small peak with views across to Hearts Falls - staying outside the restricted zone at all times.
This is not the tourist-track version of Wallaman. Expect mostly flat terrain through open woodland, with light scrub and minor undulations. Uneven ground and loose leaf litter are likely. Good navigation and situational awareness are important.
Bring:
- 2-3 L of water
- Morning tea
- Hat and sun protection
- Long sleeves and pants
- Sturdy footwear
Wallaman Falls is Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall at 268 m, but this walk is about the broader escarpment landscape and side-on views into the gorge system that most visitors never see.
We also note recent commentary and photography shared by Steven Nowakowski (Panoscapes) regarding proposed wind energy development near the Wallaman Falls region. As bushwalkers who value the Wet Tropics World Heritage landscape and the biodiversity of North Queensland, we encourage members to stay informed about issues that may affect the places we explore and appreciate.
Diorite Falls, Paluma Range National Park
Sunday 22 February
Grade: 4
Distance: 15-22 km depending on route
Duration: 6-8 hours
Terrain: Rainforest trails, creek crossings, rock hopping and moderate undulations
Walk leader: Cherry
RSVP: [email protected]
Cherry will be leading us to Diorite Falls, a beautiful 10 m slab waterfall on Waterfall Creek in Paluma Range National Park. Named after the igneous rock "diorite" found in the area, this is one of those classic Paluma destinations - granite slabs, clear pools and lush creek lines tucked into cool upland forest.
This will be a solid day walk. Depending on the route taken and group pace, expect between 15 and 22 km and around 6 to 8 hours on foot.
There are a couple of possible approaches. We may do a circuit crossing the Paluma Dam wall and head north-east through the forest, or enter Waterfall Creek and rock hop downstream to the top of the main falls with views out to the ocean. The final route choice will depend on conditions and group ability on the day.
The reward is well worth it. Wafterfall Creek Falls is spectacular and Diorite Falls spills smoothly over a broad slab into a large, inviting pool - ideal for a lunch stop and, for those keen, a refreshing swim. Wet season conditions mean leeches are possible and slippery rock demands careful foot placement.
Cherry will organise any required permissions for the day.
Bring:
- 2-3 L of water
- Lunch and snacks
- Swimmers and small towel
- Sturdy footwear suitable for wet rock
- Long sleeves and pants
- Gaiters optional but useful in creek sections
This is a longer day in Paluma's rainforest, with a proper waterfall payoff at the end. Expect a steady pace, good company and the kind of granite-and-water scenery that makes North Queensland special.
Remembrance Falls - Paluma State Forest
Sunday 1 March
6:45 am
RSVP: [email protected]
Wilfred's car shuttle is limited to 10 people, but you can apply for your own permit for Mt Spec Range Road.
Wilfred and Luen will be leading a Grade 5 off-track walk to Remembrance Falls in the southern section of Paluma State Forest. This striking multi-tiered waterfall drops around 60 m and is only worth visiting after decent rain - early March should give us the best chance of seeing it in full flow.
Expect approximately 10 km return and around 5 hours on foot, not including breaks. The route includes an overgrown logging road, steep descents into a mini gorge, a vegetated ramp and scrambling around the tiers of the falls. There is exposure in places and loose ground underfoot. Good fitness, confidence on steep terrain and solid bushwalking experience are essential.
We have sought and received permission for access through the private property section. Wilfred's Troopie can carry up to 10 people. For those travelling in the Troopie, individual permits are not required under the approved access.
Bring:
- At least 2-3 L of water
- Morning tea and lunch
- Sturdy footwear with good grip
- Long sleeves and pants
- Swimmers and a small towel (if you plan to swim)
- Helmet recommended if you are uncomfortable on loose rock
Wet season waterfalls are a reminder that North Queensland is built on water, gravity and time. When they run, they run properly.
Wet Season Safety Reminder
With creeks flowing and tracks slick after rain, take extra care. Expect slippery rock, muddy footing and the occasional leech. Consider packing dry bags to protect essentials, and trekking poles can be helpful on steep, wet sections. As always, we look out for one another on the track.
Track Marking and Leave No Trace
There has also been recent discussion online about excessive tape marking on established tracks in other parts of Australia. While intentions may be safety-driven, unnecessary flagging creates visual pollution, contributes to litter and undermines Leave No Trace principles. In areas where tracks are already clearly defined, additional tape is rarely needed. As bushwalkers, we encourage strong navigation skills, respect for existing markers and a shared responsibility to leave our landscapes as we found them. Wild places deserve thoughtfulness, not decoration.
Land Use and Our Local Environment
We have also seen recent drone footage shared online by @wilderness_aus and @paulhiltonphoto showing large-scale land clearing near Townsville, including areas within the Great Barrier Reef catchment. As people who regularly walk creeks, escarpments and forested country across North Queensland, we understand how closely connected upland landscapes are to reef health. What happens on land does not stay on land. Healthy forests, intact riparian zones and stable soils matter - for biodiversity, water quality and the long-term resilience of the places we value. Staying informed about land use in our region is part of caring for the environments we explore. It's important to remember that we also all have a say... with every decision we make and every dollar we spend.
Call for Trip Leaders and Ideas
Have a favourite route, hidden waterfall or new ridge you’ve been itching to share? We are always keen to support member-led walks and fresh ideas for the calendar. If you are interested in leading a trip, get in touch and help shape the season ahead.
Wanderings of Bobtails
Have you been out exploring? Well friend of the Club, Rachel, recently shared a photo taken of an old bobtail - sometimes known as an Australian Timber Jinker - quietly rusting back into the forest. How many of you have stumbled across one of these relics on your own bushwalks?
For those unfamiliar, bobtails were simple but ingenious tools used in early logging operations. Logs were lifted and strapped onto the rear frame of the bobtail and then towed behind bullocks - and later dozers - allowing heavy timber to be dragged more efficiently through rough country.
There are similar remains at Garrawalt Creek near Wallaman Falls, where an old forestry camp once operated. For about a decade, road gangs, forestry officers and timber cutters were based there, harvesting timber from the surrounding ranges. Bobtails were in use until the 1970s, before mechanised methods took over.
These quiet artefacts are reminders that the forests we walk through today carry layers of history - not just geological and ecological, but human as well. If you love this stuff, our very own Wilfred Karnoll has a collect of rusty artefacts at his place in Paluma from the bygone era.
If you've come across an old bobtail or other bush relic on your wanderings, we'd love to see your photos. Share your wet-season wanderings on our Facebook group or send us a photo for the next newsletter.
Keep up to date with our trips via our newsletter, Facebook page or the Club's events calendar: https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/calendar/
Happy trails,
Luen Warneke
Townsville Bushwalking Club
