Gorge Falls, Rope Falls, and Loop Falls - Trip Report

Leader: Cherry
Date: Sunday 15 March 2026
Participants: 9

Our original plan for the day was to head to the top of Jourama Falls for a picnic, swim, and some upstream rock hopping to the upper waterfalls, but with the Jourama Falls area closed to the public, we needed to change plans. Instead, the group made the most of it and headed to the base of Mount Halifax to visit Gorge Falls, Rope Falls, and Loop Falls - a fine Plan B, even if the weather had a few slippery tricks up its sleeve.

The track at the start was a little overgrown after recent rain, but it remained easy enough to follow and well defined. With nine walkers in total, the group made steady progress through several creek crossings, leaving most with wet feet. Gorge Falls was flowing nicely and looked particularly good after the recent rain, which had freshened everything up.

At Rope Falls, Margaret stayed behind to relax and enjoy the spot, which had been her plan from the outset. As it turned out, this was a very sensible call. With light rain moving through and the upper section becoming increasingly hazardous, the more technical terrain beyond was not to be taken lightly. The group continued on to Loop Falls, where the terrain steepens and becomes rockier and more technical. We made it to the falls, and everyone enjoyed a swim, some exploring, a few photos, and a chance to relax in a beautiful setting.

The return trip, however, delivered the day's main challenge. A little rain was all it took to turn the rocks into something resembling black ice. Progress became slow and cautious, and at times some of us were crawling on all fours just to get through safely. At that point, it felt less like the Townsville Bushwalking Club and more like the Townsville Crawling Club. The slippery conditions led to a few minor falls across the day, which was a timely reminder of just how treacherous wet, lichen-covered rock can be in these creek environments.

Along the way, there were still some lovely moments. Near Rope Falls and the fig tree walkway on the return, we spotted a white-lipped green tree frog, which was a real highlight. We also noticed quite a few other visitors out enjoying the area, including people with babies or toddlers at Rope Falls, as well as a couple of dogs. It is worth noting that this is a national park, and dogs are not permitted. Lower down, we also passed a group playing loud music, drinking alcohol from glass bottles, and smoking - not exactly the kind of behaviour that helps protect or respect these special places.

Despite the change in destination and the extra challenge posed by the weather, the group still enjoyed a rewarding day out in a beautiful part of Paluma Range National Park. Flowing water, rainforest scenery, and swimming holes.

- Luen

Photos by Luen, Tracy, & Cherry