Insulator Creek (Paluma) - Trip report

Date: 1st Feb 2026
Group: 10 sweaty, and smiling bushwalkers
Rating: Character building

The road climb: the “warm-up” that forgot to stop

The first 45 minutes up the road did exactly what it promised: it was steep, it was steady, and it was an excellent reminder that February in North Queensland is a big fat giant sauna. Spirits remained high, though, mostly because we were distracted by the thought of creeks and waterfalls ahead.

Then the bush delivered the goods

Once we ducked off the road and into the bush, the walk turned lovely. The tracks wound us through to the big fig trees, which were as impressive as ever, making us all feel appropriately small and awestruck.

Fig Tree Falls: the reward we earned

Eventually, we hit the creek and, honestly, the whole day changed. Once you’re in cool creek water on a scorcher of a day, you stop caring about anything except how quickly you can get more of your body into that water.

We reached Fig Tree Falls and lingered there to soak in the magic of the place.

Note to self (walk leader): do not schedule this in February next year. April, Cherry Judge - think April onwards for Insulator Creek. So I’ll definitely be doing this again, but later in our winter months.

Post-walk tradition: Frosty Mango salvation

We finished up and made the essential stop at Frosty Mango on the way back - Ice cream never tasted better!

Final Verdict - warm, but still… absolutely stunning - especially once we hit the creek. Beautiful scenery, great company, and a reminder that North Queensland hikes might roast you a little in Summer… but they also deliver the kind of magic you can’t get anywhere else.

Until next time (when the weather is less rude).
Happy Adventuring
Cherry Judge