July Newsletter 2026
Previous trip report, including canyoning, creek walks, bikepacking, coastal hikes, AGM updates, a new committee, free visitor walks, upcoming July trips, Club history, trip-leader opportunities, and plenty of Type 2 fun across North Queensland.
G'day all,
It has been another wonderfully varied month for the Club, with adventures ranging from quiet coastal sunrise walks and early-morning fitness sessions to rainforest overnighters, creek exploration, canyoning, and a bikepacking journey through the region's outback landscapes.
The Club also held its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 29 June, marking the beginning of the 2026-27 committee term. We warmly welcome Amanda as our new President, with Cherry continuing as Secretary, Keith as Treasurer, and Wilfred and Luen serving as General Committee Members. A heartfelt thank you goes to outgoing President Molly for her leadership and contribution throughout another successful year, as well as to Ian and all members of the previous committee for the time and effort they have given to the Club.
Several important decisions were made at the AGM. Members voted to abolish the $5 visitor fee, meaning visitors can now participate in up to three Club walks without charge. After completing their third walk, visitors must apply to become members. Annual membership remains $40 for the period from 1 July to 30 June. New members joining after 1 August pay a pro-rata fee for their first membership year only, while subsequent renewals are charged at the full annual rate.
Members also approved a $200 donation to Australian Wildlife Conservancy in recognition of its important conservation work and the access it provides to special places enjoyed by bushwalkers.
July is shaping up to be equally adventurous, with coastal walks, remote gorge exploration, off-track creek walking, summit adventures, fitness walks, and the Paradise Beach clean-up. Jump ahead to the đź”— Upcoming Walks section and keep checking the Club's Events Calendar, as additional walks may be added or existing ones updated.
Previous walks trip reports
The Quartz Bikepacking Route was a memorable two-day ride from Mingela to Nome via Ravenswood, White Blow, Clare, the Haughton River, and Woodstock, led by Luen and Geoff from Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 May. Seven cyclists took on about 185 km of quiet bitumen, gravel roads, sandy river crossings, grassy double track, cane-field navigation, and a few rougher sections where the road was more of a suggestion than a reality. Highlights included lunch at the Ravenswood pub, a walk up the impressive White Blow quartz outcrop, views from Doug Haigh Lookout, remote camping on the sandy banks of the Haughton River, wildlife sightings, creek crossings, and plenty of social time around camp. A big thanks goes to Ash for helping with the car shuttle, Geoff and Maya for the food, coffee, support, and hospitality, Mark for providing plenty of watts and a helpful draft, and everyone who joined in to make it such a fun, adventurous, and memorable weekend.
Townsville Bushwalking Club
Photos by Luen, Jodie, and Anne
A small but cheerful group joined Luen on Friday the 5th for a sunset walk up the Widowmaker Track. We started with a steady climb, with one slightly late walker making a strong effort to catch the group just before we turned onto the track. From there, it was all uphill to the top, where we enjoyed drinks, snacks, good company, and an amazing sunset over Townsville. After soaking it all in, we made our way back down the road to finish the evening. A simple but lovely end-of-the-week walk.
Cherry's DCK Shelter overnighter in Paluma from Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th was a lovely small-group weekend with great walking, waterfalls, hut life, and local history. Starting from Paluma Dam, the group walked via Wilfred's Lookout, Torsten's Rock Garden, Crystal Creek Falls, and Gold Creek Falls before settling in at DCK Shelter for the night. On Sunday, the pace slowed as the group explored the old tin-mining country around the hut, including Buttercup Lookout, the old Wine Cellar, and nearby relics of Paluma's mining past. It was a fabulous weekend with wonderful company, rainforest scenery, waterfalls, and plenty of history, and one we would happily do again.
Townsville Bushwalking Club
On Saturday 6th (yes, the same day as Cherry's walk), three early birds joined Amanda to explore the coastline around Pallarenda. They rock-hopped their way around to Shelly Beach, with a stunning sunrise backdrop and calm, crystal waters. Some fish friends joined in too, and we even spotted a shovel-nose ray! The bird life was also very active, with some kingfishers, bower birds and Brahminy kites joining the fray. It was a perfect, relaxed way to enter the weekend!
Wilfred's Tuesday 9th Mt Stuart walk was another great early morning outing, with a good pace and plenty of conversation on the climb. It was also nice to welcome Brad along, who had joined Cherry and Keith at the DCK shelter trip the previous weekend.
Four canyoners, led by Adrian and Luen, completed an exciting descent of Crystal Canyon near Paluma on Sunday, 14 June. The adventure began with the steep approach via Bullocky Tom's Track, including a detour to see some faded Aboriginal rock art, before the group crossed the range and entered the canyon near Crystal Falls. What followed was a full day of scrambling, swimming, pack-floating, and more than 15 abseils, using a mixture of natural anchors, bolts, and recently installed threads. With one participant completing their first canyoning trip, the group worked carefully through each section before emerging near the Mango Tree Car Park and finishing the journey in just under nine hours.
Townsville Bushwalking Club
Amanda led a small group of three on a relaxed morning walk through the Cape Pallarenda and Town Common trails to Shelly Beach on Saturday, 20 June. It was a quieter outing than the previous Shelly Beach walk, but still an enjoyable coastal loop with good company, beach sections, and views across Cleveland Bay.
Seven hikers explored the spectacular Walkers Creek system on Sunday, 21 June, led by Cherry, with Brent bringing up the rear and ensuring nobody was left behind. This was a true exploratory creek walk, requiring regular navigation and route-finding as the group worked through massive granite boulders, clear pools, cascades, waterfalls, and rocky sections of the creek. Despite some understandable pre-walk nerves from the leader, everything came together beautifully, with the group moving steadily, enjoying several swimming breaks, and taking time to appreciate the scenery and sweeping views across the coastal plains.
Townsville Bushwalking Club
Jodie led an enthusiastic group up the historic Ladies' Track on Castle Hill, enjoying a social climb and late-afternoon views across Townsville. After reaching the top, the group returned via the road - a great way to stretch the legs and finish the week. It is a real privilege to have such a beautiful sunset walk available immediately after work and practically on Townsville's doorstep.
Luen led four other walkers up an unnamed creek near Alligator Creek, rock-hopping and scrambling past a surprisingly impressive series of granite waterfalls. Although the creek was mostly dry, the upper falls offered sweeping views towards Joy's Cliff and The Pinnacles, along with one memorable encounter with a stinging tree.
Townsville Bushwalking Club
Upcoming Walks
We are trialling a new grading system that provides a quick overview of each walk's expected duration, terrain, fitness requirements, and important factors such as wet travel, exposure, remoteness, scrub, or navigation. The grade complements rather than replaces the full event description, so please read all trip details before registering. Learn how to read the new grading codes, or speak with the walk leader if you have any questions.
Shelly Cove Trail
Saturday, 4 July 2026, 6:30 am
Leader: Amanda | Grade: S23 | Distance: Approximately 8 km
RSVP: [email protected]
Join Amanda for a relaxed coastal loop through Cape Pallarenda and the Townsville Town Common, following formed tracks, coastal woodland, open country, and sections of Shelly Beach. The route is mostly flat, but includes soft sand, minor uneven ground, shared mountain-bike trails, and exposed coastal sections.
Hidden Gorges Private Property
Saturday, 4 July to Monday, 6 July 2026
Leaders: Keith and Wilfred | Grade: L67RC
RSVP: [email protected]
This limited three-day adventure involves remote camping and full-day exploration of a spectacular private-property gorge system, featuring rough terrain, bush-bashing, rock-hopping, steep climbs, exposed ledges, and route-finding. Participants must be experienced, well-equipped, self-sufficient, and capable of strenuous remote walking, with a limit of 12 people and 4 suitable high-clearance 4WDs.
North Creek
Sunday, 12 July 2026
Leader: Amanda | Grade: M55 | Distance: Approximately 11.5 km return
RSVP: [email protected]
Join Amanda for an adventurous off-track walk into North Creek, also known as Sandy Creek, in Bowling Green Bay National Park. The route follows granite creek country through waterfalls, rock pools, boulder fields, vegetation, and steep ridges, with the upper North Creek falls and its swimming hole providing a rewarding destination.
Mt Stuart Road Fitness Walk
Tuesday, 14 July 2026, 4:45 am
Leader: Wilfred | Grade: S15C | Distance: Approximately 15 km return
RSVP: [email protected]
Join Wilfred for his regular pre-dawn fitness walk along the Mt Stuart summit road, climbing steadily to the 584 m summit before returning the same way. This is a self-paced endurance session on bitumen, with participants also collecting rubbish along the route. Bring water and a head torch.
Godwin's Peak, Paluma
Sunday, 19 July 2026, 7:00 am
Leader: Cherry | Grade: X67NRC | Distance: Approximately 16 km return
RSVP: [email protected]
Godwin's Peak is a long and strenuous Paluma summit adventure featuring forestry tracks, creek crossings, waterfalls, rock-hopping, rough-marked routes, and a sustained climb to panoramic views from the 783 m summit. Allow approximately 7 to 10 hours and come prepared for remote terrain, changing weather, and a demanding full day in the bush.
Paradise Beach Clean-up Overnighter with Ocean Crusaders
Saturday, 25 July to Sunday, 26 July 2026
Leader: Brent | Grade: L45
RSVP: [email protected]
Hike into remote Paradise Beach, help collect marine debris in support of Ocean Crusaders, and camp near the beach before preparing the rubbish for collection early on Sunday. Participants must carry their own overnight gear, food, and water, and should bring sturdy footwear, sun protection, and work or gardening gloves.
Paradise Beach Clean-up Day Walk with Ocean Crusaders
Saturday, 25 July 2026, 7:00 am
Leader: Cherry | Grade: L45
RSVP: [email protected]
Cherry will lead a day-walk group to Paradise Beach to join Brent's overnight group for the Ocean Crusaders beach clean-up before returning that afternoon. Expect a full day of remote coastal walking and clean-up work, and bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and work or gardening gloves.
Killymoon Creek Introductory Walk
Saturday, 1 August 2026, 7:00 am
Leader: Molly | Grade: L55 | Places: Limited to 15
RSVP: [email protected]
Join Molly for a full-day introductory off-track adventure through Killymoon Creek, featuring rocky gullies, granite slabs, boulder hopping, hands-on scrambling, and a scenic gorge. The walk begins along a fire trail across private property, then enters the creek and follows it upstream to a swimming hole for lunch and an optional cold dip. Although suitable for people beginning their off-track walking journey, participants will still need moderate fitness, good balance, and confidence moving across uneven rocks and boulders for a full day. Bring at least 3 L of water, lunch, snacks, electrolytes, sun protection, basic first aid, sturdy footwear with good grip, and gloves for the hands-on rock work. The group is expected to return to the cars at approximately 4:00 pm.
Hiking and Camping Show and Tell
Saturday, 8 August 2026, 7:00 am
Location: Pallarenda Park | Leader: Brent
Grade: Social and skills session
RSVP: [email protected]
Join Brent, Wilfred, Cherry, and other experienced Club members for a relaxed and practical morning exploring hiking, bushwalking, and overnight camping equipment. Members will display their packs, tents, shelters, sleeping systems, stoves, clothing, navigation tools, safety equipment, food, and water setups while explaining what they carry and why. The session is ideal for anyone preparing for an overnight walk, looking to reduce pack weight, comparing lightweight and traditional equipment, or seeking practical advice for North Queensland conditions. New walkers, experienced hikers, members, and visitors are all welcome. Bring along any gear you would like advice on or wish to demonstrate, as well as a chair, hat, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a notebook.
Mount Halifax Summit
Sunday, 9 August 2026, 7:00 am
Leader: Cherry | Grade: X78C | Distance: Approximately 11 km return
Places: Limited to 15
RSVP: [email protected]
Join Cherry for a strenuous full-day climb to the 1,063 m summit of Mount Halifax, one of the highest and most prominent peaks north of Townsville. The route begins with a rocky rainforest creek featuring waterfalls and waterholes before climbing steeply through changing vegetation, exposed ridges, loose terrain, and fixed-rope-assisted sections. More than 1,000 m of ascent and descent makes this a demanding and remote adventure suited only to fit, experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable with route-finding, slippery rocks, steep climbs, exposure, and a long descent. Clear conditions may reward the group with expansive views across the Paluma Range, coastline, Palm Island group, Hinchinbrook Island, and south towards Townsville. Bring at least 3 L of water, a method of treating creek water, lunch, snacks, electrolytes, sturdy footwear, long protective clothing, rain and warm layers, sun protection, insect repellent, first aid, a head torch, and a whistle.
Meeting locations and final arrangements will be emailed by the walk leaders after you RSVP. Club walks are free for both members and visitors. Visitors may participate in up to three walks before they are required to apply for membership.
Quotes of the Month
"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered."
- G. K. Chesterton
Every soaked pack, wrong spur, vine-assisted downclimb, unexpected creek crossing, or "short detour" that adds another hour to the day eventually becomes the story everyone laughs about later. In the moment, it may feel cold, uncomfortable, exhausting, or mildly disastrous, but with enough distance, a hot shower, and a good meal, even the worst inconveniences have a habit of turning into the best adventures. That is Type 2 fun at its finest!
"This is not a grade 3 walk"
- Angela, after discovering that Luen's Grade 3 description of the Widowmaker walk was slightly optimistic.
"It's probably only 15 km more to your car."
- Luen to Hilary after the group had already ridden 117 km. It was not another 15 km to her car, but closer to 30 km.
"It's just over this hill"
- Wilfred K. It turned out to be over many more hills!
"Let's take route B - it's mostly flat"
- Cherry J., at a decision point after a particularly hot and tiring section of the adventure. It was, in fact, the opposite of flat, and no one believes her anymore.
"Let's pick up the pace - you don't want to get between Cherry and her lunchtime"
- One walker to another who was grumbling about the rush as lunchtime approached on an adventure led by Cherry.
"Wilfred, if you don't stop for morning tea in the next 15 minutes, it will go down in the record books of the Tablelands Bushwalking Club"
- Cecilia from the Tablelands Bushwalking Club, while the TBWC was hosting the group at Paluma.
'New shoes were a bad choice'
Amanda's friend, somewhere between the excitement of her first bushwalk and the arrival of the first blister.
Throwback to Our Club History
The search for the lost Royal Australian Air Force de Havilland Mosquito reconnaissance aircraft A52-607 has inspired several memorable Club adventures on Saddle Mountain. The aircraft crashed near the summit on 25 March 1947, leaving wreckage hidden for decades beneath the surrounding bushland and rainforest.
In November 2018, former Club president Alan Simet gave Luen an old hand-drawn map showing the approximate location, accompanied by the wonderfully vague instruction, "At the leaning tree, head downhill." Luen and Jodie first searched for the wreck during an overnight trip on 15-16 June 2019. They eventually reached the lower part of the crash site after dark, but could see only very little of the wreckage before climbing to the summit to camp.
Wilfred later returned to the area and located the main wreck in daylight during a Club trip in December 2019. A recent fire had opened sections of the route, making travel easier, although the effects on the surrounding landscape were still clearly visible.
Luen led a trip back to the area again in March 2021. The group climbed off-track through bushland and misty rainforest to properly explore the historic crash site, completing a hard and atmospheric day that combined navigation, local history, and classic Club adventure.
It is a wonderful example of how maps, stories, knowledge, and routes are passed between generations of Club members - sometimes with little more guidance than an old map and a leaning tree.
Townsville Bushwalking Club
Doco of the month
For something a little different from our usual health, longevity, conservation, and Leave No Trace documentaries, this month's pick is a story about adventure, partnership, and the particular kind of romance that involves glaciers, whitewater, big-wall climbing, and nearly 70 days off the grid. A Baffin Vacation: Love on Ice follows renowned explorers Sarah McNair-Landry and Erik Boomer as they travel across Baffin Island by ski, packraft, and kayak, tackling remote rivers, mountains, and cliffs while filming the journey themselves. Beneath the spectacular Arctic scenery is a warm, funny, and honest look at trust, communication, shared suffering, and what it means to move through challenging places as equal partners. At just 26 minutes, it is an entertaining reminder that some couples relax together, while others haul climbing gear across glaciers and call it a holiday.
Watch on Red Bull TV.
Also on our radar is How to Live on Earth, a feature documentary presented by Benedict Cumberbatch. From Open Planet, the studio behind Ocean with David Attenborough, the film explores how people around the world are working with nature to build a safer and more hopeful future. Its first-look trailer offers a glimpse of the film's ambitious mix of conservation, innovation, and human stories.
Watch the trailer on Instagram or the trailer on YouTube.
Trip Leaders
The AGM also included discussion about the Club's upcoming walks program and the importance of encouraging more members to become trip leaders. The Club relies on volunteers to keep the calendar varied, active, and interesting, particularly for some of our classic off-track routes. Members with navigation skills, local knowledge, or an idea for a walk are encouraged to consider leading one or two trips each year, with support from experienced leaders for planning and preparation. Trips do not need to be long, difficult, or off-track. Social walks, track walks, fitness outings, overnight camps, cycling trips, and shorter local adventures all help create a diverse calendar. New leaders can also co-lead with an experienced member while building confidence. Please email the Club at [email protected].
Keep up to date with our trips on our Facebook page or the Club's events calendar website.
See you out in the bush,
Luen Warneke
Townsville Bushwalking Club
