Best Local Hikes to Entertain the Kids

School holidays are officially here, and if you are looking for ways to tire out the little ones, we have got you covered. In the latest episode of the Take A Hike podcast, Blair Woodcock sat down with Townsville Bushwalking Club regulars Cherry Judge and Luen Warneke to discuss a few local hikes you can do to entertain the kids these holidays.

Whether you are after a five-minute stroll or a full-day adventure, the Paluma Range has something for everyone. It is also a few degrees cooler than Townsville, making it the perfect escape as the weather starts to heat up.

Short and Sweet: Perfect for Toddlers

If you have got really young kids or just want a relaxed day out, start at Lake Paluma. You can enjoy a picnic by the dam and tackle some of these micro-trails:

• McClellan's Lookout: Literally a 50-meter walk from the Paluma Village car park. Maximum reward for minimal effort!
• Birthday Creek Falls: Just a 200-meter walk near the dam. It features beautiful cascading falls with shallow dipping pools - perfect for toddlers to splash around safely.
• The Rock Gardens: Located a couple of kilometres from the dam on the way to Crystal Creek Falls. It is a stunning detour that feels like walking straight into Jurassic Park.

Stepping It Up: For Kids Who Like Walking

If your kids are a bit older and can handle some ups and downs without tears, there are some fantastic options:

• Witt's Lookout to Cloudy Creek: Start from Paluma Village, head to Witt's Lookout for amazing views across Halifax Bay, then walk down to Cloudy Creek for a quick dip.
• Ethel Creek Falls: About an hour and a half from Cloudy Creek. The track is well-maintained, and you are rewarded with a stunning 10-meter waterfall cascading into a large pool.

The Best Family Swimming Holes

Nothing motivates a kid on a hike quite like the promise of a swim. Here are our top picks:

• Big Crystal Creek and Paradise Waterhole: Down at the bottom of the range, these are absolute classics for families.
• No Lands Gully: Check out the epic rock slides!
• Jourama Falls: Located a bit further down the highway, this spot features stepped rock layers and a variety of pools. There are so many that you can often find your own private oasis.

For the Adventurous: Paluma Ridge Diorite Falls

If you are ready for a serious family adventure, Paluma Ridge Diorite Falls is a standout. It is a massive diorite slab with water cascading over it into a gorgeous swimming pool.

The Details:

• Distance: 15 to 22 kilometres (can be done as a loop or out-and-back from the dam).
• Difficulty: Harder. The track is undulating and maintained by volunteers, so expect to navigate the occasional fallen tree and creek crossing.
• Overnight Option: Turn it into a multi-day trip by camping at the DCK Shelter, an old tin mining site with cool historical artifacts like pickaxes and bottle dumps. You will need permission to camp, which you can find on the Paluma website. Remember to look, but do not touch or take the artifacts!

Quick Trail Tips

• Download your maps: Mobile reception is spotty. Always download maps from wanderstories.space or paluma.org before you head off, especially for harder walks like Diorite Falls where you need to follow compass bearings and numbered marker discs.
• Watch for leeches: They are pretty epic after heavy rain, though they are fairly tame right now.
• Look out for orchids: September is prime orchid season in the region.
• Treat yourself: Do not leave without stopping by the Rainforest Inn (open Sundays) for fresh scones and a coffee.

Stay safe out there, happy hiking, and tune in next week as we discuss making the big leap from single-day to multi-day hikes for the upcoming long weekend!