Hello fellow bushwalkers!

This coming June, we have some fantastic adventures lined up and some new walk leaders leading the way. Introducing Hue Plumtree, Madoc Sheehan, and Graeme Taylor — all incredibly experienced adventurers.

With our unseasonal recent rainfall, we’re keeping with the waterfall theme this month. We present three walks that cover medium to hard levels of adventure.

Please note: our RSVP/registration process has changed — we’re moving to electronic registrations to save walk leaders the hassle of carrying paper and AOR forms.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

See you on the trail!
Warm regards,
Cherry Judge
Secretary, Townsville Bushwalking Club

“Life is better in hiking boots”

Lower Crystal Creek

Date: Saturday 11 June 2022
Leader: Hue Plumtree

Rated: 5 (difficult) – rock hopping and scrambling over large rocks with steep sections, loose and slippery surfaces.
Duration: 7–9 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Elevation gain: ~100 m

Description:
A very hard, full-day, cross-country, creek-based bushwalk with no tracks in the lower section of Big Crystal Creek. Expect giant granite boulders, waterfalls, uneven footing, scrambling, bush bashing, steep climbs, and exposed ledges. For fit, experienced bushwalkers only. Once started, there’s no easy exit.

Route: from Mango Tree car park, walk Intake Road ~4.6 km to near the intake plant, then enter Crystal Creek and walk downstream back to the car park.

Notes:

• Group size limited to 10
• Fee: $5 for non-members
• Must be 18+

Meeting point: Caltex Yabulu, 25 km north of Townsville, 6:30 am. Carpool to Mango Tree car park (~7:30 am start). Back ~4 pm.

➡️ RSVP here
Contact leader Hue Plumtree – 0428 388 895.
Leader has discretion to accept registrations; members given priority.

North Creek Falls

Date: Saturday 18 June 2022
Leader: Graeme Taylor

Rated: 5 (difficult) – rock hopping with steep sections, loose and slippery surfaces.
Duration: 6–9 hours
Distance: ~15 km
Elevation gain: ~290 m

Description:
A hard, full-day, cross-country bushwalk with off-track sections in Bowling Green Bay NP. Walk from Alligator Creek car park to North Creek, then in and out of the creek to the falls. Return via ridgeline to powerline track and back to the car park.

Notes:

• Group size limited to 12
• Remote area, off-track
• Treat water before drinking
• Fee: $5 for non-members
• Must be 18+

Meeting point: Alligator Creek day-use area, 7:00 am. Back at cars ~5 pm.

➡️ RSVP here
Contact leader Graeme Taylor – 0467 858 959.
Leader has discretion to accept registrations; members given priority.

Butterfly Falls

Date: Saturday 25 June 2022
Leader: Madoc Sheehan

Image credit: Wanderstories

Rated: 3–4 (medium) – some rock hopping and scrambling with loose/slippery surfaces.
Duration: ~3 hours return (half-day)
Distance: ~11 km return
Elevation gain: ~290 m

Description:
Medium grade, half-day, rough-track bushwalk in Girringun NP. Woodland and rainforest, rock hopping, wait-a-while vines, long grass, steep climbs, and some exposed cliffs. Waterfalls include Euphorion, Ornithoptera, and Birdwing.

Meeting:

• Madoc camping at Wallaman Falls campground from Fri 24 June (arriving ~1 pm). Others welcome. Self-sufficient campers only.
• Or meet at public phone, Wallaman Falls campground, 9:00 am Sat.
• Optional carpool: Yabulu Caltex, 6:30 am. Drive is ~2 hours.

Return ~1 pm, back in Townsville by ~3 pm.

Notes:

• Group size limited to 8
• Treat water before drinking
• Fee: $5 for non-members
• Must be 18+

➡️ RSVP here
Contact leader Madoc Sheehan – 0409 477 476.
Leader has discretion to accept registrations; members given priority.