Newsletter

March Newsletter 2026

Continuation of the wet-season waterfalls theme. Cherry's walk to Diorite Falls, pumping in full flow, Wallaman updates, upcoming bushwalks in North Queensland, safety reminders on snake bite first aid, and new community updates.

Townsville Bushwalking Club

27 Feb 2026 — 12 min read

Hello Bushwalkers,

March has arrived with waterfalls pumping, tracks drying out (slowly), and the calendar filling quickly. Wet season conditions are still shaping our plans - sometimes delivering spectacular days like Diorite Falls, and sometimes reminding us to call it early for safety. Here is what has been happening, what is coming up, and a few important updates for the month ahead.

Luen's planned Wallaman area bushwalk was cancelled following recent flooding, with landslides, fallen trees, and road closures making access unsafe. Queensland Traffic listed the road as flooded and closed, and after some wise counsel from Peter & Wilfred, the call was made not to risk getting stranded up there.

Cherry led seven walkers on a strong 18 km Grade 4 circuit from Paluma Dam to Diorite Falls, and the waterfall absolutely delivered. With recent rain in the system, the ten metre slab was pumping, fanning across dark granite into a deep, cool pool below. The day included rainforest trails, steady undulations, creek crossings and careful rock hopping before a well-earned swim and lunch on warm granite ledges. A solid full-day effort in classic North Queensland terrain, finished with tired legs and big smiles. Read the trip report at:

Appreciation to Keith and Wilfred

For those who don't know, Wilfred Karnoll has done a lot for the Club and the outdoor community over the years. From recutting historic trails that we all now walk today to volunteering at our local trail running races and events, leading bushwalking, usually with ex-president Keith D, one step behind, pointing the direction to forge forward. The Club and our outdoor community have been able to access these wonderful Paluma trails via Wilfred and Suzanne's land. They recently sold the base of the Bambaroo Track property. They also own the famous DCK Shelter that many of us have enjoyed for free over the many years. And, the Paluma house (that one with the historic, rusty artefacts), which we have spent so many Christmases at.

I would also like to mention one of our previous presidents, Keith D, who has invested a lot of time in this Club and has been running it for many years. The Club would not be where it is now without Keith. Keith has led most of the walks over the past decade and has set these famous locations, which we visit yearly, into our history books. Not only that, but Keith also handled all the paperwork, emails, coordination, compliance, committee work, and logistics that keep a volunteer community club operational. A sign of a good president is making people excited and eager to join and eventually take over leadership of the Club, and Keith did exactly that.

Thank you both for all the time you've spent with the Club, and I personally look forward to hiking, camping, and fighting the heath & scrub again with you soon.

Upcoming Walks

Remembrance Falls

Sunday 1 March 6:45 am
Leaders: Wilfred & Luen | Grade 4 | RSVP: FULL
This bushwalk is now completely full, and I suspect this is because the legend himself, Wilfred, was mentioned in the event. Wilfred and Luen are leading a Grade 5 off-track adventure to Remembrance Falls in the southern section of Paluma State Forest, one of the area's most impressive multi-tiered waterfalls at 50-60 m high. This ~10 km return walk involves steep descents into a gorge, overgrown logging roads, scrambling around the falls and sections of exposed, loose terrain, and is best suited to experienced bushwalkers with strong fitness and confidence on steep ground. With recent rain, the falls should be flowing well, making this a true wet-season highlight.

Stroll and Sip - The Ladies' Track

Friday 6th March 5:30 pm
Leader: Luen | Grade 2 | RSVP: [email protected].
Luen is leading a relaxed Friday after-work wander up Castle Hill's historic Ladies' Track, finishing with a quiet drink at the top before walking back down the road to the cars. This Grade 2 climb is about 2 km long and takes about 30 minutes, following the recently whipper-snipped, restored stone steps, and a contoured path beneath the cliffs toward the Pill Boxes. Optional - Bring one sunset drink in your pack and enjoy a social golden-hour leg stretch to kick off the weekend. Responsible behaviour expected.

Dick Falls

Saturday 7th March 7:00 am
Leaders: Wilfred & Luen | Grade 4 | RSVP: [email protected].
We are heading into the foothills of Mount Stuart near Roseneath/Wulguru to explore Dick Creek, a Stoney Creek tributary that only really shows off after decent rain. These falls are close to Florence's Gorge and the waterfalls of the east fork of Stoney Creek, many of you know. With the recent wet-season falls, it should be running nicely, offering rock slabs, small cascades, and clear pools framed by open woodland and pink granite slopes. Expect rock hopping, creek crossings, light scrambling and a touch of off-track navigation over roughly four hours. It is a Grade 4 walk, suitable for beginners with good fitness who are comfortable on uneven terrain. Yes, the name may cause a few smirks, but we promise this is a very respectable creek and well worth the visit. A great walk for those wanting to learn more about leading. Bring at least 2 L of water, lunch, sturdy grippy footwear and swimmers if you are keen for a dip. Meeting details will be sent to those who RSVP. Members free, visitors $5.

March 2026 Committee Meeting

Monday 9 March 2026 6:00 pm
Location: Our Clubhouse [Blessed Mary Mackillop Parish meeting room (building behind the Church), 43 Ross River Road, Mundingburra [email protected].
Our March Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, 9 March at 6:00 pm at our usual clubhouse in Mundingburra. We will review recent walks, discuss upcoming events and leadership planning, and cover the operational matters that keep the Townsville Bushwalking Club running smoothly. If you have agenda items or updates to include, please circulate them prior to the meeting.

Mount Stuart Road fitness walk

Tuesday 16th March 4:45 am
Leaders: Luen & Wilfred | Grade 3 | RSVP: [email protected].
Wilfred's regular pre-dawn Mt Stuart road walk is open to members keen for a solid midweek fitness session. Meet at 4:45 am to walk the bitumen to the 584 m summit and back - around 15 km return - building endurance while enjoying sunrise views over Townsville. As usual, we will carry a small bag and collect rubbish along the way. Bring water and a head torch.

Top of Jourama Falls

Sunday 15th March
Leader: Cherry | Grade 4 | RSVP: [email protected].
Cherry is leading a swim-and-picnic-focused walk to the top of Jourama Falls on Sunday, 15th March. The day includes the steady 45-minute climb from the lookout to the top of the falls - steep and likely warm - before settling in around the upper pools for a swim and relaxed lunch. If conditions are safe, there may also be some exploratory navigation upstream along Waterview Creek. Open to all levels, but participants should be comfortable with a sustained uphill section and uneven terrain.

Crystal Creek and the Blue Lagoons

Sunday 22th March
Leader: Cherry | Grade 4 | RSVP: [email protected].
Cherry is leading a scenic Paluma wander to Crystal Creek via Torsten’s Rock Garden, with plans to head upstream towards the Blue Lagoon and possibly explore further lagoons if conditions allow. This walk combines formed track with off-track creek navigation through granite slabs, ferns and clear rainforest pools. Expect a moderate to difficult day with uneven terrain, creek crossings and opportunities for a swim.

Learn to Lead - Wallaman Escarpment (leaders only)

Saturday 28th March
Leader: Luen | Grade 4 | RSVP: [email protected].
Following Cherry's suggestion to build more leadership capacity within the club, Wilfred and Luen will run a leaders-only off-track training day at the Wallaman Falls escarpment. This half-day walk will focus on practical skills - navigation, route decisions, pacing, risk assessment and group management - in beginner-friendly open woodland terrain near Butterfly Falls Lookout and Hearts Falls. The aim is mentoring in real conditions, not just theory. This event is for members genuinely interested in leading future walks and who have prior on- and off-track experience. Expressions of interest will be circulated to eligible members.

Easter Long Weekend - Cape Cleveland to Paradise Beach

Friday to Sunday 3-5th April
Leader: Wilfred | Grade 5 | RSVP: [email protected].
Wilfred is leading a two-night Easter long weekend overnighter from Cape Cleveland to Paradise Beach, with a traverse to the saddle and across to Long Beach (Bedwell Bay), returning via Castle Rock for sweeping coastal views. Camp will be near the freshwater creek at Paradise Beach, with water available there, so you only need to carry water for each day’s walk. This intermediate-level trip involves off-track sections, beach walking and carrying an overnight pack in warm conditions. Expressions of interest are now open for this classic remote coastal adventure in Bowling Green Bay National Park.

Little Birthday to Big Birthday

Saturday 11th April
Leader: Luen | Grade 4 | RSVP: [email protected].
A half-day off-track creek adventure linking Little Birthday Creek to Big Birthday Creek in the Mt Spec area of Paluma Range National Park. This Grade 4 walk will involve sustained creek walking, rock hopping, slippery granite and sections of in-water travel through cool rainforest corridors. Expect around two-four hours on foot in moderate off-track terrain, with swimming possible and route decisions made along the way. Solid fitness and confidence on uneven, wet ground is required.

Possible future walks - expressions of interest welcome

Puzzle Creek Overnighter (Ask Wilfred/Luen)
Little Birthday/Birthday Creeks Short Loop (Luen/Cherry)
Killymoon Creek intro walk (Luen/Molly)

Snake Bite First Aid - Know What to Do

With recent media coverage and confirmed increases in snakebite incidents across Queensland and New South Wales, it is a timely reminder that every bushwalker should know how to respond if the worst happens.

Australia records around 3,000 snake bites each year. Thankfully, survival rates are high - largely because of correct first aid and rapid access to medical care. In remote or off-track environments, the first few minutes matter.

If someone is bitten:

Ensure the area is safe. Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.
Call 000 immediately or activate a PLB if out of phone range.
Keep the person still. Movement spreads venom through the lymphatic system.
Apply a firm pressure immobilisation bandage starting at the fingers or toes and working up the limb. Leave digits exposed.
Splint the limb and keep the patient completely still.
Mark the bite site if visible.
Do not remove the bandage once applied.

Important reminders:

Do not use a tourniquet.
Do not cut, suck or wash the wound.
Do not attempt to identify the snake.
Do not apply ice, chemicals or alcohol.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Always treat every snake bite in Australia as potentially venomous.

For our members who regularly walk off-track, it is worth carrying a compression bandage suitable for snake bites and knowing how to use it properly. Skills matter. Preparation matters.

Correct first aid buys time - and time saves lives.

Clean Up Australia Day - Get Involved

There is still time to get your gloves on for Clean Up Australia Day.

Cleaning up is one of the simplest ways we can give back to the places we walk, camp and explore. Whether it is a creek line, a trailhead, a roadside or a favourite lookout, small actions add up.

You can register your own Clean Up event or join one near you here:
https://www.cleanup.org.au/register-a-clean-up/

If 1 March does not suit, you can register and complete a Clean Up event at any time throughout March - or indeed throughout the year. Even if you already have your own kit sorted, registering your event ensures your contribution is counted toward national impact totals.

Need help planning? Check out the FAQs and how-to video series on the website, or watch the recent Clean Up Australia Day Information Session recording for guidance on organising or joining an event.

Local Legends Doing the Work

We are fortunate in Townsville to have a few community members who do this year-round.

A big shoutout to Dave Dudley and the TIDY initiative (TIDY Up Townsville Facebook Group / TIDY Up Townsville Facebook Page).
Also to Litter Legends, who have been voluntarily removing litter and illegal dumping from the environment since 2018.

These are the kinds of grassroots efforts that quietly improve our creeks, bushland, and coastal areas week after week. If you are already out bushwalking, carrying a small rubbish bag is an easy addition to your pack - just like Cameron Wallis did this month (and many others). Wild places give us a lot - leaving them better than we found them is part of the deal. And educating the public as to why!

Thorsborne Trail Tickets - Swap or Transfer

If the Thorsborne Trail is on your radar this year, there is a handy Facebook community group worth knowing about: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thorsbornetrail/

Stretching 32 km along the wild eastern coastline of Hinchinbrook Island, the Thorsborne Trail is widely regarded as one of the world's great multi-day walks - ancient rainforest, remote beaches, granite headlands and creek crossings all woven into one spectacular route. With only 40 permits available at any one time, bookings are snapped up quickly when the system opens. When plans change, those hard-won permits need not go to waste.

The "Thorsborne Trail Tickets - SWAP or TRANSFER" group exists so walkers can:

Transfer a permit, if they can no longer make their booking; or
Swap dates with someone whose schedule better aligns.

It is a practical way to help permits find their perfect hikers and reduce last-minute cancellations.

The Three and a Half Types of Fun

From cruisy Type 1 fun strolls, to spicy Type 1.5 days that hurt a little but absolutely rip, through to character-building Type 2 epics (and the Type 3 adventures we should actively avoid). It is a light-hearted but practical look at expectation-setting, risk awareness, and choosing the right level of "suffering" for North Queensland conditions. If you have ever described a walk as "character building", this one will resonate. Worth a read before your next mission.

Throwback to Our Club History

Did you know many of our historical trip reports are now available on the Club website? Reading through them is like stepping into a different era of bushwalking - hand-drawn mud maps, Land Rovers, borrowed canoes, and plenty of strong tea.

One recent gem from the archives recounts a 1962 24-hour amphibious mission to Mount Straloch on Hinchinbrook Island. The party combined canoeing through mangroves, trekking up rocky creeks, climbing to plane wreckage, dodging crocodiles, racing tides… and then ran out of petrol on the way home before heading to work a few hours later.

The terrain was tough, the logistics were creative, and the spirit was unmistakably that of the Townsville Bushwalking Club. If you enjoy a bit of nostalgia (or perspective on what "hard" used to mean), jump onto the website and explore the old reports. They are a reminder that adventure has always been part of this Club's DNA.

Call for Trip Leaders and Ideas

Have a favourite route, hidden waterfall, or new ridge that you've been itching to share? Share your bush wanderings on our Facebook group or send us a photo for the next newsletter. We are always keen to support member-led walks and fresh ideas for the calendar. If you are interested in leading a trip, get in touch and help shape the season ahead. Please email the Club at [email protected].