Upcoming Walks September 2022
September is packed with adventure! Summit Mt Cook on Magnetic Island (18 Sept), wander orchid-rich Mt Spec (22 Sept), climb Mt Storth in Bowling Green Bay NP (25 Sept), or join our White Mountains trip (1–3 Oct). Register now to secure a spot!
Hello Friends!
We have added a few extra walks in the coming few days.
There are also a couple of weekend adventures for those keen to join.
All the details are listed below.
Regards,
Cherry Judge
Secretary
Townsville Bushwalking Club
New walks added and some weekend adventures!
“When Life Gives You Mountains, Put On Your Boots & Hike”
Upcoming walks — September 2022
Please read ‘Walker guidelines’ and ‘What to bring’:
- Walker guidelines: https://www.townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/about/walker-guidelines
- Walk together: https://www.townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/about/walk-together
- What to bring?: https://www.townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/equipment/what-to-bring
Sunday, 18 September
Mt Cook summit — Magnetic Island NP
Image credit: Cherry Judge
Leader: Ian Wallace
Rated: Hard – rough terrain, steep boulder climbs.
Meeting: Details will be emailed. Start: 6:15 am.
Walk description:
Beginning at the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay, we’ll walk up to Mount Cook (the island’s highest peak) and explore adjacent peaks. Return via a different route to the Nelly Bay ferry. Latest ferry back 6:35 pm (aiming earlier).
The leader’s decision on participation is final.
Distances & elevations:
~12 km total. Ascent from sea level to 490 m (Mt Cook) and back. Allow ~10 hours. High fitness and experience required. Poorly defined track; rock hopping; steep, uneven, hot and exposed sections.
Register — Mt Cook
When you register below, we’ll consider you attending unless we contact you otherwise.
We’ll email meeting details a couple of days before.
Questions: [email protected]
Must be 18+
Visitor fee: $5 • TBWC members: Free
Thursday, 22 September 2022
Mt Spec orchids
Image: @Tracy Zessin
This time of year native orchids are in flower and golden bowerbird bowers are active — a great time for a rainforest walk in the Mt Spec area to view orchids and a bower. If we’re lucky (and very quiet), we may sight a golden bowerbird (infrequent with groups).
Leader: Keith Dyson
Rated: Medium — rainforest track walking, moderate hills. ~22 km.
Meet: Paluma Dam at 08:15. Please email Keith first to confirm attendance.
Must be 18+
Visitor fee: $5
The route:
At leader’s discretion on the day — “aimless wandering”? Targeting Buttercup Lookout at Mt Spec, through the old tin mining area at Gardes, towards Foxlee’s Lookout (may not go that far).
Water & insects:
Carry water for a full day. Creek refills near Gardes/DCK are possible but treat before drinking. Bring repellent for leeches and mozzies.
Finish: Back at Paluma Dam ~5 pm.
Orchid ID resource:
Rainforest Biodiversity: 5 easy species (Part 8 — Orchids) – Paluma – our village in the mist:
https://paluma.org/2020/06/rainforest-biodiversity-5-easy-species-at-a-time-part-8-orchids
Sunday, 25 September 2022
Mount Storth
Image: @Wanderstories
Leader: Molly Hoey
Rated: Hard
Meeting: 7:00 am. Location will be emailed. Start/end are on private property; details provided to participants via email.
Distance: ~15 km return.
Walk description:
Mount Storth (Bowling Green Bay NP) reaches 632 m. Begin on private property through creek beds (good warm-up) then climb via the traditional ridge route to the summit. Lunch at the top; descend same day.
High fitness required. No track; very tall grass; loose footing. Front walkers often cut through passionfruit vine and shrubs.
How long: Full day; back at cars ~5 pm.
Speciality equipment: Secateurs (and pouch) very useful; gloves advised. Boots with plenty of tread.
Register — Mount Storth
When you register below, we’ll consider you attending unless we contact you otherwise.
We’ll email meeting details a couple of days before.
Leaders may prioritise club members at their discretion.
Questions: [email protected]
Must be 18+
Visitor fee: $5 • TBWC members: Free
Oct long weekend — 1–3, 2022
White Mountains — Canns Creek section
Image: @amangotree
Leader: Keith Dyson
Yes, another White Mountains trip (number four this year for some of us) — and worth it!
Spectacular white sandstone bluffs and gorges; in spring, brilliant wildflowers: grevilleas (golden-orange, cream, red), wattles (various yellows), grasstrees, white clustered ironbark, and many purples and other hues.
Plan:
Base trip is three days (Sat–Mon, 1–3 Oct). Option for a two-day extension for the keen. If unusually hot, walks may be modified/shortened.
Detailed description: Click for trip notes
To RSVP — please email Keith using the link below.
➡️ RSVP here for White Mountains
Change of date
Fri–Sun, 15–16 October 2022
Hidden gorges, Mt Zero
Image: @Wanderstories
Leader: Wilfred Karnoll
Rated: Hard — creek-based off-track, rugged terrain, steep climbs.
Vehicles: High-clearance required. Please indicate if you have one.
Description:
Private property access near Mt Zero (Taravale).
- Travel and camp at the top of Return Creek Falls (checking Narke Falls on the way).
- Drive to Hell Hole Gorge; explore; then drive to Button Rock (climb) and return to camp.
- If time permits, scramble to the base of Return Creek Falls and back.
- Pack up and return to Paluma by evening.
All three falls/gorges are spectacular. Button Rock is a “mini Uluru”.
Nominations:
Please express interest early and indicate if you have a suitable 4WD (and available seats). Numbers limited per property owners’ wishes.
Property access conditions:
- Proof of COVID vaccination (double-vax minimum).
- Restrictions on commercial/social media use of photos taken on the property.
What to bring:
Car-camping kit for one night (tent, sleeping bag, mat, cooking gear), day pack, water and meals. Carry water for 2 days.
Fees: Non-members $5.
We’re not using a form yet — please email to RSVP and include:
a) your interest, and
b) if you have a high-clearance 4WD and can take passengers.
Email: [email protected]
