In October 1965, Townsville Bushwalking Club explored Shays’ House at Mt Spec after fire destroyed the old homestead. The weekend trek included rainforest walks, Waterfall Creek’s trout pool, and Witts Lookout views, uncovering lost pioneer tracks in Paluma’s rugged mountain landscape.
Discover the historic Bambaroo Track near Mt Spec, once used by Aboriginal people and pioneers. This 1965 Townsville Bushwalking Club trek followed Bullocky Tom’s Track by mistake, uncovering rainforest ridges, Crystal Creek crossings, and rugged terrain in Paluma’s wild ranges.
Discover Yamanie Falls on this classic Townsville Bushwalking Club May Day weekend adventure in 1964. The group trekked 23 miles along the Herbert River and Yamanie Creek, enjoyed swims, dingoes, and starry skies. A scenic, easy walking route with perfect weather made this a memorable bushwalk.
Hencamp Creek bushwalk, Nov 1963: a 12-mile hike in the Paluma Range with rock-hopping, swimming in deep rock pools, and rugged mountain scenery. The Townsville Bushwalking Club explored creeks, bushfire-scorched flats, and crystal-clear waterholes on this easy yet rewarding North Queensland walk.
Ollera Creek bushwalk, July 1963: a 16-mile rock-hopping adventure in the Paluma Range near Ingham. The Townsville Bushwalking Club explored crystal-clear pools, granite outcrops, waterfalls, fish, tortoises, and colourful birdlife, camping under the stars with views of Circle View Mountain.
Garrawalt–Wallaman throughwalk, Sept 1962: a gruelling 26-mile trek from the Herbert River via Garrawalt Falls to Wallaman Falls. The Townsville Bushwalking Club battled rivers, gorges, scrub, and towering waterfalls on this hard North Queensland hike—one of the region’s finest wilderness walks.
Garrawalt Falls bushwalk, July 1962: a 260-mile drive and 18-mile trek from Mt Fox through scrub, ridges, and creeks. The Townsville Bushwalking Club explored tin mines, camped in rain, rock-hopped streams, and spotted wildlife. A rewarding North Queensland hiking adventure near Wallaman Falls.
Godwins Peak, July 1962: Townsville NFC Bushwalkers tackled steep slopes to stunning summit views over Halifax, ridges, islands, and coastline. A cramped camp, clouds rolling through gullies, and sunrise over thousands of square miles made this classic North Queensland hike unforgettable.
In June 1962, bushwalkers John Bowkett and Peter Hetherington set out by canoe from The Strand to Magnetic Island and never returned. Despite extensive land, sea, and air searches, they were never found—leaving a lasting impact on Townsville’s outdoor community.
Tragedy struck on 16 June 1962 when Peter Hetherington and John Bourkett vanished while kayak sailing from Townsville to Magnetic Island’s Florence Bay. Despite a week-long search by bushwalkers, RAAF, police, and volunteers, only wreckage was found. Both men are presumed lost at sea.
Discover Brown Mountain Gorge at Mingela, Reid River on this 1962 bushwalk. A 5-mile hike with rock climbing, abseiling practice, and scenic gorge exploration. The Club enjoyed an easy outing with climbs up 20–60 ft faces, creekside tea, and a refreshing swim before returning home.
Explore the epic 1962 circumnavigation and bushwalks on Magnetic Island. Club members paddled 25 miles by canoe, trekked 10+ miles on foot, and tackled caves, surfing canoes, and rugged terrain. A strenuous adventure of rock-hopping, crossings, and coastal exploration near Townsville.