A classic creek adventure to The Cascades, with rock hopping, snake sightings, steep scrambles, bush bashing, waterfall pools, and a chilly swim at the top. A rewarding day out in rugged North Queensland creek country.
Paluma to Bambaroo via Waterfall Creek (2012): A tough 2-day through-walk with spectacular cascades, sheer drops, and 800 m descent. Rain turned granite slick, forcing bush-bashing through lantana and vines before finally emerging at Bambaroo farm after dark – tired, soaked, but triumphant.
Mt Elliot summit (2012): A tough two-day adventure via North Creek to the summit, with rainforest climbs, dry saddles, thick wait-a-while, and shredded legs. Camped high, then descended Alligator Creek past cascades and falls. Hard, scenic, and a real club achievement.
Townsville Bushwalking Club’s 2012 Kokoda Track trek (Kokoda → Owers Corner) marked the 70th anniversary: a 9-day, 96 km crossing of the Owen Stanley Range with ~6,000 m ascent/descent, village camps, powerful WWII history, and outstanding PNG porter support.
December walks saw the club tackling a stormy Many Peaks Range, cactus control at Walkers Creek, and a wet weekend at DCK Shelter. Jourama Falls hosted the lively break-up weekend, complete with swimming, Santa, and a Frosty Mango stop. Next up: Crystal Creek or North Creek, weather permitting.
Despite rain, three walkers reached Alligator Creek Falls and spotted snakes. A modified Cloudy Creek walk ended with a BBQ at Paradise Waterhole. Next up: cactus control at Walkers Creek, the Jourama Falls break-up weekend, and dinner at the Dalrymple Hotel to close the season.
Hidden Valley
Hidden in Thunderbolt Creek is a cave with an unlikely past. In the 1940s it housed a secret Communist printing press producing The Spark. Today, bushwalkers find relics, rusted tins, and faded ochre art – reminders of a time when politics and wilderness converged in North Queensland.
Escape Xmas 1991: Townsville Bushwalkers magazine with bird-watching tips for hikers, Eungella National Park camping, Blue Mountains spring walks, Kashmir’s Thajiwas Glacier and Vashisht hot springs, plus mango recipes. Trip reports, gear notes and club news for North Queensland bushwalkers.
Escape Aug 1989: Townsville Bushwalkers news, treasurer report & new exec. Join our family bushwalk Town Common over Mt Marlow to Pallarenda with picnic. Trip reports: Westminster Abbey rockslide rescue, Hinchinbrook Island, Dalrymple/Marian walks. First-aid kit tips for NQ hiking. Pub night review.
October 1988 Townsville Bushwalkers ESCAPE: new meeting venue, growing membership, farewell to Dave Whyte, trip reports from Mt Spec, Dalrymple Track and Waterview Creek, Chillagoe cave adventures, spider guide, and club history. A snapshot of North Queensland hiking and bushwalking life.
Escape Oct 1988: Townsville Bushwalkers magazine—new meeting venue, growing membership and finances update. Trip reports span Dalrymple Track, Mt Spec walking tracks, Waterview Creek and Chillagoe limestone caves. Also: spider guide, club history, farewell to Dave. North Queensland hiking.
April 1988 Townsville Bushwalkers ESCAPE: first issue with Mt Dalrymple traverse (Eungella–Finch Hatton), Burdekin River rafting, Hinchinbrook highlights, AGM updates and 1987 walk stats, plus social nights, book club, first-aid training and meeting details across North Queensland.