Ollera Creek to Banana Creek, Star River and Paluma, Queen’s Birthday 1972: a gruelling 45-mile trek with steep gullies, cyclone-damaged ridges, tangled wait-a-while rainforest, rock-hopping creeks, cascades and grazing country. A tough but rewarding North Queensland bushwalking adventure.
Thorntons Peak (1370 m) Easter 1972: a challenging rainforest climb near Alexandra Bay with tangled tracks, stunted upper forest, and sweeping 360° summit views—among the best in North Queensland. A classic bushwalk to one of the region’s highest and most rewarding peaks.
Hinchinbrook Island Pre-Christmas 1971: a challenging trek over Mt Bowen and The Thumb with steep ridges, she-oak and banksia slopes, rainforest saddles, and dramatic jagged peaks. Stunning views, rugged terrain, and classic North Queensland wilderness adventure on this iconic island.
Discover historic bushwalking reports from Mt. Elliott National Park, located 14 miles from Townsville. Written between 1968 and 1971 , this guide offers trail notes, local history, and vivid accounts of hiking the rugged peaks of North Queensland.
Paluma Range above Ollera Creek, Sept 1971: a tough climb through steep gullies, loose rock, stinging gympie and tangled rainforest vines. Despite a cold, scratchy camp, the rugged terrain revealed new possibilities for exploring Star River and upper Ollera Creek in North Queensland’s wild ranges.
Double Creek Chasm hike, Aug 1971: a rugged North Queensland adventure near Giru with creek scrambling, waterfalls, grottos, fig trees and native wisteria. Climbers explored ridges with sweeping views to Bowen and Cape Upstart, making this a classic bushwalking and rock-climbing route.
Mt Westminster Abbey, Bishops Peak, and Dalrymple Track, July 1971: an unofficial North Queensland trek through steep ridges, rainforest, and open blady grass to the summit. Offering misty forest climbs, creek crossings, and historic features, showcasing rugged bushwalking adventures.
Many Peaks Range rock climbing, 1971: explore slabs, boulders, and short cliffs on the northern bluff with quality rock and varied routes. The higher bluff features a striking chimney climb, making this hidden North Queensland climbing spot a rewarding adventure.
Cape Upstart, April 1971: a rugged coastal trek with routes past Pebbly Beach, Moonlight Bay, Shark Bay and Kingfish Bay. Hike along bluffs, scrunge, and rock-hopping tracks, discover middens, deep pools, and butterfly-filled creeks. A classic North Queensland adventure on land and sea.
Easter 1971 expedition to Mt Dalrymple, Eungella National Park: rainforest trails, leeches, swiftlets, and panoramic summit views rivaling Bartle Frere. A two-day climb from Broken River with camping, waterfalls, and rugged North Queensland wilderness adventure.
Star River hike 1971: a 32-mile two-day trek in Mt Spec near Paluma, following rainforest tracks, Bluegum Creek, and Star River floodplains to Coane Range and Taravale Rd. Scenic views, wildlife, black-fish, historic huts, and classic North Queensland bushwalking adventure.
The rugged Sharp Elliott, The Shoulder, and Mt Elliott route near Townsville. Rainforest above 900 m, ridge crests, bracken and casuarina forests, and challenging ups and downs make this two-day hike rewarding. A compass is essential for navigation in this classic North Queensland adventure.