Pangola Falls - Trip Report

Weekend Hike – November 2022

This weekend, the Townsville Bushwalking Club headed south to a remote and rarely visited corner of Bowling Green Bay National Park for not one, but two hikes into the Pangola Falls area. Access to this section is only possible with permission from a private landholder, and we are grateful for the opportunity. Beginning on private property, we followed a rough track through open country towards the creek line, the Elliot Massif rising quietly in the background. It did not take long before the sound of running water replaced the hum of conversation.

Into the Creek

From the track, we dropped into the creek and began rock hopping upstream. The terrain was friendly and manageable, ideal for beginners and an introductory walk, but still engaging enough to feel adventurous. Granite boulders, shallow crossings, and gentle undulations kept everyone alert.

The sky was overcast, and that proved to be a gift. In late November, the humidity can be oppressive, but the cloud cover softened the heat. The cool mountain water flowing straight down from the Elliot Massif offered constant relief. Boots were wet within minutes, and nobody seemed to mind.

The rainforest here feels different to Paluma. It is lower, thicker in places, and edged with palms and tangled vines. Evidence of past cyclones lingers in twisted trunks and vine-laced canopy gaps.

Pangola Falls

Soon, we reached the first set of waterfalls - Pangola Falls.

Water spilled cleanly over granite shelves into clear pools below. It is a rarely seen place, tucked away beyond the highway corridor and known mostly to those who have been shown the way. We paused there, taking photos, exploring the edges of the falls, and enjoying the reprieve from summer heat.

This area was once home to Pangola Park, a small caravan retreat that allowed access to these swimming holes before insurance costs forced its closure in the early 1990s. The sense of hidden history adds another layer to the experience.

Upstream to Double Gorge & Double Falls

After enjoying the first waterfall, we continued upstream. The creek narrowed slightly, granite slabs became more prominent, and the landscape opened to glimpses of surrounding ridgelines.

The further we ascended, the more the creek carved into small gorges and boulder fields. Double Creek Falls and Double Gorge provided more dramatic scenery - polished rock, deeper pools, and small chutes of water threading through rock formations.

From certain points along the northern side of the creek, views opened out across the surrounding landscape. It is always surprising how quickly you can feel remote in this part of the Bowling Green Bay National Park, despite being relatively close to the highway.

The overcast sky added atmosphere. Light filtered through the cloud and canopy, softening the rock and deepening the greens.

The Return

After enjoying the upper waterhole and gorge, we retraced our steps downstream. The return is always quicker, the lines already chosen, the obstacles already understood.

Back at the track, boots squelched, but spirits were high. Before leaving, we assisted the property owner with a small task as a token of appreciation for access - a reminder that respectful relationships make these adventures possible.

Two hikes, countless smiles, and another reminder of how fortunate we are to have wild country like this on our doorstep.

- Luen