Remembrance Falls - Trip Report

Sunday 1 March 2026
Leaders: Luen and Wilfred
Group: 15 walkers

Sunday delivered proper wet-season conditions. Drizzle, steady rain, mist drifting through the ridgelines. The forest felt hushed and atmospheric, the kind of eerie North Queensland day where everything is saturated and alive.

With prior permission secured from the private property owner, we accessed the area and ventured into Paluma State Forest. Fifteen of us in total - a mix of ages, genders and experience levels. Some seasoned club regulars, others on their very first walk. A good blend of enthusiasm and steady bush sense.

We began along an easy dirt road for a few kilometres, easing into the day. We stopped for a few minutes to talk about the historic CCC Timber Camp. The rain was light but persistent. From there, we turned onto a freshly cut logging road, which became increasingly overgrown the deeper we moved into the forest. Grasses brushed our legs, vegetation thickened, and the sense of remoteness built steadily. A few leeches here and there.

Soon, we were walking a vegetated ridgeline - fairly open in places, with pale trunks and damp understorey giving faint hints of Tasmania. It was unexpectedly beautiful.

Our first waterfall appeared through the trees, and we paused to take it in. White water spilling through green, framed by low cloud. A quiet moment before pushing on.

After some more off-track bushwalking, we stopped for a quick morning tea. Muesli bars, seed mixes, quick bites in light rain. No lingering - just enough to refuel.

From there, we descended a steep ridge toward the creek. Across the valley, a striking rocky outcrop rose sharply from the forest - dark and sculpted against the grey sky. One spot of red, possibly an umbrella tree blooming. Underfoot, the wet season was making itself known. Rock and grass were slick, almost greasy. Every step required attention. Some slipped gently onto their backside.

We reached the top of Remembrance Falls - a broad, multi-tiered cascade dropping dramatically into the mini gorge below. The rain amplified everything. The falls were flowing strongly, white water surging down polished rock.

Carefully, we worked our way down and around the slippery cliff line toward the base. It was an interesting experience and good route choice for the conditions, with one small ledge to balance on on the way.

The creek rocks were like ice. Progress downstream into the mini gorge, roughly 50 metres, took time. Lunch was taken among the gorge walls, mist hanging in the air. Some cooled quickly sitting in damp clothes, but the atmosphere made it worthwhile. Big water, wet stone, and that deep green canyon feel.

After the lunch break, Luen led the ascent and confirmed the route choice with Wilfred. A rope was set as a handline for the initial crux - steep, loose and exposed enough that a misplaced step or dislodged rock could have consequences. One by one, everyone climbed steadily. Focused. Communicative. Careful not to knock debris onto those below. Once through the hardest section, the climb continued steeply toward the plateau. Tree to tree, pulling upward through wet grass, loose soil and small rocks.

At the top, we crossed a dry creek and emerged onto the main ridge and another logging road. Fresh yellow spray paint marked trees for future harvesting. A reminder of the layered land use here - private access, state forest, active logging.

The walk out became progressively easier as the road widened and the vegetation thinned. Conversation returned. Laughter carried through the damp air. A moody, mist-filled day that felt wild, slightly Tasmanian, and thoroughly North Queensland. A solid, great day out.

- Luen