Saddle Creek - Trip Report
Seven bushwalkers descended Saddle Creek from The Saddle after recent rain brought the creek to life. With flowing water, swims, waterfalls, rock hopping, and a car shuttle finish, it was a beautiful and adventurous Paluma day out.
Date: Saturday 4 February 2023
Leader: Luen
Participants: 7
Seven of us set off from The Saddle, about halfway up Paluma Range Road, and began our descent into Saddle Creek. Although this creek is often dry, recent rain had transformed it into a beautiful flowing watercourse, with clear water running over the rocks and plenty of cascades and waterfalls along the way. It made for a much more scenic and adventurous day out.
We followed the creek downstream, rock hopping, scrambling, and swimming our way through one gorgeous section after another, stopping often to enjoy the cool pools and soak up the beauty of the place.
The larger waterfalls were bypassed on the right-hand side, and the route delivered plenty of that classic Paluma mix of slippery rocks, lush greenery, and ever-changing terrain.
Lower down, the landscape opened out, and we passed by Aboriginal rock art before pushing through the long grass to reach the road, where our car shuttle was waiting. It was a relatively short trip, but one packed with reward - flowing water, refreshing swims, striking scenery, and a real sense of adventure.
Saddle Creek turned on a spectacular show and reminded us just how special these Paluma off-track creek walks can be.
- Luen
