Star River 1971
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.
27/28-03-71
An interesting two day walk in the Mt Spec region, covering approx 32 miles over varying terrain. The walk begins on the Loop Rd behind Paluma township. Follows blazed forestry track almost due south through rain forest leading down a long spur into headwaters of Blue Gum Creek. Then follow 10 mile tramp following course of Star River and approx 4 miles across flood plains of Star Basin. Old stockmans hut (Basin Yard) will be found on right-hand bank. Good campsite. Wildlife is prevalent and black-fish may be caught in the river.
Next day turn right and follow trail of 4WD tracks leading over crest of Coane Range till meeting Taravale Road. Length of this section approx 5 1/2 miles. Very picturesque scenery as the walk is over high open hills, giving unforgettable views of Star Valley and the ramparts of the Paluma Ra. Road junction at Hell Hole Ck providing a great lunch spot.
Taking right-hand fork road which winds back along main spur of the Coane Range till meeting the Ewan-Paluma Rd. This area heavily timbered and containing excellent stands of rose gums. Length of this section about 9 miles. Cars may travel along the Taravale Rd to the logcutters hut approx 5 miles under dry conditions. Fifteen members and visitors enjoyed this classic walk to an almost unexplored area. Providing a reasonable pace is maintained, normal mealtimes etc can be observed. The area over towards the Paluma Range side offers many challenging possibilities.
Walkers were:
P Reimann, L Starrenisa, G Grech, I Nayen, E Bourne, M Walkay, N Mooney, E Kelly, S Coleman, G Coleman, B Van Der Will, H Lister, Allan.
P. Biddle (Leader)
P. Biddle
MISSING - MAP NOT PHOTOGRAPHED
Camp site *
Lunch sites X
Log cutters hut M
