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# Taking on Mt Halifax: The Ultimate North Queensland Hike
- URL: https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/take-a-hike-mt-halifax/
- Published: 2022-12-01T01:02:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-01T02:55:33.000Z
- Description: Join Cherry Judge and Luen Warneke on the Take a Hike podcast as they explore the challenging and rewarding trek up Mt Halifax in Paluma Range National Park, featuring rope climbs, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking summit views.
- Author: Townsville Bushwalking Club
- Tags: Take A Hike podcast

## Conquering the Heights of Mt Halifax

Standing tall at 1063 metres, Mt Halifax is a prominent peak just north of Townsville that commands attention. In this episode of the *Take a Hike* podcast, hosts Cherry Judge and Luen Warneke dive into what makes this hike in the Paluma Range National Park a true bucket-list experience for North Queensland bushwalkers.

### Getting There and Respecting the Land

Access to the track is a privilege, not a right. The trail begins through private property, and we owe a massive debt of gratitude to the Pace family for allowing hikers to pass through their land.

- **Parking:** Park well off the side of the road to avoid blocking the gates. This is a working farm with heavy machinery and wide trucks passing through daily.
- **The Start:** Never drive through the gate. Instead, take a right at the gate and walk along the fence line to find the trailhead.

### The Trek: From Rope Falls to the Summit

This track offers a tale of two hikes. For those looking for a lower-intensity day, the walk to **Rope Falls** is a fantastic, well-worn beginner track that is absolutely stunning after the rains.

However, if you are planning to head all the way to the summit of Mt Halifax, be prepared for a serious challenge. Even though it is only 11 kilometres return, it involves over 1000 metres of elevation gain and strenuous, technical terrain.

**Pro Tips for the Full Ascent:**

- **Timing:** Allow a full 10 to 12 hours for a safe, cruisy pace.
- **Essential Gear:** Bring gloves! You will encounter steep sections, scree slopes, and technical rope climbs where gloves will save your hands from chafing.
- **Water:** While Loop Falls and Bridal Falls offer potential spots to refill, always plan your water intake carefully.
- **Navigation:** The track is marked with orange markers on trees. Keep a sharp eye out for them, and consider downloading maps via AllTrails or checking the [Wanderstories](https://wanderstories.space/?ref=townsvillebushwalkingclub.com) blog before you head out.

### A Legacy of Trail Building

It is worth remembering that we owe this incredible resource to the dedication of a group of Vietnam veterans who scouted, planned, and hand-cut this trail in the early 2000s, finally completing it in 2006\. As you navigate the steep terrain and scramble up the ropes, you are walking in the footsteps of a remarkable piece of local history.

### Leave No Trace

As these trails grow in popularity, it is vital that we are all guardians of the bush.

- **Just Footprints:** Stick to established paths and avoid creating new ones.
- **Flagging Tape:** Please do not leave unnecessary tape in the forest. If you do use it for navigation, ensure you take it down on your way back.
- **Pack it Out:** If you see rubbish, pick it up. Let's keep our beautiful North Queensland environment pristine.

Ready to test your limits? Whether you are just hitting Rope Falls for a quick summer swim or grinding out the full ascent to the summit, Mt Halifax is a rewarding adventure. Just remember to tell a friend your plans, pack your gloves, and stay safe out there.

Happy hiking!