Taking on Mt Halifax: The Ultimate North Queensland Hike

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 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!