The Terraces and High Camp - Trip Report
An adventurous Townsville Bushwalking Club trip to The Terraces and High Camp, with 15 walkers enjoying post-wet-season waterfalls, wet granite scrambles, Princess Pools, Crystal Falls, High Camp, and a swim at the Palm Creek Rockslides in full flow.
Date: Saturday, 16 March 2024
Leader: Luen
Participants: 15
Area: St Margaret Creek, Palm Creek area, Bowling Green Bay National Park
Grade: 5
Luen led a group of 15 walkers into The Terraces and High Camp, one of the classic off-track waterfall walks in the Palm Creek area. The route started from private property, with permission arranged for the walk, and followed the old access roads towards the base of the range. Luen rode his bike at walking pace to the end of the road before joining the group on foot for the rest of the day.
The first section along the farmland roads was a little overgrown due to the recent wet season. After roads end, the group continued on single track towards Black Rock, where we stopped for a quick break. Black Rock is a well-known landmark on the approach to The Terraces and marks the transition from the lower access route into the more rugged part of the walk. The broader area is known for its rock hopping, waterfalls, steep scrambles, and the long creek system that leads up towards High Camp.
From Black Rock, we continued on and then took the right-hand route down towards Princess Pools and Sandy Beach. With the creek flowing strongly after the wet season, this was where most walkers first got their feet wet. The extra water made the whole area look spectacular, with cascades, pools, and polished granite slabs all looking their best, but it also meant the water levels were higher, leaving less dry rock exposed to step on. Fortunately, the weather stayed kind to us, giving us a good window for the full route.
From Sandy Beach, we took a shortcut up and over the ridgeline towards The Terraces creek. From there, we rocked hope up the creek a little and then followed the overflow beside the creek towards the base of The Terraces. The creek was in excellent condition, with clear water moving through the slabs and pools, and the sound of running water carrying up the valley. The group then scrambled up the cliff line to reach the main Terraces granite slabs, where we stopped for morning tea, a break, and a swim.
This was one of the highlights of the day. With the creek running well, the waterfalls were full, the pools were inviting, and the granite platforms made a perfect place to pause and take it all in. It was also a treat to have Adrian Tuck along for the walk. Adrian is a legendary Townsville photographer, and he captured some beautiful images of the group, the waterfalls, and the rainforest setting.
After the break, most of the group pushed on upstream towards Prince Falls. Ultima Falls is made up of the lower Prince Falls and the upper Crystal Falls. We climbed around to the right and reached the platform at the base of Crystal Falls, where the water was glimmering in the sun as it cascaded down the broken rock. Adrian stayed behind here to spend more time photographing the falls, while the rest of the group continued upwards to High Camp.
High Camp is a huge monolithic granite formation high above the creek, and it made a fitting high point for the walk. After the climb, the group had earned the chance to stop, look around, and enjoy the dramatic setting. From there, we returned mostly the same way, carefully descending the wet rocks and creek sections.
On the way back, we changed the route slightly and took a shortcut straight across the ridge straight to the Rockslides. This gave everyone one more chance to cool off before the walkout. Some made the most of the flowing water by sliding down the natural rockslides, while others were happy to simply swim and relax in the creek.
From the Rockslides, we walked back off-track towards the private property access point, completing a full and rewarding day in one of the most spectacular waterfall areas near Townsville.
The post-wet-season flow made the creeks especially beautiful, though it also required extra care due to higher water levels and slippery edges. A big thanks to the property owner for allowing access. The Terraces once again proved why it remains one of the great classics of the Townsville Bushwalking Club.
- Luen
Photos by Adrian Tuck
