Walk Reports June 2014
June 2014 adventures included Cockatoo Creek, Upper Ethel Falls, and a three-day Cape Cleveland trip, with creek walks, rainforest tracks, coastal camps, waterfalls, swimming holes, and plenty of North Queensland character.
Cockatoo Creek - Sunday 1st June 2014 one day
Started from Alligator Creek NP day use area, along the track to Cockatoo Creek junction. Evidence of significant erosion and vegetation damage here. Walk upstream, lot of vegetation has been removed by floodwaters (Cyclone Ita we presume), and the creek scenery looked bit different. Reached the smoko stop at the waterfall, there has been erosion in this area also. Nice stop, then walk further upstream, more erosion evident. Pass a nice pool, until just after midday, then return to the nice pool for lunch. After a while sitting there, realise this is the old traditional lunch stop pool, but it looks different with vegetation removed by floodwater, and bank erosion, but some large rocks remained familiar. Pool was very clean and great swimming. Return down the creek to the waterfall pool for an afternoon swim. Then head home, at creek junction follow Alligator Creek all the way down to the car park.
Upper Ethel Falls Sunday 1st June 2014 Intro Walk – half day
This was the second of the Intro walk series being run by Wilfred. Twelve visitors and four members attended. Walk from Paluma village along the tracks to Cloudy Creek crossing. Crossing here took some time with wet rocks, and some of the visitors not quite used to this type of crossing. Walk along the track through rainforest, to reach Upper Ethel Falls. 12 walkers went down to base of the falls and pool, remainder stayed at top. After a suitable break, walk up the track to Hussey Road, then road walk back into Paluma village. Lunch or Devonshire tea at Rainbow Inn was enjoyed.
Cape Cleveland 7-9th June 2014 Long Weekend three day
A new ocean coastal route walk to Cape Cleveland was planned, starting from AIMS. Phil organised approval and access with AIMS. Phil and Wilfred performed route clearing to Paradise Beach in the week leading up. Large packs with camping gear were sent over on the barge. Participants dropped off their packs to the barge operator (Ray) on Friday evening. Day packs were only required for the actual bushwalking.
Saturday – after a hectic start to the day for Wilfred (goat drama), the group met at AIMS and started the walk. Two hour walk to Paradise Beach using the route cleared by Phil and Wilfred. Lot of butterflies in Butterfly Gorge. From Paradise Beach, climb up to the coastal ridge and follow that until the lighthouse was in sight. Spectacular coastal and granite rock views along the way. Just before the cape, then run into thick gnarly vegetation, that was difficult and time consuming to traverse. Arrive at the cape at 3:45 pm. If you can avoid the thick vegetation near the cape at end of walk, it would be about a 5 hour walk in. Barge operator was there with the large packs. Windy night in tents on the cape.
Sunday – wake to light rain. A relaxing day at the cape. Wilfred and co relaxed by marching off and spending the day track clearing. Back at the cape, Ray made a nice damper for afternoon smoko. Dinner was a large pot of curry and rice provided by Ray. Luxury ! Glenys spent the day being terrorised by a six yr old ! Lot of turtles spotted in the waters below the cape cliffs. That night strong winds came up. At 7 pm tents were being blown away, so packed up the tents and went inside the old lighthouse keepers house for the night.
Monday – 8:30 am start the return journey. Find and follow the old telegraph line track, counting 21 poles to Red Rock Bay. Cross the ridge and descend to Long Beach, smoko here. A large pig runs away from the group. During smoko, six piglets run by, this presents a photo opportunity with a piglet. After smoko, head up the valley that runs inland but parallel to the ocean coast, easy walking, gradual climb, to cross the saddle and walk down into Paradise Beach. Then back to AIMS, arrive 2:30 pm.. About 5 ½ hours walking.
A great coastal walk with spectacular views, and not overly hard. Suitable for a two day walk from AIMS, or even a one day walk if can use barge for return to Townsville that afternoon. The scungy stuff near the cape can be avoided.
