Wanna know the local’s best kept secret around Townsville? It’s Paluma Range National Park and it should definitely be on your next North Queensland road trip list.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Nywaigi people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

The Paluma Ranges are nestled in the Wet Tropics region of North Queensland. The park stretches across approximately 900,000 hectares of land and is split between two main sections: Mount Spec (south) and Jourama Falls section (north).

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

About Paluma Range National Park

With national parks like the Daintree and islands like Hinchinbrook making any traveller’s eyes glisten with awe, Paluma Range National Park is an easily overlooked treasure. Just an hour north of Townsville and three hours south of Cairns, Paluma Range is the national park that’ll truly satisfy your search for a hidden rainforest wonder.

The northern Jourama Falls section is known for its popular campgrounds, Big Crystal Creek, and naturally, the stunning Jourama Falls. As Big Crystal Creek is situated along the sprawling Paradise Waterhole, it’s easy to understand why travellers stop for a short stay and a quick dip, but I promise Paluma has so much more to discover.

 

Chillin’ at the Rockslides

 

In the southern section, Mount Spec is a lesser-explored area of the park, home to a few remote bush camps along the gorgeous Rollingstone Creek. For experienced hikers, a beautiful overnight trail passes through swaying strangler vines and serene turquoise swimming holes that dot a steady incline up to Mount Halifax summit.

The Paluma Ranges are home to a lovely array of all things that swoop and slither. You’ll find a plethora of tree snakes sunning themselves on rocky clearings, as well as the usual suspects of bush turkeys and possums. If you’re lucky, you may get a visit from a long nose bushrat, a variety of kingfishers, and the occasional barred frog.

Paluma Ranges History

Before its colonial history, a few notable relics remain from the local First Nations groups that populated the area. The first people to have explored the Paluma Ranges were the Nawagi language group. Linda Venn’s book, The First Eighty Years, notes that many of the current popular camping spots today would likely have been created by the Aboriginal population and were re-used by colonists.

Rock art has been discovered in the open Paluma Ranges, but sadly there isn’t a lot of non-perishable evidence remaining, as the area receives around 1000mm more rainfall a year than Townsville. The natural conditions of the leaf litter and the frequent rainfall mean much of the original First Nations relics were lost to nature.

It’s now understood that the area of Crystal Creek had at least three different language groups passing through. Most significantly, the Nawagi Linguistic group named the range Munan Gumburu, roughly translated to ‘misty mountain’ – Paluma’s first name.

Like many Queensland national parks, Paluma Range saw its foundations in Australia’s early mining boom for natural minerals, notably gold and alluvial tin. Similarly, sites throughout the base of Paluma forest were used for the logging of timber and even as a training ground for WWII.

How to Get to Paluma Range National Park

Paluma Range National Park has a few different areas to dig your boots into so it’s best to arrive by car. The Big and Little Crystal Creek section of the park is accessible by most conventional vehicles and campers.

We drove the approximately 15-hour drive from Brisbane to just north of Townsville, but if you’re travelling from further south or prefer not to drive so far, I recommend flying into Townsville or Cairns and hiring a car.

 

Speccy rock formations at the lower rockslides

Where to Stay in Paluma Range

On both occasions that I’ve travelled to Paluma Range, I found the best place to stay was at Big Crystal Creek Campground, thanks to its proximity to the popular rockslides and Paradise Waterhole.

But there are multiple national park campgrounds in the area that can be your basecamp for exploring the park, including at the base of Jourama Falls and in the north, Lake Paluma.

There are also a number of Hipcamp sites close to the national park for those after powered sites, with some offering glamping experiences.

If you’re not a camper, Townsville isn’t too far south and has plenty of cute Airbnbs or holiday park options as well.

Where to Eat in the Paluma Ranges

There are a few adorable cafes close to the main Paluma Ranges township to stop for something to eat and drink while you’re exploring the area.

The Possum and Pumpkin cafe, the Rainforest Inn, and the Ivy Cottage are all very popular stops for wonderful home cooked meals, baked goods, and coffee. Think delectable toasted sandwiches, scones, and banana bread delicately soaked in the right amount of butter.

Essential Gear

  • Head torch
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle / bladder
  • Snacks
  • Hiking boots
  • Hammock
  • Floaties
  • Swimmers
  • Camping gear
  • Plenty of non-toxic insect repellant
  • A sturdy north Queensland appropriate rain jacket!
  • Goggles if you want to spot the curious wonderful perch that inhabit the region

What it’s Like to Visit Paluma Range National Park

One of the main reasons I wanted to return to Paluma Range was because on my first trip, I’d heard so little of this stunning slice of paradise between Townsville and Cairns that I hardly allocated any time there.

All together, approximately 4-5 days would be the ideal amount of time to spend at Paluma Range if you want to hike, kayak, and swim (including time spent at camp for a rest day or two).

Hiking

The highlight of Paluma Range National Park are the wonderful hikes in the area, including:

Crystal Creek Rockslides

Distance: ~5km
Skill level: Intermediate

This is a short walk from Big Crystal Creek Campground. You can carry your floaties and towel down to the swimming spot and enjoy a day lounging next to the curious Jungle perch.

Upper Rockslides

Lower Rockslides

Paradise Waterhole

Distance: ~500m out and back
Skill level: Beginner

This one is just a short walk from the Big Crystal Creek Campground.

 

The walk from camp to Paradise Waterhole

 

Jourama Falls

Distance: ~3km out and back
Skill level: Moderate

This trail stops at the viewing platform of Jourama Falls and takes you back to the day use area where there’s a swimming hole and BBQs for use.

 

McClelland Lookout and Cloudy Creek Falls

Distance: ~5km loop

This trail passes through the McClelland Valley and crosses light coloured sandy creeks, making for gorgeously clear water running through the forest.

 

Gorge and Rope Falls

Skill level: Intermediate
Distance: ~4km out and back

We thoroughly enjoyed going to Gorge and Rope Falls. Though the walk was fairly short, it’s the start of the longer Mount Halifax hike, with lots of hidden gems and secluded spots to find along the way. There are no steep sections in this part but it’s a steady incline beside the flowing creek.

Gorge Falls

Rope Falls

Mount Halifax overnight hike

Skill level: Advanced
Distance: ~18km out and back

One of the best parts of being in north Queensland is exploring the different creeks to find your own quiet bubble of abundance off the beaten track, which this trail does very well! Be warned though, there’s a fair amount of hopping between boulders in this part of the park, so have plenty of snacks and water!

This longer and remote trail requires at least one or two nights’ stay at a remote bush camp.

Read more: How To Hike Off-Track

 

Wild Swimming & Watersports

If you’re looking for a break from walking, the northern section of the park contains the main water catchment for the area – Lake Paluma. Here you can grab your floaties or kayaks and set out on an exploration of the surrounding lake.

In the south of the park lies Little Crystal Creek, where you can relax under the heritage-listed stone arch bridge, one of the park’s best kept secrets.

But I’d prioritise a trip to the Rockslides (also called the Cascades) to slide down the natural slippery dip!

 

Smoothed granite make for a fun slippery dip!

 

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

The Big Crystal Creek day use area is perfect for a whole day stop. There’s plenty of open space to park up and use the facilities including BBQs and picnic tables for the day – just remember to take your rubbish with you as there are no bins in the area!

 

Animal Spotting

Bird and critter spotting is a great activity in the area. No matter which part of the park you explore, you’ll be surrounded by a range of fauna that’s worth keeping an eye on! Spot a Golden bowerbird, a deep indigo Chowchilla (both exclusively found in the wet tropics), or even the Southern Bookbook owl.

Paluma Range National Park is one of few places Explorers may be able to spot the endangered Mahogany glider. And I can’t forget the local Jungle perch that are so curious and brave and swim right up against you while taking a dip!

Read more: Why Birdwatching Will Improve Your Next Adventure & How To Get Started

Tips For Visiting Paluma Range National Park

  • Book in advance – Big Crystal Creek Campground is quite spacious but it books out fairly quickly during peak travel seasons or school holidays so definitely book a site in advance
  • Low clearance cars beware – While the campground is mostly accessible by traditional vehicles, it’s a gravel road with a few small hills, so if your car is particularly low, be sure to keep an eye on the site conditions
  • Be prepared to hike in changing conditions – The Paluma Ranges receive far more rainfall than the rest of the surrounding areas, so it’s pretty common to set out in a downpour and have the most beautiful, clear sky by the time you get to camp

FAQs Paluma Range National Park

How far is Townsville from Paluma Range National Park?

From Townsville to Big Crystal Creek in the national park, it’s an hour’s drive north.

Can you swim in Lake Paluma?

Yes! Swimming is allowed at Lake Paluma, as are non-motorised vessels like kayaks.

What to do in Paluma Range National Park?

There are plenty of short walks through rainforest to different swimming holes and waterfalls. If you want to walk further, the overnight hike to Mt Halifax is a remote walk in the park. There are also many day use areas and campgrounds for cooking and relaxing in the natural surrounds. If you’re interested in animals, bring your binoculars and go birdwatching and animal spotting.

How do I get to Paluma Range National Park?

To reach Paluma Range National Park, you’ll need to drive there as there’s no public transport. From Townsville it’s an hour’s drive to the park, and from Cairns it’s around 3.5 hours. A great first stop in the park is Big Crystal Creek, as there’s a day use area.

Keep Finding North Queensland Treasures

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