October Newsletter 2025

Hey friends,

It’s been a busy month on the tracks and off-track! Thanks to all who joined in on our recent adventures – from exploring Castle Hill's WWII relics, scrambling up to Hermit Falls, cooling off at Alligator Creek Falls, to discovering the wild side of White Rock Bay, North Creek, and Paluma. These trip reports from these walks are now available on the website for your enjoyment.

September Trip Reports

DCK Hut Long Weekend - Trip ReportEscape the heat of Townsville and retreat into Paluma Range National Park. A long weekend at DCK Hut meant rainforest hikes, icy creek swims, orchids in bloom, and nights by the fire. Adventure, wildlife, and waterfalls — classic North Queensland bushwalking at its best.Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking ClubCastle Hill WWII relics loop - Trip ReportExplore Castle Hill’s hidden WWII relics & bunkers on this 8 km loop in Townsville. From ammo bunkers and searchlight sites to quarry ruins and stone fortifications, this moderate hike combines history, off-track adventure, and sweeping views—perfect for fit walkers seeking heritage and exploration.Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking ClubTerraces turns North - Trip ReportNorth Creek bushwalk, Bowling Green Bay National Park. Off-track exploring, rock-hopping, scrambling, wildlife encounters, and a refreshing swim at the waterfall. A stunning day with great company, pristine creeks, and historic North Queensland scenery.Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking ClubAlligator Creek Falls - Trip ReportA fun day out at Alligator Creek Falls! Eleven hikers enjoyed bush tracks, two chilly river crossings, and the breathtaking waterfall. Some braved a swim while others relaxed on the rocks. Laughter, photos, and shared snacks made the return walk just as memorable.Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking ClubWhite Rock Bay - Trip ReportA small group explored the rarely visited western side of Cape Cleveland, with 4x4 thrills, sandy coast walks, mangrove sounds, sea eagles, rock scrambles, and a shady dune lunch before uncovering relics and tamarind treats.Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking ClubHermit Falls - Trip ReportNine walkers tackled Hermit Falls the hard way, navigating thick bush, creek crossings, snakes, and scrub bashing before enjoying a chilly swim and the falls’ best views, finishing with the classic Frosty Mango stop.Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking Club

Upcoming walks:

• Tully Gorge Challenge – Sat 11 Oct (very hard, exploratory)
• The Terraces**** - Thursday 16 Oct (hard, off-track)
• Blue Gum Circuit, Paluma – Sun 26 Oct (rainforest and creeks)

Check your emails, Facebook, or our website for full details, walk ratings, and a list of what to bring. Please remember to RSVP directly with the walk leader.

New: Our historic trip report archive is live!

We're proud to announce that six decades of the Club's trip reports, from our beloved historic logbook and ESCAPE magazines, are now available online. Take a journey back through time — from the dugout canoe expedition up the Herbert River in 1961, to rediscovering old Mt Spec–Paluma mining trails in 1965, and even that infamous abseil off a grass tree on Hinchinbrook's Fingers Ridge.

👉 Explore the archive: townsvillebushwalkingclub.com

Happy trails, Luen & the Townsville Bushwalking Club Committee