The Original Scramble Track
📅Friday 10 April 2026 5:30 pm
About this event
When: 10th April 2026
Location: Castle Hill, Townsville
Leader: Luen
Grade: 4
RSVP: [email protected]
Step off the better-known Castle Hill paths and explore one of the hill's older, rougher, and more mysterious lines to the summit. This hike follows what is thought to be one of the original routes up Castle Hill - a historical track that appears in aerial imagery from the 1950s and is known by several names, including The Cleft Track, The Crack Track, or simply "THE Track".
We will begin on the Cudtheringa Track and leave the main trail between the Eastern and Western Bluffs, heading into the gully that once formed this direct old route to the top. The track follows an intermittent creek line, with faded white-painted arrows still marking parts of the way. Along the route, we will pass the rock climbing crag called "Alias" and an old rusty ladder - a relic from a time when this section would likely have been climbed as a scramble - before continuing steeply upward to emerge near one of the Pillar Box Walk lookouts.
This is a short but steep, rough, and adventurous climb with a strong historical feel. Expect loose terrain, rocky footing, and some hands-on movement. Although the route itself is no longer maintained as a trail and was closed, this outing is for experienced walkers who are comfortable on steep off-track terrain and interested in Castle Hill's lesser-known past.
Bring:
- At least 1.5 L of water
- Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
- Hat and sun protection
- Small snacks
- A small first aid kit
- Gloves optional, but handy for rough sections
This walk is suited to confident, sure-footed hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. It is not suitable for beginners, children, or anyone uncomfortable with steep, unstable terrain.
Clicking "Going" on Facebook does not register you for the event. Also, note that the location listed on the Facebook Event is not where we are meeting. The meeting location will be emailed to you by the walk leader once you've RSVP'd.
Location: Castle Hill, Townsville
Leader: Luen
Grade: 4
RSVP: [email protected]
Step off the better-known Castle Hill paths and explore one of the hill's older, rougher, and more mysterious lines to the summit. This hike follows what is thought to be one of the original routes up Castle Hill - a historical track that appears in aerial imagery from the 1950s and is known by several names, including The Cleft Track, The Crack Track, or simply "THE Track".
We will begin on the Cudtheringa Track and leave the main trail between the Eastern and Western Bluffs, heading into the gully that once formed this direct old route to the top. The track follows an intermittent creek line, with faded white-painted arrows still marking parts of the way. Along the route, we will pass the rock climbing crag called "Alias" and an old rusty ladder - a relic from a time when this section would likely have been climbed as a scramble - before continuing steeply upward to emerge near one of the Pillar Box Walk lookouts.
This is a short but steep, rough, and adventurous climb with a strong historical feel. Expect loose terrain, rocky footing, and some hands-on movement. Although the route itself is no longer maintained as a trail and was closed, this outing is for experienced walkers who are comfortable on steep off-track terrain and interested in Castle Hill's lesser-known past.
Bring:
- At least 1.5 L of water
- Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
- Hat and sun protection
- Small snacks
- A small first aid kit
- Gloves optional, but handy for rough sections
This walk is suited to confident, sure-footed hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. It is not suitable for beginners, children, or anyone uncomfortable with steep, unstable terrain.
Clicking "Going" on Facebook does not register you for the event. Also, note that the location listed on the Facebook Event is not where we are meeting. The meeting location will be emailed to you by the walk leader once you've RSVP'd.
👥 Attending: 2
❤️ Interested: 12