North Creek
📅Sunday 12 July 2026 7:00 am
About this event
When: Sunday 12 July 2026
Location: North Creek, Bowling Green Bay National Park
Leader: Amanda
Grade: M55
M = Duration: Medium - 4 to 6 hours
5 = Terrain: Sustained rough terrain, creek walking, boulder hopping, moderate scrub, and some scrambling
5 = Fitness: Moderate to hard - sustained effort over rough terrain, including a steep climb
Approximately 11.5 km return, following North Creek through granite creek country, waterfalls, boulder fields, steep ridges, and off-track terrain.
https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/club-walk-grading-system/
AWTGS = 5 - off-track creek walking, rock hopping, scrambling, bush bashing, steep slopes, and rough terrain
Distance: Approximately 11.5 km return
Duration: Allow approximately 5-6 hours
Join Amanda for an adventurous off-track walk into North Creek, also known as Sandy Creek, in Bowling Green Bay National Park. Once used by the Townsville Bushwalking Club as an introductory off-track walk, this route offers granite creek scenery, waterfalls, rock pools, mountain views, and a rewarding swimming hole beneath the upper falls.
The walk begins on established tracks before leaving the formed trail and following North Creek upstream. The route involves sustained rock-hopping, boulder scrambling, creek-walking, and navigating around waterfalls and rocky obstacles. Some sections may require short climbs over rock slabs or detours through vegetation. The exact route is undecided, but we normally walk up the ridgeline for most of it to avoid the large boulders near the bottom.
Beyond the lower waterfalls and fig tree pool, the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged. The group will generally leave the creek and climb onto the western ridgeline, sometimes known as Horse Ridge, to avoid the largest boulders and drop-offs. This section includes a steep, scrambly climb and a faint, unformed route through the bush.
The goal will be the upper North Creek falls, approximately 530 m above sea level. Depending on conditions, time, and the group's progress, there may be an opportunity to descend to the pool beneath the falls for lunch and a refreshing swim.
Although North Creek has traditionally been considered a good introduction to off-track walking, participants must be aware that it's not an easy formed-track hike and that they must be comfortable moving over uneven, slippery rocks, scrambling around boulders, walking through vegetation, and climbing steep, unformed terrain. Good balance, confidence on rough ground, and a reasonable level of fitness are required.
The final route and turnaround point may be adjusted by the walk leader depending on weather, creek conditions, group progress, and time.
Bring:
* At least 2 L of water, with 3 L recommended
* Lunch, morning tea, and snacks
* Sturdy footwear with good grip
* Sun protection
* Insect repellent
* Long sleeves and/or long pants for vegetation
* Swimmers and a small towel
* First aid kit with compression bandages
* Personal locator beacon, if you have one
* A waterproof bag for items that need to remain dry
Meeting details will be provided once you RSVP. Clicking "Going" on Facebook does not register you for the event. The meeting location and final details will be emailed to registered participants by the walk leader.
The events are free for members and non-members. However, after completing three club walks, you must apply to become a member.
Please read the Townsville Bushwalking Club's Walker Guidelines and What to Bring information before attending.
Walker Guidelines - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/walker-guidelines/
Walk Together - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/walk-together/
What to Bring? - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/what-to-bring/
Location: North Creek, Bowling Green Bay National Park
Leader: Amanda
Grade: M55
M = Duration: Medium - 4 to 6 hours
5 = Terrain: Sustained rough terrain, creek walking, boulder hopping, moderate scrub, and some scrambling
5 = Fitness: Moderate to hard - sustained effort over rough terrain, including a steep climb
Approximately 11.5 km return, following North Creek through granite creek country, waterfalls, boulder fields, steep ridges, and off-track terrain.
https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/club-walk-grading-system/
AWTGS = 5 - off-track creek walking, rock hopping, scrambling, bush bashing, steep slopes, and rough terrain
Distance: Approximately 11.5 km return
Duration: Allow approximately 5-6 hours
Join Amanda for an adventurous off-track walk into North Creek, also known as Sandy Creek, in Bowling Green Bay National Park. Once used by the Townsville Bushwalking Club as an introductory off-track walk, this route offers granite creek scenery, waterfalls, rock pools, mountain views, and a rewarding swimming hole beneath the upper falls.
The walk begins on established tracks before leaving the formed trail and following North Creek upstream. The route involves sustained rock-hopping, boulder scrambling, creek-walking, and navigating around waterfalls and rocky obstacles. Some sections may require short climbs over rock slabs or detours through vegetation. The exact route is undecided, but we normally walk up the ridgeline for most of it to avoid the large boulders near the bottom.
Beyond the lower waterfalls and fig tree pool, the terrain becomes steeper and more rugged. The group will generally leave the creek and climb onto the western ridgeline, sometimes known as Horse Ridge, to avoid the largest boulders and drop-offs. This section includes a steep, scrambly climb and a faint, unformed route through the bush.
The goal will be the upper North Creek falls, approximately 530 m above sea level. Depending on conditions, time, and the group's progress, there may be an opportunity to descend to the pool beneath the falls for lunch and a refreshing swim.
Although North Creek has traditionally been considered a good introduction to off-track walking, participants must be aware that it's not an easy formed-track hike and that they must be comfortable moving over uneven, slippery rocks, scrambling around boulders, walking through vegetation, and climbing steep, unformed terrain. Good balance, confidence on rough ground, and a reasonable level of fitness are required.
The final route and turnaround point may be adjusted by the walk leader depending on weather, creek conditions, group progress, and time.
Bring:
* At least 2 L of water, with 3 L recommended
* Lunch, morning tea, and snacks
* Sturdy footwear with good grip
* Sun protection
* Insect repellent
* Long sleeves and/or long pants for vegetation
* Swimmers and a small towel
* First aid kit with compression bandages
* Personal locator beacon, if you have one
* A waterproof bag for items that need to remain dry
Meeting details will be provided once you RSVP. Clicking "Going" on Facebook does not register you for the event. The meeting location and final details will be emailed to registered participants by the walk leader.
The events are free for members and non-members. However, after completing three club walks, you must apply to become a member.
Please read the Townsville Bushwalking Club's Walker Guidelines and What to Bring information before attending.
Walker Guidelines - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/walker-guidelines/
Walk Together - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/walk-together/
What to Bring? - https://townsvillebushwalkingclub.com/what-to-bring/
👥 Attending: 1
❤️ Interested: 5