Frances Creek Gorge

Frances Creek Gorge
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Location: Paluma Range National Park area
Leader: Luen
RSVP: [email protected]
Grade: 5 - medium, off-track

Frances Creek Gorge is a remote and rewarding off-track adventure in the Paluma Range area, exploring a beautiful granite creek system with sandy creek flats, slabby rock sections, cascades, waterfalls, and a small gorge where Frances Creek meets Flagstone Creek.

This walk is for fit bushwalkers who are comfortable with uneven terrain, rock hopping, creek walking, route finding, and slow off-track progress. The creek begins relatively open and sandy, but becomes rockier and more rugged as elevation is gained. Along the way, expect beautiful pools, granite slabs, small falls, and the scenic creek junction gorge that makes this area such a worthwhile destination.

Since we could not gain access via the nearby private property, we'll be doing this as a circuit all within the national park. Depending on conditions, the route may include extended sections of rock hopping, wet feet, and scrambling over or around boulders and creek obstacles. Some sections may be slippery, rough underfoot, or require care when moving through the creek bed and along the banks.

This walk involves off-track travel in remote terrain. Hazards may include slippery rocks, loose surfaces, uneven ground, rock scrambling, scratched legs, wet feet, submerged rocks, creek crossings, and exposure to heat and humidity. There may also be snakes, insects, leeches, stinging plants, and other typical North Queensland bush hazards. The easier access route is dependent on landholder permission. Participants must be self-reliant and prepared for a full day away from formed tracks.

What to bring:
- At least 2-3 L of water, more if hot conditions are expected
- Lunch and snacks for the day
- Sturdy footwear with good grip that you do not mind getting wet
- Hat and sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Long sleeves or gaiters for scratch protection
- Dry bag for anything you do not want to get wet
- Small first aid kit
- Towel and swimmers if you would like a swim
- Change of clothes for the trip home

Meeting details and further logistics will be provided once you RSVP directly to Luen.

Townsville Bushwalking Club members: Free
Visitors: $5 per walk. After completing three club walks, you are welcome to join as a member.

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 have RSVP'd.

Please read the Townsville Bushwalking Club’s Walker Guidelines and What to Bring information on the club website 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/