Running River / Puzzle Creek day walk with pack swims

RSVP accepted via this platform - ❌
RSVP via email to walk leader directly - ✅👍
Please Note: Selecting Going on Facebook Events does not automatically register you for this event. Please contact the leader directly at [email protected]
(Wilfred Karnoll) to secure your spot on this TBWC hike. This is important due diligence for our club insurance.

Running River / Puzzle Creek day walk with pack swims
When: Sunday 24 May 2026
Location: Hidden Valley / Running River area
Leader: Wilfred
Grade: 5 (rough track, rock hopping, pack swims, and exposed gorge terrain)
RSVP: [email protected]

Wilfred will be leading an adventurous day walk into the Running River Gorge area, starting from private property where we have permission to access the route. The walk begins on a rough track descending into the gorge, then makes its way around the Running River and Puzzle Creek junctions, with great views of the surrounding gorge country, waterfalls, and granite formations.

From there, the plan is to head down into Running River Gorge and then downstream and out on the other side and up and over the ridgeline and then down into Puzzle Creek to visit Saint Peter's Gate - a striking rock formation near the creek - where we can enjoy the scenery, explore the waterfalls, and stop for a swim, morning tea, or lunch. After that, the route continues by rock hopping down Puzzle Creek to its junction with Running River, followed by a pack swim, and then the climb back out on the track.

If time and conditions allow, the group may also stop at Upper Running River Waterfall for another lookout into the gorge and views towards the main Running River falls. This is a proper North Queensland adventure day with rough ground, creek travel, swims, scrambling, and a real sense of exploring dramatic country.

This walk is suited to bushwalkers who are comfortable on uneven terrain, with rock hopping, exposure to heights in places, and carrying their gear through swims. Expect a social but adventurous day out rather than a marked-track stroll or a walk along The Strand.

Please note: access begins via private property, and permission has been obtained. Please be respectful of the land, follow the leader's instructions, and do not share access details outside the walk.

Bring:
At least 2-3 L of water
Lunch and snacks
Swimmers and towel
Sturdy footwear with good grip
Clothes suitable for swimming and walking
Dry bag or pack liner for anything that must stay dry
Hat and sun protection
Change of clothes for the trip home

Meeting details will be provided once you RSVP directly to Wilfred at [email protected]

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 locations will be emailed to you by the walk leader once you've 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/