Paluma Range Traverse (3 days)

The Paluma Range traverse is a fantastic 3 day, 35 km track walk with mountain creeks, lookouts, waterfalls, world heritage wet tropics rainforest, and camping at nice creeks.

WHEN
October Long Weekend 3rd-5 th Saturday to Monday

WALK DESCRIPTION
A fantastic 3 day, 35 km hike to traverse the Paluma Range rainforest tracks system, from Paradise Lagoon (Mutarnee) to Jourama Falls. The route follows rainforest mountain tracks.

Day 1 is a 10 km hike, cross Crystal Creek, pass nice mountain creeks, climb up Bullocky Toms track, via Cloudy Lookout and Gold Ck Falls (top spot!) to camp at Johnstone’s Clearing, a wonderful rainforest camp spot next to a rainforest creek. It is approx an 800 mr ascent. So yes, it is a steep climb up Bullocky Toms Track (2 to 3 hrs continual steep up from Cairn Ck to Gold Ck Falls).

Day 2 is a nice undulating 15 km rainforest walk through the top of the range. But the undulations means still an overall ascent over the day of 450 mr with overall descent is 540 mr – call it flattish then ! Pass through DCK Hut, Mt Spec, Prospector Creek, to camp at Station Creek, adjacent to a rainforest creek.

Day 3 is a wonderful day, only 11 km, all downhill after the first hour or so, to Waterview Ck. Maybe detour to Black Hole Falls. Then reach the amazing top of Jourama Falls. The finale is to descend the slopes with great views of Jourama Falls as you descend, to reach the car park. Total descent of 1,000 mr (ascent of 300 over the day), there are some steep down bits. Oh, after the top of Jourama Falls, there is a short steep climb though before the finale descent J

Whilst a track walk, it can be on rough rainforest tracks with tree roots, uneven footing, and rocks at times.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
You need to be self sufficient for 3 days of walking and camping.
- Hiking / Camping gear – keep it light (recommend lightweight shelter (tent/tarp) with insect protection, lightweight mattress and sleeping bag/quilt, cooking gear)
- Insect repellent
- Sun protections: hat, sunscreen, long sleeve clothing
- Hiking poles will be handy for some walkers.
- Water – generally only need to carry 2 lt of water during the day, but have capacity for 4 lt. Refill from rainforest creeks (recommend treat / filter water refills). Electrolytes are recommended.
- Camp clothes recommended - include a fleece or something warm for nights (some also take thermals as nights can be chilly). Wet weather gear.
- Food and drinks for 3 days
- Personal first aid kit

Any questions about hiking / camping gear suitability, feel free to ask Wilfred (walk leader)

WHEN
Start: Saturday 3/10 - expect an early start!
Finish: Monday 5/10 - Back at cars approx 5pm

COST
Non members = $5 walk fee for insurance
Must be over 18years to participate

WALK LEADER, INFO and REGISTRATION
Walk leader is Wilfred
To discuss suitability, to register or for more information please contact [email protected] and we will get back to you asap.

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Please note:
To protect the privacy of club officials, walk leaders, property owners or sensitive areas, contact details and some locations won't be published on Facebook or website. Please contact the club via email and we will respond ASAP.

On some activities, walker numbers may be limited to promote the safety and enjoyment of all, due to location size and ability to socially distance or to reduce our environmental impact at some locations.

COVID-19
Please do not attend if you are unwell, have symptoms or have been ordered to quarantine or isolate. Social distancing and self managed hygiene practices are strongly encouraged, and the club will not be organising car pooling opportunities at present. The club is cognisant of the QORF COVID SAFE PLAN for Outdoor Recreation Providers. On some walks, as noted above, numbers may be limited.

We hope to see you on a walk soon.