Cloudy Creek and Ethel Creek

Sunday 16th May – Another Luen-Led Adventure
Cloudy and Ethel Creek Explore (Paluma area). Off-track rainforest creek exploration.
Leader – Luen. To register or for more info contact the walk leader
Type of walk – half to full day exploration bushwalking. Walk will be around ~10+ km. Track at start and end of day – but will be several hours off-track exploring the creeks and walking through rainforest, viewing lovely creek scenery. Route map: https://maps.wanderstories.space/?id=1620711096583#-19.00408,146.1967,15z,outdoor,alertsQld/articles
In Brief: Walk on Collins' Track to where it meets and crosses Cloudy Creek, then go down stream to Cloudy Creek Falls (off track). Walk on-track to Ethel Creek Falls. Walk up stream along Ethel Creek and then off-track to the Paluma Ewen Road. Walk back along the road to the village.

This wonderful walk will start and end in Paluma village. The tracks that will be used at various stages of this walk (Collins’ and the Paluma-Ethel Falls Tracks) pass through very scenic rainforest terrain; the off-track portion, particularly down Crystal Creek is straight through the rainforest, where Luen will be busy looking for the best route. This is what off-track is all about. Be aware it could be a little bit overgrown in places and there may be some thorns, etc., from various vines and other shrubs, hence the need for some protective clothing. It may be necessary at times to walk in the creek itself, so wet feet are a definite possibility. Ethel Creek Falls is quite spectacular and makes a great backdrop for a photograph; Did we mention its also a great swimming spot? Well it is, just what tired bodies need. After this we’ll be going through the forest (off-track) to get back to the main road. You will WALK back to Paluma village because no self-respecting driver would stop for a rag tag bunch like us: so no thumbs out to try and hitch a lift back you slackers.

Cost – non-members $5 fee.

What you need – carry water (minimum 2 lt), refill from creek as required (treat / filter your water refill). Due to our proximity to Paluma Village we never can be 100% sure about the water, so we do recommend that if you are comfortable drinking straight from the creek you bring something to treat the water. Tablets like iodine or chlorine, or even a filter should work fine. The alternative is to bring about 4 L for the whole day.

Lunch, snacks / energy food, electrolytes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (to keep the leeches & mozzies at bay), enclosed sturdy footwear, personal first kit. Recommend long sleeve clothing / gaiters to avoid scratches. Some members also wear fingerless gloves. Hiking poles are good on track walks and sometimes when crossing creeks; on off-track sections they are probably best secured in your pack.

Note – footwear will get wet, so wear foot wear that is suitable.

Timing and meet – Meet Paluma Village Green at the car park near the toilet block at 8 am.
Estimated Completion – back at the car park around 2-5 pm depending on group size, how long we spend off track (due to vegetation/terrain), amount of breaks, and fitness levels.

Must be over 18yrs to participate. It’s not that we don’t like youngsters, but visitors are considered temporary members and to be a member you have to be over 18.

In addition Luen must approve your registration for the walk – if he thinks based on the information you provide him or based on the types of walks you’ve done that this isn’t the best option for you, he has the right veto your nomination. This is a safety precaution the Club takes.