Castle Hill Take 3

Castle Hill WWII relics loop (Townsville)
Leader: Luen Warneke
Grade: Moderate (some off-track, rock slabs, scrub)
Distance/time: ~8 km, ~3.5 hrs
Ascent: ~380–450 m
Start/finish: Lower car park, Castle Hill Road
RSVP: Email Luen [email protected] to secure your spot and receive the meetup details.

A loop linking Castle Hill’s WWII sites with a mix of formed tracks, boulder-hopping, and short scrubby off-track sections. Suitable for fit walkers comfortable with uneven terrain. Expect relics, loose rock, heat, and the occasional snake. Bring water, sun protection, long sleeves/leggings, sturdy shoes, a small first-aid kit, and a head torch. Please respect historic structures.

Route summary:
Cutharinga → Ammo Bunker → Erythrina Track → WWII searchlight site → Ladies Track → summit pillboxes/command post → Dianella → Triandra → quarry → stone terraces above West End → Green/Sidney Street “Project 81” bunker (view only) → off-track traverse to West Ridge → Castle Hill Rd → return to Cutharinga.

A compact loop that links searchlight pads, pillboxes, terraces, and the old Project 81 bunker while weaving through some of Castle Hill’s quieter slopes. Great mix of history, off-track terrain, and views across Townsville.