
Free Entry
Cloudy Creek walk, Paluma Range National Park - Learn about the local plants, animals and the area's colourful history on this walk through the rainforest to Cloudy Creek. From the car park, a 150 metre track leads you to McClellands lookout with extensive views of Halifax Bay and the Palm Islands. Follow the track past the lookout for 200 metres and take the left-hand track at the signposted junction.The track then leads to a series of small waterfalls along Cloudy Creek.
... moreSome sections of this walk are steep with many steps and boulder hopping and, because of the high elevation, the temperature is often cool and shrouded in mist. Stay on the track at all times, wear sturdy footwear and sun protection and take adequate drinking water.
Grade: moderate.
Distance: four kilometres return.
Time: allow about 2.5 hours walking time.
... lessBring sturdy shoes for walking. It is also advisable to bring sunscreen, hat and clothes for protection from the sun.
Visitors can swim at Paradise Waterhole, Big Crystal Creek and Little Crystal Creek but should check water depths before entering. Diving into creeks and waterholes is not recommended.
Visit between May and September when the weather and track conditions are at their best.
Disabled:
Wheelchair access is provided to McClelland's lookout via the second entrance. Turn-off Mount Spec Road onto Loop Road, the turn-off to first entrance is immediately to the right. The second entrance is just a short distance further along Loop Road. A short, sealed pathway leads to the lookout and wheelchair-accessible toilets and a shelter shed. The toilets and shelter shed at Big Crystal Creek and the toilets at Little Crystal Creek are also wheelchair-accessible.
How To Get There
From Townsville
Travel 61 kilometres north of Townsville along the Bruce Highway before turning left at the southern turn-off onto Barrett Road. Drive four kilometres west and turn left onto Mount Spec Road. From the turn-off drive six kilometres to 17 kilometres to McClellands lookout and the Paluma township.
From Ingham
Drive 40 kilometres south along the Bruce Highway and turn right at the northern turn-off onto Barrett Road. To reach McClellands lookout, from the Spiegelhauer Road turn-off drive a further two kilometres along Barrett Road. Turn right into Mount Spec Road and drive 17 kilometres to McClellands lookout and the Paluma township.
Weather
The summit of Paluma Range/Mount Spec receives an average annual rainfall of almost three millimetres. Much of this rain comes from moisture-laden air from the sea cooling as it rises over the range. Mists are common and, in summer, the area is often cloaked in low cloud.
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