Visiting Paluma Range safely
Getting there and getting around
Paluma Range National Park is comprised of the Jourama Falls section and the Mount Spec section.
Jourama Falls section
To get to Jourama Falls, travel north from Townsville or south from Ingham on the Bruce Highway, then turn off onto Jourama Road. The unsealed access road Jourama Road is suitable for most conventional vehicles and caravans. Access may be restricted during the summer wet season when Waterview Creek rises and causeways are impassable.
Within the Jourama Falls section of the national park are:
Mount Spec section
The Mount Spec section of Paluma Range National Park is easily accessible from both Townsville and Ingham. There are 2 turn-offs (northern and southern) onto Barrett Road from the Bruce Highway from which all recreation areas can be reached, either via Spiegelhauer Road or via Mount Spec road.
Within the Mount Spec section (located along Spiegelhauer Road) are:
The following recreation areas are accessed off Mount Spec Road. Buses, caravans and campervans should travel with caution along the winding road:
- Little Crystal Creek day-use area
- McClellands lookout day-use area
- McClellands lookout walking track
- Andree Griffin walking track.
Witts lookout walking track, Cloudy Creek walking track and H track are accessed off Mount Spec Road via the town of Paluma.
Birthday Creek Falls walking track is located along Lake Paluma Road (off Mount Spec Road). Phone Townsville City Council on 1300 878 001 to enquire about the condition of Lake Paluma Road.
Ensure that you drive according to the road conditions and to your vehicle's capabilities. Check with RACQ for road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for updated weather reports.
Wheelchair accessibility
The following facilities are wheelchair-accessible:
- McClellands lookout (however the toilets at the day-use area are not wheelchair-accessible)
- Big Crystal Creek day-use area toilets and shelter shed
- Jourama Falls day-use area toilets and shelter shed
- Jourama Falls camping area toilets and shelter shed
- Little Crystal Creek day-use area toilets.
Staying safe
- Never jump or dive into water and be careful at the water’s edge. Rocks can be extremely slippery and submerged timber can appear after flooding. Always read and follow directions on safety signs.
- Serious injuries and deaths have occurred at Little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, Rockslides or Jourama Falls.
- Never climb on the rocks above Birthday Creek falls as they are slippery and serious injuries could result from a fall.
- Do not attempt to cross strong flowing creeks and streams. Flooding can occur during and after heavy or prolonged periods of rain and the creek may become impassable. Ensure you have several extra days' worth of food.
- Stay on marked tracks.
- Do not feed native wildlife. It is a health risk to them and a safety risk to you.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days.
- Wear insect repellent, clothing and shoes to protect yourself from stings, scratches and bites.
- Cassowaries live in some areas. Never approach or feed these animals and remember to Be CassoWARY!
- Bullrouts (freshwater stonefish) live in some creeks. They can inflict a painful sting if touched. Wear shoes when wading or swimming and take care when investigating unusual rocks or objects. Be aware of the required first-aid procedures. Seek medical attention if stung.
- Always carry adequate drinking water.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit please remember to bring:
- a first-aid kit
- a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- adequate drinking water
- cans or plastic bottles —glass containers are prohibited at the swimming areas of Little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, Paradise waterhole and Rockslides.
- rubbish bags
- insect repellent
- at least one form of communication equipment. Mobile phone coverage is good at McClellands lookout, limited at Big Crystal Creek camping and day-use area and poor elsewhere.
Opening hours
Paluma Range National Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.
Seasonal closures are common in the wetter months, due to flooding. Occasionally in the dryer months the park will be closed due to fires.
Permits and fees
Permits are required for commercial or organised events. View permits and fees for further information. Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Paluma Range National Park.
Climate and weather
Paluma Range National Park has a wet, tropical climate. In summer, rainfall can exceed 500mm in 24 hours. During the cooler months of the year, from April to September, daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 29°C and there is little rainfall.
The summit of Paluma Range/Mount Spec receives an average annual rainfall of almost 3m. 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.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Ingham, Mutarnee, Rollingstone and Townsville.
For more information see the tourism information links.
- Wet season safety information: significant stream rises at swimming locations within Paluma Range National Park 19 December 2023 to 31 March 2024