Townsville Town Common Conservation Park Townsville

Easy

Distance: 8.2km return
Time: allow 4hr walking time; 2hr riding time

Following the edge of a large marine plain, this trail leads through coastal woodland before finishing at the western end of Shelly Beach. Trail users must return the way they came. The northern part of this trail, towards the beach, is soft and sandy, and can be physically demanding.

Ride the Under the Radar trail for a view to Magnetic Island.

Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government

Under the Radar trail (UTR)

Distance: 10.1km one-way
Time: allow 5hr walking time; 2.5hr riding time

This narrow two-way trail is for cross country mountain biking. Walkers must be alert and considerate for mountain bike riders approaching from either direction.

At its western end, the trail starts 500m along the Shelly Beach trail and crosses the western and northern slopes of Many Peaks Range. The trail offers excellent views of the islands to the north and the Coral Sea beyond. At its eastern end, the trail begins 700m along the Shelly Cove trail. UTR has rough surfaces and some steep sections. Trail users can return the way they came or may use the other trails and internal park roads to return to their starting point (see the Cape Pallarenda trails map (PDF, 200.7KB) ).

Cross the link bridge over the wetlands to Smedley’s trail.

Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

Smedley's trail

Distance: 6.8km circuit
Time: allow 3hr walking time; 1.5hr riding time

Accessed via a link from UTR (6.6 km from the eastern beginning of UTR) or 2.8km from the beginning of Shelly Beach trail. This circuit winds around Smedley’s hill taking in panoramic views over the Town Common wetlands, Bohle River and the Coral Sea to the north. It is a challenging but rewarding ride with steep sections and rock obstacles.

When hiking the Cape Pallarenda Trails, remember to carry drinking water, a first aid kit and communication equipment.

Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

Catch a stunning sunset across the Town Common wetlands from Tegoora Rock, Many Peaks trail.

Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government

Many Peaks track

Bicycles prohibited

Distance: 5.7km one-way
Time: allow 3hr walking time

Starting at the western end, or 450m along the eastern end of the Lagoon trail, this challenging hike across Many Peaks Range leads to the summit of Mount Marlow, before descending through vine thickets and woodland towards the wetlands below. The walk has spectacular views over the Town Common wetlands and along the coastline from the Palm Islands in the north to Cape Cleveland in the south. Some sections of the trail are very steep and there are many steps. In some areas the trail can be indistinct, walkers must follow the orange trail markers. Return on the same trail or via the Lagoon trail.

Lagoon trail

Distance: 4.6km one-way
Time: allow 2hr walking time; 1.5hr riding time

Starting at the intersection of Freshwater and Shelly Beach trails or opposite Walter Nesbit Park at the end of Cape Pallarenda Road, this trail follows the edge of Freshwater Lagoon at the southern base of Many Peaks Range. The trail can become boggy after wet weather. Trail users can return the way they came or can walk the Many Peaks track or ride the Under the Radar trail to complete a loop.

Freshwater trail

Distance: 3.6km one-way
Time: allow 2hr walking time; 1hr riding time

Starting at the intersection with Shelly Beach and Lagoon trails, or 1.2km along the eastern end of the Lagoon trail, the Freshwater trail passes through coastal sand dune vegetation, crosses the dam wall of Freshwater Lagoon and provides access to the Freshwater and Jacana bird hides. Trail users can return the way they came or use the Lagoon or Under the Radar trails to complete a loop.

Jacana bird hide

Distance: 450m one-way
Time: allow 30min walking time; 10min riding time

Access the Jacana bird hide from the Freshwater trail—the turn-off to the hide is 350m from the Freshwater car park. The track leading to the hide is 100m long. Overlooking Freshwater Lagoon, the bird hide is a great place to spot nesting and foraging waterbirds. Trail users can return the way they came or continue along the Freshwater trail.

A pair of binoculars will help spot the more elusive birds in the park.

Wetland walk

Grade 2

Bicycles prohibited

Distance: 850m return
Time: allow 30min walking time

This short walk starts 150m along the eastern end of the Lagoon trail and meanders through melaleuca forest within a seasonal wetland.

Forest walk