Paluma
  
Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park & Paluma State Forest
Address: Paluma
Description: The Paluma Range National Park and adjoining Paluma State Forest is the southernmost part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Listed area, with 2,850mm of rainfall annually.
In a world of streams and cascades, rainforest animals such as the Northern Barred Frog, White Tailed Rat, Tropical Bettong, and the rare Green Ringtail Possum and Herbert River Ringtail Possum make it their home. You may also see a Golden Bower Bird, Bird of Paradise, Chowchilla, Macleay’s Honeyeater, or if you are lucky, an endangered Southern Cassowary.
The views out to the ocean along the road to Paluma are spectacular, and the change of vegetation is also quite interesting. Note the transition between open forest and rainforest around Little Crystal Creek where eucalypt, hoop and rainforest trees merge.
There is also a network of popular walking tracks through the forest, ranging from 100m to 6km in length, and starting from different points in the Paluma township. For more information on the tracks and history of the area, click here  (889KB) to download a Walking Tracks of Paluma brochure.
How to get there: Access to the National Park and State Forest is via the Bruce Highway, approximately 60km north of Townsville/Thuringowa. Two turn-offs from the highway lead to Paluma. The first is a narrow winding bitumen road to Paluma (Mount Spec Ewan Road-18km), which first passes Little Crystal Creek (7km) and McClelland's lookout (17km). The access road to Big Crystal Creek (Barrett Road-4km) leaves the highway 5km north of the Paluma turn-off, and eventually joins with the Mount Spec Ewan Road. *Please note – care must be taken on the road to Paluma as it is quite narrow with many bends.
Visit the EPA/QPWS website for more information: www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/find_a_park_or_forest/mount_spec_paluma_range_national_park/
Opening Hours: All hours.
Costs: Access to the Park and walking trails is free.
Paluma Township and Beyond
Address: Paluma
Description: The township of Paluma is located in the heart of the beautiful World Heritage Listed Mt Spec Paluma Range National Park. At 880m elevation, this “village in the clouds”, as it is sometimes referred to, is often cloaked in mist and a perfect getaway to the summer heat.
The area was first settled by tin miners over 120 years ago, but the township only officially formed just prior to World War 2. In 1942, a tent camp was set up in Cloudy Clearing for approximately 50 men from the 565th Signal Battalion. A secret radar unit was located in the area that is now the picnic area at McClelland's Lookout. By the end of their 18 months stay, the US Army and later the RAAF had also installed reticulated water supply, electricity, telephones and log cabins.
Today, Paluma is well known for its rainforest walks, bird watching, cosy accommodation and cafes, pottery, and convenient lack of mobile phone coverage. It is the perfect getaway for a quiet, romantic weekend, or a longer stay to unwind.
How to get there: Access to Paluma is via the Bruce Highway, approximately 70km north of Townsville/Thuringowa. Two turn-offs from the highway lead to Paluma. The first is a narrow winding bitumen road to Paluma (Mount Spec Ewan Road-18km), which first passes Little Crystal Creek (7km) and McClelland's lookout (17km). *Please note – care must be taken on the road to Paluma as it is quite narrow with many bends.
Opening Hours: All hours.
Costs: Free.
Lake Paluma
 
Address: Paluma
Description: Lake Paluma is an attractive lake surrounded by World Heritage Rainforest. It provides a water supply for approximately one third of the year. Access is via a 12km gravel road just past the Paluma Township. There are weather proof shelters for day use with barbeques, and camping sites for longer stays. All rubbish taken in must be removed, and no domestic animals are allowed.
Swimming and non-motorised vessels are allowed. If you are lucky you may see a Platypus, Peregrine Falcon or Eastern Water Dragon. Due to the popularity of Lake Paluma as a camping destination, there are a limited number of camp sites available and you must pre-book a permit. Go to www.nqwater.com.au/LP_Info_Camping.asp for more information.
How to get there: Access to Lake Paluma is through Paluma, approximately 16km past the township and via an unsealed road (which turns off right).
Opening Hours: All hours.
Costs: Free day access.
Camping Fees -
$16.00 per family site/night (~1 tent)
$32.00 per group site/night (~2 tents).
Little Crystal Creek
Address: Little Crystal Creek
Description: Little Crystal Creek is part of the Paluma Range National Park. It is one of the most popular destinations or stopovers on the way up to Paluma village for locals and tourists alike. You can swim in the icy cold crystal clear water in the gorge under the picturesque stone arch bridge. Alternatively, have a picnic lunch at the rest area, which has free barbeques and toilet facilities (wheelchair accessible).
The road to Paluma and the picturesque masonry stone arch bridge over Little Crystal Creek were constructed under an employment scheme during the Great Depression in 1932. This historic ingenuity combined with the natural beauty of the deep pools and granite boulders by the lush rainforest vegetation makes Little Crystal Creek one of the best swimming holes in Townsville-Thuringowa.
How to get there: Travel north along the Bruce Highway 70km from Townsville/Thuringowa. Turn left at the Paluma turn-off onto Mount Spec Ewan Road. Little Crystal Creek is located approximately 7km from the highway, half way up the range.
Opening Hours: All hours.
Costs: Free.
Big Crystal Creek
Address: Big Crystal Creek
Description: Big Crystal Creek is part of the Paluma Range National Park. It features a large deep swimming hole, picnic area with barbeques and camping ground, popular for larger groups. The toilets and shelter sheds are wheelchair-accessible.
Big Crystal Creek's local residents are a few cheeky goannas, who roam around the picnic ground looking for scraps. Our food is detrimental to their health so please secure food properly and do not feed them.
Bookings for the Big Crystal Creek campsite can be made by phoning the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on 13 13 04 or online at https://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks/iaparks/gds/IAGDS050.jsp?quickParkId=77 or by registering on site.
How to get there: Travel north along the Bruce Highway from Thuringowa. Turn left at the Paluma turn-off (Barrett Road) approximately 70km from Townsville/Thuringowa (and 5km north of the Mount Spec Ewan Road turn-off). Turn right onto Spiegelhauer Road after 1.5km.
Opening Hours: All hours.
Costs: Access is free.
Camping permits are available from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for $4.50 per person per night or $18.00 per family per night. A family group is up to two adults and accompanying children under 18. Children under five are free.
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