Many walking trails start in the charming village of Paluma. Some of the walking trails are short but some are very long and suitable for multi-day hikes. Some of the walking trails start from the village and run all the way to Jourama Falls or down south towards Mt Halifax and the Bluewater Range.
Andree Griffin trail is about 1.4 km return in a beautiful rainforest with the possibility to listen to the sounds of many birds and the chance to spot wildlife. Allow about two hours.
A beautiful tree with large buttresses at the beginning of Andree Griffin Trail. Photo by Author.
The start of the trail is in Bud Jones Park, just behind the kiosk with the information, in Smith Cres. There is a carpark if you would like to park your car. The kiosk, just outside the Community Hall, has useful maps - take a photo to have some reference.
Map with the trail starting from Paluma Village. Photo fromhttps://paluma.org/attractions/walking-tracks
The signs with the trails behind the information kiosk, in Bud Jones Park off Smith Cres. Photo by Author.
The trail is moderate, meaning the track is rugged with muddy sections, roots on the trail, logs that may obstruct the passage and steep sections. Hiking boots or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Some hiking experience is necessary to enjoy the walk.
The trail is very well defined. Photo by Author.
There is a small wall visible along the trail. Photo by Author..
Detail of the trail. Photo by Author.
Detail of the trail. Photo by Author.
Detail of the trail. Photo by Author.
The trail is well signposted. Photo by Author.
Some trees stand out in the forest for their different colours. Photo by Author.
A plank to cross a small creek on the trail. Photo by Author.
The trail can be rugged, full of roots and with logs. Photo by Author.
Once you are at the junction, if you like, you can extend the walk continuing on the Cloudy Creek trail, adding another km.
At the intersection you can turn left and hike one section of the Cloudy Creek Trail. Photo by Author.
Aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
At the end of the Cloudy Creek trail, the creek forms beautiful swimming holes and the place is tranquil to enjoy nature.
Cloudy Creek form beautiful spots for relaxing and swim. Photo by Author.
Rockpools. Photo by Author.
Cloudy Creek running on the rocks. Photo by Author.
Amazing beautiful spot in the forest. Photo by Author.
An amazing rockpool. Photo by Author.
Rockpool. Photo by Author.
Return to the junction between Cloudy Creek trail and Griffin Trail and turn right to Andree Griffin trail to the carpark.
The sign at the junction. Photo by Author.
The incredible root system of the trees in the forest. Here the roots come to the surfaces like the veins in the human body. Photo by Author.
The steam rising in the forest after a sunny day. Photo by Author.
Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 1.5 litres of water and snacks. You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals. Long sleeves and long trousers are preferable.
Put in your backpack first aid kit, insect repellent in form of cream, please avoid the spray since the aerosol created during the spraying is going to spread in the environment. Pack a raincoat, torch, tissues and phone.
During summer, you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration.
If you would like to swim in a rockpool, make sure not to wear any cream or deodorant in order not to pollute the waters.
Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
The days prior the hike, make sure to check:
Weather website
www.bom.gov.au
Park alerts
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range
Road conditions
https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
Andree Griffin
On the trail, there is a spot dedicated to Andree Griffin. There are some logs as chairs where people can sit quietly and listen to the bird calls. Andree Griffin (1917-2012) did lots of pioneering work in recording bird calls. For her work, she was the recipient in 2002 of the cassowary award by the Board of the Wet Tropics Management Authority.
Andree used the trail dedicated to her to introduce friends and acquaintances to the sights and sounds of the rainforest. The birds were Andree's passion and her knowledge was truly encyclopaedic. Andree was very happy to share her knowledge with fellow members or anyone keen to learn.
For decades, her comprehensive bird lists were an essential component of the monthly field trip reports published in the newsletter Brolga. Andree enriched every excursion with her presence - she not only knew her birds, she had a profound understanding of the need to conserve their habitat and her contribution to conservation efforts was immeasurable.
Andree Griffin. Photo fromhttps://townsville.wildlife.org.au/2012/11/08/farewell-andree-griffin-1917-2012/
Paluma is a town in the City of Townsville and a locality split between the City of Townsville and the Charters Towers Region in North Queensland, in the heart of the Wet Tropic Heritage Area.
Reference
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-vtdGVI_CQ
https://paluma.org/attractions/walking-tracks
https://townsville.wildlife.org.au/2012/11/08/farewell-andree-griffin-1917-2012
