Birthday Creek Falls Trail in Paluma Range National Park is a track in the rainforest to the top of the picturesque cascade on the Birthday Creek.
Birthday Creek Falls. Photo from the Author.
The hike is classified as moderate, meaning the trail is rugged, can be muddy and slippery. Hiking boots or shoes are strongly recommended.
There are steps on the Birthday Creek Falls trail. Photo by Author.
Birdwatchers look for Golden and Tooth Billed bowerbirds along the track.
Golden bowerbird. Photo fromhttps://ebird.org/species/golbow1
Tooth-billed Bowerbird. Photo fromhttps://www.stephenburch.com/gallery/Australia/tbbower.htm
Birthday Creek Falls sign just off Lake Paluma Road. Photo by Author.
Aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
Tree with big buttresses. Photo by Author.
Aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
A sign nearby the waterfall warns about submerged rocks. Photo by Author.
The clear waters of Birthday Creek reflect all the green of the rainforest. Photo by Author.
The rushing waters down the rocks. Photo by Author.
Birthday Creek Falls from the top. Photo by Author.
An aspect of the waterfall. Photo by Author.
Aspect of Birthday Creek waterfalls. Photo by Author.
The base of Birthday Creek waterfall. Photo by Author.
The waterfall is a great place for swimming and have a picnic. Photo by Author.
A trail allows you to get to the base of the waterfall. Photo by Author.
A short walk leads to the base of the falls. It is possible to swim in the little pool.
Birthday Creek Falls from the base. Photo by Author.
I hiked Birthday Creek Falls on a beautiful warm day of autumn. After travelling by car on Lake Paluma Road from Mount Spec Road, I arrived at the carpark of Birthday Creek Falls. I was hoping to spot a cassowary but unfortunately, I didn't see any.
I came across a few people on the trail who were returning to the carpark. I had all the waterfall for myself and for my family.
The place is quite remote and peaceful, just the rumble of the water cascading on the rocks. There were a few Ulysses butterfly, very active and flying everywhere.
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.
Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
Directions
The Mount Spec section of Paluma Range National Park is easily accessible from both Townsville and Ingham. There are two turn-offs, northern and southern, onto Barrett Road from the Bruce Highway from which all recreation areas can be reached.
The town of Paluma is accessed off Mount Spec Road. The road is windy and buses, caravans and campervans should travel with caution.
Birthday Creek Falls 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.
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
Queensland's Wet Tropics are one of the areas which meet all four natural criteria for World Heritage listing as they:
represent a major stage of the earth's evolutionary history
outstanding example of ongoing ecological and biological processes
contain superlative natural phenomena
contain the most important natural habitats for conservation of biological diversity.
Covering almost 900,000 hectares, the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area extends from Cooktown to Townsville. The area, which was listed in 1988, includes Daintree, Barron Gorge and Wooroonooran national parks, and protects Australia's most extensive remaining area of wet tropical rainforest.
Reference
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/paluma-range
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/paluma-mount-spec/about
https://ebird.org/species/golbow1
www.arthurgrosset.com/ozbirds/tooth-billedbowerbird.html
