Jourama Falls trail is a beautiful hike in rainforest of Paluma National Park with creek crossings and a lookout over the spectacular crystalline tiered Jourama Falls.
Waterview Creek tumbles down the rocks, forming graceful and beautiful cascades over the rocks in the rainforest.
Waterview Creek cascades multiple times on the rocks forming the Jourama Falls. Photo by Author.
Creek rushing over the rocks. Photo by Author.
The trail meanders in the creek itself. Photo by Author.
Detail of the Waterview Creek. Photo by Author.
Steps have been carved on the natural rocks. Photo by Author.
Crossing over the creek. Photo by Author.
The trail is well maintained and it has a metallic net over the wooden planks to improve the grip and prevent slipping. It is a great spot for a peaceful walk, relax by the creek and enjoy watching birds and native wildlife. It is also possible to see the iconic Ulysses butterfly.
Waterview creek flowing between the rocks. Photo by Author.
Aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
There are big boulders in the bed of the creek. The trail is well marked. Photo by Author.
More signs on the track. Photo by Author.
I hiked Jourama Falls on a glorious weekday in April with my family. It was relatively early and it was a warm day. We came across only a couple of people on the trail. It was very peaceful and it was great walking on the track running in the creek.
I take that the trail is impassable after heavy rain. There are bridges over the creek, so we didn't have to rock hop. The water was crisp and inviting and I wanted to sit over the slab of rock and take my boots off and put my feet in the rushing water.
A nice spot to sit and relax. Photo by Author.
The trail has grid to prevent slipping. Photo by Author.
Cycad plants appeared on the earth about 300 million years ago and were at their greatest diversity during the Triassic and Jurassic, at the same time as the T-Rex. They typically have a stout and woody trunk with a crown of large, hard and stiff, evergreen leaves. They grow very slowly and live very long. Cycads are abundant in both the open woodland and the rainforest.
Cycads are very common to see along the trail. Photo by Author.
It is a steep walk to the lookout but the view over the waterfall is awesome. You can safely admire the waterfall behind a fence.
Jourama Falls from the lookout. Photo by Author.
Fungi on a old log. Photo by Author.
Jourama Falls is rated moderate, meaning the trail is rugged, has rocks and steep sections. The trail is 3 km return, allow one hour.
You must have some fitness to enjoy the walk and hiking boots or hiking shoes.
To get to Jourama Falls turn off the Bruce Highway onto the 4.5km, unsealed access road to Jourama Falls, Paluma Range National Park. The access road is suitable for most conventional vehicles. The track to Jourama Falls Lookout starts at the end of Jourama Falls Rd, 700 metres past the main camping area. There is an ample carpark.
Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 2 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!
Wild flower along the trail. Photo by Author.
Never jump or dive into the water and be careful at the water's edge.
Rocks can be extremely slippery and submerged timber can appear after flooding. Fatalities and serious injuries have occurred here.
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.
Do not feed native wildlife. It is a health risk to them and a safety risk to you.
Wear insect repellent, sunscreen, suitable clothing and shoes to protect yourself from stings, scratches, bites and the sun.
Cassowaries live in some areas. Never approach or feed these animals.
Venomous fish called bullrouts live in some creeks. Wear sandshoes or similar footwear and take care when investigating unusual rocks or objects. Be aware of the required first-aid procedures.
Carry adequate drinking water. Treat all water from taps, creeks and streams before drinking.
Bullrout
Bullrouts are fish well camouflaged and sluggish, preferring to stand their ground and erect their spines when disturbed, rather than to retreat as most fishes do.
Bullrouts are responsible for most fish stings that occur in upper tidal reaches and freshwaters of New South Wales and Queensland.
Bullrout usually shelters among water weeds, rocks or sunken logs.
The fish is armed with 15 sharp, strong dorsal spines that readily penetrate the feet or hands of unwary swimmers. When the spines enter a wound, venom is transferred up the spine into the flesh and causes the victim excruciating pain.
The best preventative measure is to wear sturdy footwear in areas likely to be frequented by Bullrout and to avoid diving among stands of aquatic plants and submerged tree roots.
Bullrout fish. Photo fromhttps://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Explore/Find out about/Animals of Queensland/Fishes/Venomous fishes/Bullrout
