Paluma
Cool change, wild beauty
Paluma Range National Park is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and experience the cooler side of North Queensland. With refreshing waterfalls, lush rainforest trails, and incredible birdwatching, it offers something for every kind of traveller.
As the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the park is made up of two distinct sections — each with its own unique landscapes and experiences.
To the north, you’ll find the stunning Jourama Falls, while to the south, Mount Spec rises nearly 1,000 metres above the plains, wrapped in dense rainforest.
As you travel through the range, the landscape transforms from dry forest into vibrant tropical rainforest.
The area is rich in biodiversity, cultural significance, and natural beauty, and is the traditional home of the Nywaigi people.
Explore Paluma Range
From swimming holes to scenic walks, Paluma Range is made for exploration.
Big Crystal Creek
A favourite for families, Big Crystal Creek offers crystal-clear swimming holes set amongst rainforest and bushland.
The popular Paradise Waterhole is just a short 200-metre walk from the day-use area and provides a spacious, picturesque place to cool off.
Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, eco-friendly toilets, and camping areas suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans, and motorhomes.
Rockslides
A short drive beyond Paradise Waterhole leads to the Rockslides — an adventurous and scenic spot featuring smooth granite rock formations, cascading water, and natural pools.
An 800-metre return walk brings you to this peaceful location, where you can slide into cool, flowing water or relax and take in the surrounding wilderness.
Little Crystal Creek
One of the most iconic spots in the park, Little Crystal Creek is home to a heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s.
Here, water cascades over boulders and beneath the bridge, creating beautiful swimming areas and tranquil spaces to unwind.
The winding road to this location offers stunning views but is narrow in places and not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes.
Jourama Falls
Jourama Falls offers a scenic 3-kilometre return walk through woodland and rainforest, crossing creeks and passing flowing streams along the way.
Continue to the lookout or venture further to a refreshing plunge pool surrounded by shady trees.
The nearby camping area and large swimming hole make it a great place to stay and explore.
Paluma Dam (Lake Paluma)
Located around 16 kilometres from Paluma Village, Lake Paluma is a peaceful, freshwater setting perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
With no motorised boats allowed, the dam offers a quiet and relaxing escape.
There are picnic facilities and camping options available, making it ideal for an overnight stay immersed in nature.
Paluma Village
Tucked within the rainforest, Paluma Village is a small mountain community often covered in mist — earning its traditional name Munan Gumburu, meaning “Misty Mountain.”
Surrounded by National Park, the village offers a quiet retreat and a chance to experience the cooler climate and unique atmosphere of the range.
Stay your way
The Paluma Range area offers a variety of accommodation options, from camping under the stars to cosy stays in the village.
Camp at Big Crystal Creek or Lake Paluma, set up your caravan in designated areas, or enjoy a more comfortable stay at a local B&B in Paluma Village. Staying overnight allows you to fully explore the region and experience its peaceful, slower pace.
Getting there
Paluma Range National Park is easily accessible from both Ingham and Townsville.
From Ingham, travel south along the Bruce Highway and turn onto Barrett Road. Follow the signs to access Big Crystal Creek, Little Crystal Creek, and the Paluma Range via Mount Spec Road.
Jourama Falls is located 24 kilometres south of Ingham, with access via a 4.5-kilometre unsealed road off the Bruce Highway.
This road is generally suitable for all vehicles, including caravans and motorhomes, but may be affected during the wet season.
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