The Paluma Range is the most southerly point of
the World Heritage Area. The average annual rainfall is only just
above 1,600 mm (6 feet), near the minimum a wet tropical rainforest
requires to survive. It is the southernmost home of many Wet Tropics
animals including the Herbert
River Ringtail Possum and the Tropical Bettong. The first Europeans
to arrive here were tin prospectors in the 1870's, but the area
remained isolated until a proper road was built up the range in
the 1930's. Spend a day or two at the sleepy mountain retreat of
Paluma Village (permanent population 25) and explore the area' s
walking tracks and picnic areas. Camping is available at the foot
of the range at Paradise Waterhole on Big Crystal Creek (4km/2.5
miles from the highway) - pre-bookings with QPWS are essential.
There is also camping at Paluma Dam (28km from the Bruce Highway,
12km past the village).
You can find out more about things to see and do at Paluma at Paluma section of the Thuringowa City Council website.
How to Get There
The Paluma turnoff is 65km north of Townsville and 40km south of
Ingham. The narrow road winds up from the coastal plains, entering
eucalypt forests and then rainforest. Take a break at Crystal Creek
and admire the old bridge's stonework. You will climb another 300m
(984 feet) before reaching Paluma Village. You can get more information
on walks from QPWS on (07) 4776-1700 or 4777-3112 or from DNR on
(07) 4777 2822.
