Paluma Range National Park
Park Protected rainforest park with waterfalls and walking trails
North of Townsville, Paluma Range National Park holds rainforest plateaus, creeks and waterfalls served by boardwalks and lookouts. Hikers visit for swimming holes, short trails and cloudforest birdwatching.
How to Get to Paluma Range National Park #
Paluma Range is about 50-70 km north of Townsville. The usual route is via the Bruce Highway (A1) then follow the turnoffs for Paluma-Horseshoe Bay Road and Paluma Range Road to reach the village of Paluma and park entrances. From Townsville CBD it’s roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive. Some walking trails and picnic areas have short access tracks from car parks near the village and dams.
Tips for Visiting Paluma Range National Park #
- Drive the Paluma Range Road rather than trying steep forest tracks-local signage improves access.
- Visit the Paluma Dam catchment early morning for mist and bird activity.
- Wear insect repellent in the wet season; leeches are present on shaded trails after heavy rain.
- If hiking to Little Crystal Creek, use the downstream picnic area-its pools are less crowded and the plunge pools are safe for swimming.
Best Time to Visit Paluma Range National Park #
Paluma Range National Park is most enjoyable in the drier months (April-November) when trails are accessible and humidity is lower.
Weather & Climate near Paluma Range National Park #
Paluma Range National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 11°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1335 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (209 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (378 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (203 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 20 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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