Townsville Hike and Explore

27/09/2024

Meet the Authors of the message in a bottle in our interview with NBC News

A message in a bottle written eight years ago by three Bay Area women has washed ashore in Australia.

26/09/2024

🚨 Get your calendars out, October's events are live!🚨

Check out what we have coming up over the next month, we'd love to see you on a trail soon :-)

More hikes are added regularly so keep an eye out in our facebook group for the full list.👀
🥾🥾

26/09/2024

Cliffo and Kate from Triple M Townsville chatted to Susie on Tuesday about finding the message in a bottle.

Cliffo and Kate from Triple M Townsville chat with Susie about a message in a bottle that was found on Townsville Hike and Explores Chunda Bay walk and clean-up event on Friday 20th September.

26/09/2024

This morning we chatted to Cliffo and Kate from Triple M as well as a very special person - Janice, one of the message in a bottle author's from California.

23/09/2024

Thanks for sharing our story 7NEWS Townsville 🙌🥾

20/09/2024

📨A message in a bottle all the way from California, sent in 2016!🇺🇸

We've found your message Savannah, Kate and Janice of Yorktown Drive, Sunnyvale, California!

On our walk at Chunda Bay last night, the hikers were collecting rubbish when keen eyed Jeff found a message in a bottle. It was very well sealed - the lid certainly was a challenge to get open💪.

We're asking for all of your help to track Kate, Janice and Savannah down.🔍 Can you please share this post far and wide? 🌍 We'd love to connect with them to let them know we found it😊

10/09/2024

Getting to know our hike leader - Andrea (Drea Monty)

What inspired you to become a hike leader?
I was motivated by the other TH&E leaders, what an awesome group!

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville Hike and Explore Community?
June 2024

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
I would like to hike Lycian Way, any NZ hikes & i have already booked 2025 Iceland Hidden trails

What are your top 3 favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
I have many likes but some of my enjoyable local hikes have been Walsh's pyramid, Mt Tyson, Frederick's Peak, Mt Marlow, the many many different weekly treks up Castle Hill with Susie, the scramble with Anna and Wulguru Hills with Abi

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
I’m an adhoc leader filling in on the weekly local treks we do.

What safety tips do you always emphasise during hikes?

Read the hikes rating of difficulty & know your own capabilities. Contact the leader if unsure!

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
Truly have fun and just get out n about as there is so much to do and little time to do it all in but we can make a start!

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
I enjoy my photography and I find myself often running to catch up with the group as I’ve stopped to take a quick snap which becomes a longer event as I frame the photo 20 different times!

08/09/2024

Getting to know our hike leaders - Chris Beauchamp

What inspired you to become a hike leader?
I have always loved to explore both on and off track on my own, and very regularly with a few mates, and decided it was time to step up and enjoy the walks while trying to pass on my knowledge and experience with more like-minded explorers.

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville Hike and Explore Community?
Last weekend was my first official hike lead, and it was a very enjoyable experience for me as we headed off up Saltwater Creek as I had never been there before. I was thrown in the deep end by Michael with one day’s notice and I had a great time!

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
Southwest Tasmania would be my favourite as you rarely see another walker and you are totally isolated. For instance, rowing across Port Davey in a tiny dinghy with no life jacket in freezing rain and competing with very strong tidal currents. You really need to be self-sufficient and well prepared for anything down there.

What are your top 3 favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
All the trails in Paluma National Park, Hinchinbrook Island and Mt Bartle Frere.

Do you have a memorable or funny hiking story that you can share with us?
I was bush bashing up Mt Cook on Magnetic Island with a few mates, making our own way to the top. Along the way, I made a point of showing them what Gympie bush looked like and explained the consequences of coming into contact with it. While we were having lunch, one person disappeared to answer a number 2 call of nature. He somehow came into contact with the Gympie bush and we never heard the end of it for the rest of the trip. It does not make good toilet paper!

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
Meeting other like-minded people who enjoy the outdoors or are willing to have a go for the first time. Making new friends and learning from others about their experiences and the trips they have done. Seeing the smiles in the photos after the trips are done, and knowing they had fun along the way.

What safety tips do you always emphasise during hikes?
Emphasise the need to carry enough water/snacks for the trip, long sleeves for sun protection, sunscreen and hat, have some Puritabs and electrolyte tablets handy, carry a first aid kit or at the very least a snake bandage, and know who has a PLB and where it is located in their gear. It can also be handy to have a small head lamp just in case the trip goes overtime for some reason. I always carry some form of fire lighter, insect repellent and wear good strong hiking boots and gaiters for the bush bashing off track hikes.

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
Definitely read the hike details carefully and make sure you are capable of completing the trip, and that you know when, where and what time it kicks off. Do not be late!
If there are any doubts about your ability or questions regarding the hike then contact the hike leader and ask. See the paragraph on Safety tips. If you would like to get a lift to the start location and back again, then bring a towel and a change of clothes for the trip home.

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
I love to water ski, walk the dog and work on anything electrical or mechanical that needs fixing. I also enjoy rebuilding Yamaha 2-stroke jet skis in my spare time.

What is something surprising or unexpected that people might not know about you?
I spent 38 years in the Military in both the Army and Air Force. I can fly planes and helicopters and currently fly Fokker 100 passenger jets with Alliance Airlines.

What are some upcoming hikes or events that you’re excited about leading?
“Dunk Island hike and explore” on the 14th of September. Also keep an eye out for a trip up the Pinnacles completely off track, and possibly a trip to Paradise Beach.

Can you share a particularly rewarding experience that you have had as a hike leader?
Last weekend was my first hike lead, but it is always hearing the “wow” when you come across a great view or waterfall/ swim hole after a tough hike up a hill or through the bush.
Seeing the smiles in the photos and knowing it was all worth the effort. Helping someone on their first hike who may be a bit apprehensive, and then seeing them build their own confidence as the day progresses.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our TH&E community?
I look forward to meeting more hikers and hearing their stories along the way.

08/09/2024

Many Peaks and Mt Marlow

Located only a short drive from Townsville City in North Queensland, Australia, this hike takes in some of the most scenic locations of Cape Pallarenda Conse...

07/09/2024

Getting to know our hike leaders - Madoc Sheehan

What inspired you to become a hike leader?
I love adventure and the outdoors, and I find great satisfaction and enjoyment in introducing and showing other people the wonders of the natural world and helping them to develop skills and confidence.

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville Hike and Explore Community?
I’ve been guiding and leading walks for many decades but have only just started helping out TH&E community.

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
I recently did the Mt Anne circuit in SW Tasmania. It’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid. It was amazing.

What are your top 3 favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
Corkscrew falls on Gold creek.
The Bambaroo Track to Diorite falls and Shay’s Clearing (return).
Butterfly falls in Girringun NP.

Do you have a memorable or funny hiking story that you can share with us?
Went on a multi-day walk and got to the first camp before realising we’d forgotten the tent poles. Haven’t made that mistake again.

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
Inspiring others to develop a love of adventure and seeing the joy and wonder when people visit and experience the beautiful environment we live in.

What safety tips do you always emphasise during hikes?
Any time you are unsure or scared, ask for guidance and help.
The group should walk as fast as the slowest person.
Carry plenty of water.

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
Learn how to read and understand topographical maps and always take a map with you when you go for a hike.

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
Rock climbing, surfing and paddling, mountain biking, cooking, writing (including guidebooks).

What is something surprising or unexpected that people might not know about you?
Ha ha…I can’t tell you that or it would take away the surprise.

What are some upcoming hikes or events that you’re excited about leading?
Black Hole, Secret waterhole series, multi-day walks, Introduction to off track walking sessions.

Can you share a particularly rewarding experience that you have had as a hike leader?
I love seeing people build confidence and break through their own barriers and fears.

06/09/2024

A unique perspective of the Mount Louisa Trail. 🥾 Have you reached the summit yet? This popular trail attracts thousands of locals and visitors each week, making it an ideal spot for building fitness, and sunsets of course! 🌅

Visit Townsville North Queensland Weekender Townsville City Council Community Information Centre Townsville

05/09/2024

Getting to know our hike leader - Anna Gullo

What inspired you to become a hike leader?
Michael asked me in December 2021 if I would like to lead a walk for Townsville Hike & Explore. I felt very privileged to be asked and be part of Townsville Hike & Explore, and to share what I love doing with the community.

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville Hike and Explore Community?
I have been leading walks and hikes since January 2022.

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
My favourite so far is the Cape to Cape highlights in Western Australia between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.

What are your top 3 favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
Although not in Townsville, Hinchinbrook Island, Kahlpahlim Rock trail and Porcupine Gorge are my top 3 in North Queensland.

Do you have a memorable or funny hiking story that you can share with us?
Every hike has been amazing and there is nothing that stands out.

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
I enjoy being outdoors and love to share my passion with others and I love meeting people.

What safety tips do you always emphasize during hikes?
Tell someone where you are going. Stick together. Know your limits. Read description before going on the hike and take breaks.

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
Bring enough water for the hike and stay hydrated. Bring food and snacks and keep your energy levels up. Comfortable foot wear and a First aid kit are essential and a map.

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
I enjoy Aqua Fit, Gym, Coffee dates, volunteering and scrapbooking.

05/09/2024

🎥 We did it... we’ve officially joined the YouTube world! 🎉

Now you can relive our hikes, enjoy virtual hikes, and more – all from the comfort of your couch (or while you're lacing up your boots for the next one 😉).

Check out our very first video, a 2023 recap! Who knows, you might just spot yourself in the wild! 🧐👀

I recommend subscribing to our channel so you don't miss anything.

It was hard to decide all the great bits to make it into the 2023 compilation video as there was so much to choose from! From over 300 events we have narrowe...

04/09/2024

Damien embarked on a solo walk from the Forts to Florence Bay, then continued on to Radical Bay. The journey took him along the recently reopened trail to Balding Bay and finally to Horseshoe Bay. The entire walk was filled with stunning views of Magnetic Island’s beautiful and majestic bays and beaches, each with its own unique charm. From the secluded coves to the expansive stretches of sand, every part of the island showcased its natural beauty 🏖️💦

Outdoors Queensland Visit Townsville North Queensland Weekender

03/09/2024

Getting to know our hike leader - Deb Smith Gravener

What inspired you to become a hike leader?
I enjoy exercise, being outside and encouraging people to improve their fitness, being a hike leader also keeps me accountable to be active.

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville Hike and Explore Community?
At a guess, around 18 months

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
a. I prefer multi day unassisted pack hikes, it’s a toss up between The Old Ghost Road and Tongariro Northen Circuit in NZ.
b. Looking forward to hiking a 70 km section of the Adri Alpe trail in Slovenia in October this year.

What are your top 3 favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
a. Wulguru Hills for a short hike (I need to get up there more)
b. The Mt Marlow loop via the Town Common, Freshwater trail then return via the salty trail – can’t remember the name
c. Magnetic Island hikes – all of them

Do you have a memorable or funny hiking story that you can share with us?
No funny stories that l can remember

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
Getting people out of their comfort zone at a pace that suits them, I want people to come to my next hike

What safety tips do you always emphasise during hikes?
a. Always make sure your foot is planted before you take your next step in creeks.
b. If the rocks are wet and slimy, no shoe will guarantee you don’t slip, ditch the shoes and cross wet rocks in your socks. Works every time!
c. Take your time it’s not a race and if you need support just ask

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
a. Start slowly and work up to the bigger hikes, you will enjoy it more if you go at your pace
b. When you are thinking of buying hiking shoes, listen to recommendations but spend a lot of time in the shop with the shoes on before you commit

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
Travelling, handywomanning and volunteering.

What is something surprising or unexpected that people might not know about you?
a. I’m mostly an open book, and struggle to keep secrets.
b. I’m really, really allergic to march flies and leeches. Still have an itchy leech bite on my back since 10th May.

What are some upcoming hikes or events that you’re excited about leading?
I enjoy all the hikes l lead, soppy or what?

Can you share a particularly rewarding experience that you have had as a hike leader?
There’s been a few times when hikers have said they appreciate my patience in getting them to the end of their first hike, then come along to my next hike or one of the other hike events.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our TH&E community?
It’s a great group of people who have a shared purpose and is a nice way to promote Townsville. My TH&E shirt is making its way to Slovenia for sure.

02/09/2024

We had an incredible hike along Saltwater Creek, covering about 7.5 km each way. The trail took us through stunning gorges and past beautiful waterfalls, making it an unforgettable adventure. One of the highlights was discovering a fantastic swimming hole, perfect for a refreshing dip after the trek. It was a fun and memorable day for all participants, surrounded by nature's beauty.💦🥾

Outdoors Queensland Visit Townsville North Queensland

01/09/2024

Getting to know your Hike Leader- Sean Swann

What inspired you to become a hike leader?

To use my experience in the bush both ontrail as well as offtrack to teach and educate on how to get started and be able to get out there and hike independently yourself. Teach the foundations of basic navigation as well as advanced digital mapping navigation for outdoor hiking. Share my passion and love for the great outdoors and hopefully make a positive impact on others who are starting out or those who want to step up into advanced navigation.

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville hike and explore community?
I have been part of the Townsville community group for approximately 2 years now. I have led and managed hikes for Townsville on and off for approximately 2 years as I also run two other hiking groups up in Far North Queensland, where i also facilitate events there.

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
I specialise in anything offtrack. It's hard to determine what my favourites are as such, as I have done an extraordinary amount stretching from the Cape in Far North Queensland down as far as Brisbane.

If I were to pick my most favourite ever experience, it would have to be Adeline Falls situated between Mt Windsor tablelands and the Daintree NP. Adeline Falls is a massive rockface approximately 300m in height and has over 24 waterfalls on that singular rockface.

Hikes or expeditions I plan to do in the near future is to finalise a network of trails across Bellenden Ker. Bellenden Ker is one of the most untouched rainforests/ national parks in all of Queensland.

What are your top three favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
1. Bullocky toms trail head Paluma
2. Godwin's - Paluma
3. Mt Halifax trail - Paluma

Do you have a memorable or funny hike story that you can share with us ?
The most memorable hike story would be summiting Bellenden Ker from Behana in Far North Queensland. 100% offtrack with over 2500m of elevation gain out and back approximately 32km return.

Another contender for the most memorable hike I have ever has was a 4-day expedition across 40km offtrack in the Daintree to an extraordinary rockface that is 300m high and has over 25 waterfalls on its face. That spectacle is something I will never forget as long as I live. Standing on top of the rockface which was situated at 1000m you could see most of the Daintree national park in the distance.

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
I love sharing my passion and love for the great outdoors & sharing my knowledge with those who are keen on learning and those who want to learn how to independently get out there and be independent without assistance on trails both on track and offtrack.

What safety tips do you emphasise during hikes?
Always read the event description and don’t take shortcuts and assume that everything is catered for by turning up with no idea of what is happening on the day.

- Bring appropriate footwear. This is to protect your feet and yourself from injuries occurring.

- If you decide to go to the toilet, always let another hiker know you’re going to the toilet and what direction you're intending on wandering off into the bush too. It's for your safety.

- Always listen to the guide during the safety briefs prior to undertaking the hike as there might be some key information you need to know prior before the hike commences.

- Listen to the hike brief when a guide asks who present is carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) take note who says yes in the brief as these devices save lives. Its good to know at all times who are carrying them on the hike outside of the guide as in most cases more than one hiker will have one.

Always follow your guide on a guided walk and if for whatever reason you decide to wander off then make sure to let your guide know you are having a little look around so that we always know your whereabouts. This is for your safety and the groups safety.

Always carry your own personal snake bite bandage it is advised to carry your own for hygiene reasons

Make it known during the brief if you are on a time restraint and limited on time. If you are on a time restraint, I prefer you don’t attend for the safety of the group and yourself. I do not rush the group for safety reasons to accommodate a time restraint. This is for your safety and the safety of others.

If you have any medical conditions that may need attending to if an accident was to occur please make it known prior to the hike as we may not be qualified to administer advanced 1st aid depending on the medical condition or case matter. This is for your safety and the safety of others.

If you need an EpiPen to be administered for allergies or antihistamines, please make it known prior to the hike commencing if it’s a serious allergy.

If you need to go to the toilet then always let the person closest to you whether there in front of you or behind, you know that you’re going to wander off to the toilet so they know you're wandering off to go to the toilet and what direction you're heading to so the group knows where you are at all times. Prevents people getting lost!

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
Have fun! This is number 1 above all.

If you are unsure what basics or equipment you need to acquire then don’t be afraid to ask on the social hiking networks.

Remember consistency is the key to success. We all began once for the 1st time! We all started with zero knowledge! Be safe and practice safe practices.

If you want to build some confidence, then I suggest attending some guided walks for a period of time before you go out independently.

Acquire some good solid footwear, a good backpack with a water bladder built in. Build a little 1st aid kit with the essentials for example a snake bite bandage would be one vital component to that kit.

If you attend a group guided hike, please read the event description. Know your limits.

Don’t do something that you know you would not be physically able to do. You endanger yourself and others when you take risks like this.

Take lots of photos.

Pack healthy nutritious snacks to energise your body and mind.

Get good night’s sleep the day before you intend to hike. A rested mind makes better calculated decisions than that of a non-rested mind.

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
I enjoy sparring and hit the bag at the gym.
I gym daily.
I write personalised nutritional and workout plans
I study nutrition in my own time for personal gains
I love to mountain biking
Swimming
Canyoning
I write adventure journals & I love to write small adventure scripts.
Chef by trade so I love to cook and experiment with food.

What is something surprising or unexpected that people might not know about you?
I am a competent skier.
I used to compete in chess competitively.
I used to be a car enthusiast and a lead rep for a modified car scene network.

What are some upcoming hikes or events that you’re excited about leading?
I plan to lead more offtrack hikes so people learn how to navigate with digital mapping systems. One hike I am planning on is leading a small group to the base of Elizabeth Grant Falls as an overnighter. A massive portion of this hike is through the jungle and through a canyon which none of it is marked. 100% offtrack navigation.

Can you share a particularly rewarding experience?
I was asked to be lead support and guide a group hike up Mt Bartle Frere West to East traverse with a good friend and his young child who is now known to be one of the youngest hikers to ever summit Mt Bartle Frere from the West to East Traverse and possibly the 1st and youngest at 17 months to ever summit from West to East in that age bracket in one single day. The father carried his child, and I carried all the emergency equipment as well as food and water for this feat to be complete. We also had other members who were support crew who participated on the day who also made it happen and made it a successful day.

30/08/2024

Getting to know our hike leaders - Michael Pugh

What inspired you to become a hike leader?
I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors, nature and conservation and saw the opportunity to share that passion with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and members of our community of all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

How long have you been a hike leader for our Townsville Hike and Explore Community?
Since the group was founded in 2019, but I am now proudly one of roughly 25 volunteer hike leaders across our networks in North, Far North and Central Queensland.

What is your all-time favourite ever hike that you have done or plan to do?
I get asked this often, and it’s hard to choose a particular hike given the endless beauty and splendour our region has to offer. However, if I had to narrow it down, I would say a couple of my favourites would be hiking across the rainforest covered, misty summit of Mt Elliot which is the highest peak in the Townsville region or standing atop the impressive volcanic formations of the Peak Range in Central Queensland. On a personal note, summiting Queensland’s highest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere recently with my son Nate would certainly have to be my most cherished outdoor memory to date.

What are your top 3 favourite hiking trails here in Townsville, North Queensland?
Frederick Peak, Crystal Falls and Lagoon, The Terraces and High Camp

Do you have a memorable or funny hiking story that you can share with us?
There's certainly been plenty of memorable experiences, but the way I see it, every hike I lead is memorable as I have the opportunity to meet new outdoor enthusiasts and share my passion with likeminded people. Townsville Hike and Explore is the only social outdoor group/club who invites and encourages the younger generation of outdoor enthusiast to attend our events, and it's great to see many as young as toddlers and babies in carriers join us on select events. I'd also mention the "Accessible Walks' we offer, which allow people with disabilities to venture into the outdoors and our commitment to environmental sustainability and upkeep of our trail networks, by organising clean up and trail maintenance events across the region.

What do you enjoy most about leading hikes?
Sharing my love of the outdoors, nature and conservation with others, many who wouldn't have the opportunity to see much of what our region has to offer outside of a supportive and inclusive outdoor group environment.

What Safety tips do you always emphasize?
• Always ensure that you read and thoroughly understand walk descriptions.
• Be realistic about your fitness level and abilities, come prepared and don’t walk alone.
• Familiarise yourself with the equipment that you are carrying, eg. First Aid and Snake Bite Kits and know how to use this equipment.
• Don’t rely on mobile phones, carry a PLB and relevant safety gear if you are going off trail.
• Pay attention and reference official information sources, including National Parks websites that are updated and checked regularly.

What advice would you give someone who is new to hiking?
Join a group such as Townsville Hike and Explore where you can be part of a supportive and inclusive group of outdoor enthusiasts that are excited to help you on your journey into the great outdoors.

Apart from hiking, what other interests do you enjoy?
Spending time with my son Nate, being an active member and strong advocate for our community, gym, camping, fishing, and anything outdoors.

What are some upcoming hikes or events that you’re excited about leading?
Our annual Running River weekend, upcoming collaborations/hikes with community groups such as Oasis, Fortem and Women’s Circle.

Can you share a particularly rewarding experience that you have had as a hike leader?
Watching the group evolve and grow into arguably the largest and most recognised social outdoor community in the region.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our Townsville Hike and Explore community?
I am very grateful for all those that have contributed and volunteered their time over the years to make the group what it is today. The recognition, awards and accolades our groups have received over the years have been humbling, but fitting acknowledgment of what we have achieved together. Onwards and upwards in 2024.