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Castle Hill - Iron Bark via Walker Street Steps Loop(Walker Street Steps / Maiden Hair / Triandra / Iron Bark / Scramble / Summit / Goat Track / Maiden Hair / Walker Street)
HIKE DESCRIPTION
Looking for a slightly more challenging way to start your day?
Join Susie and the group for a sunrise adventure on Castle Hill, exploring some of the hill's lesser-travelled tracks while enjoying spectacular views and a rewarding fitness-building workout.
Starting from the Walker Street Steps, we'll follow Maiden Hair Track towards the West End Cemetery before linking into Triandra and climbing Iron Bark Track to Castle Hill Road. From there, we'll tackle the Scramble Track to reach the summit of Castle Hill, where we'll pause for a well-earned break, photos and the chance to enjoy the sunrise over Townsville.
After soaking up the views, we'll descend via the Goat Track before returning to Walker Street via Maiden Hair, completing a fantastic loop that showcases a variety of Castle Hill's unique tracks and terrain.
This route offers a little bit of everything—steady climbs, rocky sections, changing scenery and some of the best views in Townsville. Along the way you'll enjoy sweeping panoramas across the city, Magnetic Island, Pallarenda, Mount Louisa and Mount Stuart.
The track is steep, uneven and rocky in sections, making it an excellent option for those looking to improve their fitness while enjoying the outdoors in a supportive and social environment.
As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for conversation, laughter and meeting fellow hikers along the way.
If time allows, join us afterwards for a well-earned coffee or breakfast at the YWAM Café.
HIGHLIGHTS
🌅 Spectacular sunrise from Castle Hill
🥾 Explore Maiden Hair, Triandra, Iron Bark, Scramble and Goat Tracks
⛰️ Summit of Castle Hill
💪 Excellent fitness-building hike
📸 Fantastic photography opportunities
🏝️ Panoramic views across Townsville and Magnetic Island
☕ Optional post-hike coffee at YWAM Café
🤝 Friendly and welcoming group atmosphere
HIKE SNAPSHOT
HIKE: Castle Hill - Iron Bark via Walker Street Steps Loop
DISTANCE: Approximately 5.5km
TIME: Approximately 1.5 hours
MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 320m
TRACK GRADING: 3
MAXIMUM GROUP NUMBER: 15
FITNESS LEVEL: Intermediate / Advanced
HIKE LEADER: Susie
LOCATION / TRANSPORT / MEETING DETAILS
Meeting point: End of Walker Street, Walker St steps, Townsville City
Parking: Free on Blackwood Street
Meeting Time: 5.30 am
Please arrive prior to our start time as we will depart promptly.
IMPORTANT: Residential area - please keep noise levels to a minimum!
OTHER INFORMATION
This hike will be conducted at a steady pace with short breaks as required. Total duration may vary depending on group size and dynamics.
While suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness, participants should be aware that the track includes steep climbs, loose surfaces and uneven terrain. Good footwear with adequate grip is strongly recommended.
The sunrise views over Townsville, Magnetic Island and the surrounding ranges are well worth the effort and make this one of Castle Hill's most rewarding morning adventures.
WHAT TO BRING
• Minimum 1 litre of water
• Headlamp or torch
• Suitable hiking clothing
• Hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera or phone
• Hiking boots, trail runners or comfortable walking shoes
We look forward to seeing you there!
NEW TO TOWNSVILLE HIKE AND EXPLORE?
Welcome!
Many participants attend their first hike alone. Our hike leaders and regular members are friendly, supportive and inclusive, and we'll do our best to help you feel welcome.
If you have any questions about the hike, please leave a message on this event or contact the hike leader and we'll get back to you.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Please help us protect the places we visit by:
• Taking all rubbish home
• Respecting wildlife and other visitors
• Staying on designated tracks where possible
• Leaving nature as you found it
OUR COMMUNITY
Townsville Hike and Explore is a volunteer-run not-for-profit community focused on outdoor adventure, friendship, inclusion, health, wellbeing and caring for our local environment.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Before RSVP’ing to this activity, please ensure you are physically capable of completing the entire hike. Everyone is responsible for their safety during our hikes. Please be prepared with enough water, snacks, and relevant items. If you have any doubts about your ability to complete the hike or any questions regarding personal responsibility, please contact the hike organiser, who will be happy to discuss your concerns.
To find more information on personal responsibility and our safety philosophy, please refer to our website at https://townsvillehikeandexplore.com/about
We want to emphasize that Townsville Hike and Explore is a SOCIAL Not-For-Profit organisation, and we do not charge a fee for our activities. Therefore, we take no responsibility for any mishaps, accidents, illnesses, or injuries that may occur as a result of the activity. Attending an activity with us is solely at your own risk.
During our hikes, we do take short breaks but adhere to a tight timeframe to ensure we complete the activity within the allotted time. It's important to know your own limits and take personal responsibility for your safety. Ensure that you bring enough water, snacks, and any other necessary items for the activity.
If you are uncertain about your ability to complete the hike or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the activity organiser. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS:
We respect your privacy on our hikes. If you prefer not to be in our photos, please let us know by either messaging your hike leader prior to the hike or letting them know on the day. Your comfort and well-being are important to us, and we'll ensure your wishes are respected.
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Walker Street Steps, Townsville City, 300 Walker St, Townsville City QLD 4810, Australia, Townsville
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