🌊🔥 RUNNING RIVER FALLS & GORGE ADVENTURE – SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER! 🥾🏞️Get ready for an EPIC North Queensland adventure! We're heading back to one of the region's most spectacular hidden gems for a day of rugged landscapes, incredible waterfalls, refreshing swims and unforgettable memories!
It's been a LONG time since we've visited Running River Falls, and we're bringing the crew back for another incredible adventure! 💦
The plan? We're hiking into the gorge, exploring its spectacular surroundings and making our way towards the MASSIVE Running River Falls. If you've never experienced this incredible location, you're in for something special!
Located north of Townsville, Running River Gorge is an incredible landscape of towering rock formations, winding waterways, dramatic scenery and spectacular waterfalls. This is the kind of place that reminds you just how extraordinary our backyard really is! 🌿⛰️
⚠️ IMPORTANT LAND ACCESS INFORMATION
Running River Gorge is accessible ONLY via private property, with permission from the relevant landowners. We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit this special location. All attendees must respect the property, follow instructions and comply with all access conditions.
🚨 STRICTLY LIMITED NUMBERS
Numbers are capped at 25 attendees. Once capacity is reached, no additional participants will be accepted.
This is a family-friendly adventure, with options for people who would prefer a shorter experience.
For those wanting a modified adventure, we'll offer a shorter walk of approximately 30 minutes into the gorge, where you can wait for the main group to collect you on the return journey. A walk leader will remain with you.
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🥾 THE ADVENTURE DETAILS
📅 Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
📍 Location: Running River Gorge, north of Townsville
🥾 Distance: Approximately 10km total
⏱️ Duration: Full-day adventure, including swims and regular breaks
🚶 Pace: Relaxed, with regular breaks along the way
💦 Activities: Gorge hiking, waterfall exploration and swimming opportunities
We'll hike along the gorge rim before descending into and exploring selected sections of the gorge. Along the way, we'll encounter creek crossings and moderately steep inclines and undulating terrain.
Depending on water levels and conditions, there may also be opportunities for pack swims in at least two locations.
And, of course, the highlight we're all looking forward to — exploring the MASSIVE Running River Falls! 🌊🤯
Be prepared to get wet, get adventurous and experience a side of North Queensland that not everyone gets to see!
Footwear must remain on during creek crossings.
Our experienced walk leaders will carry navigation, communication and emergency equipment and will be available to assist throughout the day.
Please consider your fitness, swimming ability and experience before committing to this adventure.
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📍 MEETING DETAILS
📌 Meeting point: Paluma Community Centre, 55 Mount Spec Road, Paluma.
⏰ Meet at 8:00am.
🚗 We will depart for Running River Gorge at 9:00am SHARP.
Please allow approximately 1.5 hours' driving time from Townsville and ensure you arrive on time.
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🚗 MOUNT SPEC ROAD ACCESS & ESCORT TIMES
Please be aware that escorts depart from the bottom of Mount Spec Road on the hour.
To ensure you arrive at our meeting point in time for the 9:00am departure, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING EITHER THE 7:00AM OR 8:00AM ESCORT.
Please plan your journey accordingly, allow plenty of time and drive safely.
We don't want anyone missing out on the adventure because they've been caught out by the travel times! 🥾🌿
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING
💧 2–3 litres of water
👕 Sun-safe clothing (quick-dry clothing recommended)
🥾 Suitable footwear for hiking and creek crossings
🎒 A dry bag OR large orange garbage bags (MANDATORY for pack swims)
🛟 Floaties for children who cannot swim confidently
🧢 Hat and sunscreen
🥪 Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
🍎 Snacks and electrolytes
📸 Camera, drone or GoPro (optional)
🩹 Personal first aid kit and snake bite kit (if available)
🦟 Insect repellent
Please come prepared for a full day outdoors.
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🏕️ ACCOMMODATION & CAMPING
Anyone planning a weekend away in the Paluma region may wish to explore camping options at Lake Paluma.
Camping bookings can be made through the booking page below:
https://townsville.bookable.net.au/venues/26/lake-paluma
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📞 EVENT CONTACT
Michael Pugh, alongside our experienced team of walk leaders, will be running the adventure.
If you have any questions, comment below, contact Michael via Facebook or phone 0491 353 524.
Please ensure you read our Personal Responsibility Statement on our website before RSVPing.
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🔥 LET'S GET BACK OUT THERE! 🔥
It's been a long time between visits, and we're incredibly excited to return to Running River Gorge.
We're talking rugged gorge country, spectacular scenery, refreshing water, good company and the opportunity to explore the MASSIVE Running River Falls once again! 🌊⛰️
This is what Townsville Hike and Explore is all about — getting outdoors, discovering incredible places, challenging ourselves and sharing unforgettable adventures with an awesome community.
🥾 Bring your sense of adventure.
🌿 Bring your mates and family.
💦 Get ready to explore somewhere truly special.
SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER — RUNNING RIVER GORGE, WE'RE COMING BACK! 🤙🔥
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