Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the challenging 6.2km Mount Marlow trail, a Grade 4 hike located near Townsville. Starting at the western end of the Lagoon Trail, ascend the Many Peaks Range, enjoy stunning views from the Palm Islands to Cape Cleveland, before descending through lush vine thickets to the wetlands. This steep, one-way track, marked by orange trail markers, offers an exhilarating bushwalk for seasoned hikers.

Length:

6.2km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 202m

Min elevation: 11m

Total Ascent: 344m

Start: Lagoon Trail

End: Lagoon Trail

Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Townsville

From state capital: 1337km

Latitude: -19.195944

Longitude: 146.773326

Overview

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Hike overview

Starting at the western end, or 450 m along the eastern end of the Lagoon Trail, this challenging walk across Many Peaks Range leads to the summit of Mount Marlow, before descending through vine thickets and woodland towards the wetlands below. The walk has spectacular views over the Town Common wetlands and along the coastline from the Palm Islands in the north to Cape Cleveland in the south. Some sections of the trail are very steep and there are many steps. In some areas the trail can be indistinct and walkers must follow the orange trail markers. Walkers may return on the same trail or via the Lagoon trail.

Tips

A car shuffle is required
Bicycles prohibited
Download the Cape Pallarenda Trails map

Trail information and photo by Carolyn Cox

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km)

Total distance: 6201 m
Max elevation: 202 m
Min elevation: 11 m
Total climbing: 344 m
Total descent: -344 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.

Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is 6 km north of the Townsville city centre. Vehicle access to the park is via the main entrance on the turn-off from Cape Pallarenda Road, near the Rowes Bay Golf Club. The gate at this entrance is open from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm daily.

Vehicles must remain on Freshwater Lagoon road (see map). Driving is not allowed in all other areas.

Walkers and mountain bike riders can also enter the park from the eastern end of the Lagoon trail, off Cape Pallarenda Road, and from the Shelly Cove trail in Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Known locally as the Town Common, the park is close to the bustling city centre of Townsville and is a great place to enjoy nature and fantastic coastal views.

Visitors can hike across the Many Peaks Range, enjoy expansive island views while riding the Under the Radar or Smedley's trails or take the trail to the beautiful and secluded Shelly Beach.

Deep-water lagoons, seasonal wetlands, coastal woodlands and sheltered beaches bordered by rocky headlands all feature in this park. Mangrove-lined tributaries of the Bohle River meander across the floodplains that fill each year during the wet summer months.

Up to 280 bird species have been recorded in the area. Magpie geese, brolgas and many others gather here to feed and nest, particularly as the wetlands dry out and food sources become concentrated in the remaining lagoons.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: North Ward, Pallarenda, Ross Island, South Townsville, Townsville

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km)

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Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km)