Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km), Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park, Queensland

Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track is a 6.2km, grade 4 hike located in the Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park, Queensland. The hike should take around 3 hrs to complete.

Length: 6.2km

Duration: 3 hrs

Grade: 4

Style: One Way

Start: Lagoon Trail

End: Lagoon Trail

Location: Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park

Closest town: Townsville

Queensland

From state capital: 1337km

Longitude: 146.773326

Latitude: -19.195944

Hike summary

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.

Route and GPX file

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

Download file: Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track.gpx

Tips

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

Trail information and photo by Carolyn Cox

Gear you might need

As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>

Location

Getting there

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.

Get directions

Weather

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.

Gallery

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