Trail summary

7,606 Total views

Quick overview: Embark on 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 4 (Hard)

Style: One Way

Start: Lagoon Trail

End: Lagoon Trail

Location: Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park

State: Queensland

Nearby town: Townsville

From state capital: 1337km

Latitude: -19.195944

Longitude: 146.773326

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Check Weather

Reviews

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

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

Download file: Cape%20Pallarenda%20Many%20Peaks%20Track.gpx

Getting there

Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km)

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

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

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.

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.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Trail summary

Hike overview

Tips

Map and GPX file

Cape Pallarenda Many Peaks Track (6.2km)