Grade 1

Cloudy Creek Walk (4km)

Paluma Range National Park

Queensland

4km

2 hrs

Grade 3

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Hike at a glance

Quick overview: Take on the Cloudy Creek Walk in Queensland's Paluma Range National Park, a lush 4km hike nestled near the town of Paluma. This 2-hour return trail, starting and ending at McClellands Lookout Day-use Area, presents a moderate Grade 3 challenge featuring rainforest terrain, small waterfalls, and panoramic views of Halifax Bay and the Palm Islands. Prepare for a cooler climate and remember your sturdy boots for the steep and rocky sections. Enjoy the tranquillity and beauty this unique walk offers!

Hike length

Average duration

Trail Difficulty

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Technical details

Max elevation: 915m
Min elevation: 845m
Total Ascent: 102m

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

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Grade 3 (moderate) badge

Uneven terrain and steady climbs
These walks require a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on rough ground. Expect hills, rough surfaces, and sections with steps or short, steeper climbs.

While not technically difficult, these tracks are no longer "easy" and can feel demanding over distance, especially in heat or with a pack. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly for managing footing and pacing. Distances can extend up to 20km.

Worth knowing: Many hikers underestimate Grade 3 when conditions change or fatigue sets in.

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Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes..

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Crystal Creek, Giru, Halifax, Herberton, Hervey Range, Herveys Range, Hidden Valley, Ingham, Little Crystal Creek, Mount Fox, Mount Spec, Mt. Spec, Paluma, Ravenswood

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The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

9 Reviews on “Cloudy Creek Walk (4km)”

Overall rating
  • Wilderness first aid consultants avatar Wilderness First Aid Consultants

    I have been to Townsville several times, but I had to google Paluma’s whereabouts! who’d have thought such a place of beauty could be so nicely hidden

    1. Trail hiking australia avatar Trail Hiking Australia

      Wilderness First Aid Consultants it’s quite amazing how many little gems are out there.

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Cloudy creek walk (4km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

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