Roly West, Rockledge Pool & Melaleucas

A big part of what Townsville Hike and Explore is all about involves lending a hand, giving back and improving trails and outdoor adventure options for our greater outdoor community. Those who regularly follow our group will know we are currently working to re-open numerous trails in the Paluma Range National Park and surrounding areas. Most of these trails are in disrepair, overgrown and haven’t been used since before Cyclone Yasi in 2011. Personally, I am also designing and mapping additional trails, both extensions of current trails as well as some brand spanking new trails, so the everyday adventurer can visit some new points of interest and locations in our region. In the long-term, I hope this will add some variety and additional value to our current trail and adventure options.

Keep in mind though, the majority of these trails are extremely remote, a good portion accessible only via private property and as such, I would encourage anyone interested to come along to a group event with fellow experienced hikers and explorers to visit these areas in the first instance. Most recently, we have re-opened a section of trail from the lower sections of Ollera Creek all the way to within a stones throw of Circle View Mountain – One of the most scenic, rewarding and enjoyable walks in that particular section of the National Park.

This particular adventure saw us exploring the lower and mid reaches of the Roly West Branch, adjacent creeks, tributaries and country while undertaking trail maintenance which I hope will eventually allow easier access to overnight and multi day hike options in the area. This is sure one of the best areas to hike and explore in our region!