Devil's Leap (Peanut Falls)

Devil's Leap, a.k.a. Peanut Falls, is a well-known swimming hole located just a few hundred meters below the Little Crystal Creek bridge.

Devil's Leap (Peanut Falls)

Location - Paluma Range National Park, North Queensland, Australia
Distance - 200 metres
Duration - 5 mintues
Difficulty - 3, easy but steep

Devil's Leap, also known as Peanut Falls or Hellman, is located in Paluma Range National Park about 60 kilometres (one hour driving) north of Townsville and well-known to the locals of the Townsville area. These falls are part of Little Crystal Creek and can be easily accessed via an unofficial dirt track just a few hundred meters below the heritage-listed bridge. The rock slides also provide an extra bit of fun (may also be known as Devil's Slides or Peanut Slides).

Devil's Leap, Paluma
"Take the leap?" Photo credit @luenwarneke

Be careful around cliffs, wet rocks, and fast-flowing water. Many people have been injured here; emergency services have had to be flown in on occasions, and some deaths have even occurred in Little Crystal Creek. Always check the pool for hazards before jumping. Beware of the water levels and dangerous of whitewater.

devils leap little crystal creek
Photo credit: @microholiday

How to get there

Park your vehicle a few hundred metres before you get to the bridge. Walk up the road 20 metres, and you will find a track off to the right that leads down to the creek.

Take the leap?
Photo credit: @nevrabrokenman @matthewliamrobinson

Interactive Map

Leave No Trace and Protecting The Park

As this area is very popular, it is important to be as diligent as possible in practicing the Hike It Out and Leave No Trace philosophy. Please take everything you bring in back home with you. If you find rubbish, please pick it up, and hike it out. Let's take only photos (and other people's rubbish) and leave only footprints (plus a cleaner environment).

  • Glass containers are not permitted; broken glass is an eye sore and can cause injuries.
  • Take all rubbish with you, including food scraps.
  • Do not feed native wildlife. It is a health risk to them and a safety risk to you.
  • Never leave food, dirty dishes, or bars of soap unattended, as they may attract Australian brush-turkeys and native giant white-tailed rats.
  • Take care not to pollute fresh water. Do not use soap, shampoo, or detergents in or near creeks.
  • Leave your pets at home. Domestic animals are not permitted in national parks.

What to bring

  • A first aid kit
  • Adequate drinking water (3 litres per person per day, sterilisation tablets otherwise)
  • Sun protection (e.g., hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing)
  • Snacks, lunch
  • Cans or plastic bottles, as glass bottles and containers are strictly prohibited
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent
devils leap rock slide
Photo credit: @jazzy_breee

Tips

  • Never jump or dive into Little Crystal Creek. Serious injuries and deaths have occurred here.
  • Rocks can be extremely slippery, and submerged timber can appear after flooding.
  • Never walk on the rocks directly above the falls as they are extremely slippery and serious injuries could result from a fall.
  • Seasonal closures are common in the wetter months, due to flooding and occasionally in the dryer months, the park will be closed due to fires.
  • Do not attempt to cross strong flowing creeks and streams. Flooding can occur during and after heavy or prolonged periods of rain, and the creek may become impassable.
  • Wear insect repellent, clothing, and shoes to protect yourself from stings, scratches, and bites.
  • Always carry adequate drinking water as well as equipment for treating water.
devils leap little crystal creek paluma
Photo credit: Emilia North

This article, and all other articles, are for entertainment purposes only and are not to be used as a guide. Please see our Disclaimer for more information.


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