Lower Little Crystal Creek Falls
These waterfalls are located at the base of the Paluma Range and is the last waterfall of Little Crystal Creek. The waterfall at the bottom of the range is spectacular and offers a beautiful large and deep swimming hole.
Location - Paluma Range National Park, North Queensland, Australia
Approach - 60 km, 1 hour north of Townsville
Distance - 1 km return
Duration - 2-4 hours return
Difficulty - 4/5, easy but off-track and steep in places
These waterfalls are located at the base of the Paluma Range and is the last waterfall of Little Crystal Creek. The waterfall at the bottom of the range is spectacular and not only does it offer a beautiful large and deep swimming hole but has the opportunities to place. The smaller waterfall above the large one has its own small swimming hole which you can slide off the waterfall into.
How to get there
You can easily access this waterfall via the ridgeline (see the interactive map below). There are a few places to park your car but the one at the top of the ridgeline is limited to one small car.
Interactive Map
Here's an interactive map of the approach.
Leave No Trace and Protecting The Park
As this area is becoming increasing popular, we will need to be more diligent in practicing our Hike It Out and Leave No Trace philosophy. Please take all everything 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
- A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Appropriate clothing and footwear
- Cans or plastic bottles - glass bottles and containers are prohibited
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
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.
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.