The Most Magical Rainforest Day Trips From Townsville

Who knew paradise was just a short drive from Townsville/Gurambilbarra? We’re talking misty mountain trails, secret waterfalls, and pockets of rainforest so lush you’ll forget the city even exists. 

Whether you’re chasing UNESCO World Heritage–listed rainforests, impressive waterfalls, or just a solid excuse to escape your phone for a few hours (same), these rainforest day trips near Townsville have it all. Tug on your waterproof gumboots, pack a swimsuit and get ready to explore the green side of North Queensland like a proper local with our best rainforest recs. 

Paluma Range National Park

Image credit: Paluma Range National Park | Supplied

High up in the Townsville hinterlands, Paluma Range National Park is a rainforest lover’s dream. Locally known as the ‘village in the clouds’ (dreamy, right?), this sprawling 172 square kilometre national park is big enough to warrant multiple day trips. Plus, the cool mountain air is a much-needed respite from the low-lying city’s tropical humidity, so you’ll probably find yourself making excuses to come back time and time again (especially in the hotter months when forehead sweat is your biggest nemesis). 

Being part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, this national park also happens to have some pretty amazing rainforest trails that suit walkers of all levels, ranging from 300 metres to 4km. Don't miss the scenic lookouts for panoramic views, or hike to one of the many tranquil waterfalls for a refreshing dip. The main entrance currently requires a permit, so make sure you request one before you go. 

Mount Spec

Rising a whopping 1,000 metres above the Crystal Creek floodplain, Mount Spec straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range—and yes, it’s as epic as it sounds. Make a day of it in this otherworldly rainforest and you’ll be rewarded with streams, waterfalls, and plenty of panoramic vistas. 

Kick things off at Big Crystal Creek: picnic like a champ, splash through the Rockslides waterholes, and make sure to tick the iconic, heritage-listed 1930s stone bridge off your North Queensland bucket list. If you’re up for more of a hike, you can always tackle the Birthday Creek Falls walk for refreshing cascades and misty rainforest vibes. The lower slopes are dotted with eucalypt forests and casuarinas—perfect for spying rainbow lorikeets and goannas or pretending you’re in Jurassic Park. Top it all off with sweeping views from McClellands and Witts Lookouts. The main entrance currently requires a permit, so make sure you request one before you go. 

Girringun National Park

Image credit: Wallaman Falls | Instagram

A 2.5-hour drive from Townsville, Girringun National Park is home to Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls. Plunging an epic 268 metres into a deep pool below (often through a rainbow-fringed mist), this is the undisputed boss of waterfalls. The lookout is easily accessible, but if you’re up for a challenge, the hike to the base will reward you with rainforest views, cool creek crossings and photo ops galore.

For the adventurous (and extremely fit), the Wet Tropics Great Walk kicks off here—37.8km of ancient palm-filled gullies, open eucalypt forests and dramatic escarpments. With its UNESCO-listed scenery, crystal creeks and endless green horizons, Girringun is the kind of place that makes you forget you ever owned a phone (or inspires you to dramatically throw it in Wallaman Falls).

Bowling Green Bay National Park

We’re hedging our bets: Bowling Green Bay National Park might just be North Queensland’s most underrated natural gem. Only 30 minutes south of Townsville, this Ramsar-listed wetland wonderland protects a patchwork of ecosystems. There’s more variety than you can poke a stick at: coastal estuaries, mangrove-lined creeks, open eucalypt woodland and sprawling tropical rainforest. 

Bird nerds, pack your binoculars—over 200 species call this place home, from brolgas to jabirus (Australia's only stork species). Take a stroll along one of several Alligator Creek trails, cool off in the swimming holes, or just sit back and let the zen soundtrack of cicadas and trickling water do its thing.   

Abergowrie State Forest

Abergowrie State Forest is nearly two hours out of town, but trust us: it’s worth the trek. You can even set up camp for the night if you’re not ready to say goodbye—because honestly, once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.

Head straight for the Broadwater day-use area, complete with shady picnic shelters, gas barbies, and gentle walking trails fit for the whole fam (including four-legged members) that wind beneath ancient rainforest canopies. Cool off in the sparkling freshwater creek—we swear it’s one of the best swims in the region—and keep your eyes peeled for electric-blue Ulysses butterflies and chatty Cathy kookaburras overhead.  

Note: Broadwater is temporarily closed, please check their website for more info before planning a visit. 

Hinchinbrook Island National Park 

Image credit: Hinchinbrook Island | Instagram

For a truly unique day trip you won’t find anywhere else, hop on a short ferry and journey to a rainforest on an island. As Australia’s largest island national park, Hinchinbrook Island is also part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, making it a double dose of epic nature. 

The island’s major drawcard is the Thorsborne Trail, a challenging multi-day trek through ancient rainforest, past waterfalls and across freshwater streams. But if you’re just visiting for a day trip, there’s still loads to do and see, with shorter hikes, secluded beaches, and gorgeous vistas of jungle-covered mountains tumbling into the Coral Sea. If you’re a wildlife lover (who isn’t?), keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries (aka living dinosaurs), green sea turtles, and vibrant tropical birds. 

Image credit: Paluma Range National Park | Supplied