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Book a camp site at Lake Paluma
| Lake Paluma is a picturesque water storage facility situated close to Mount Spec, high above the Paluma Range National Park.
Lake Paluma is nestled among world heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Access to the lake is via a 12 kilometre gravel road from the township of Paluma (view map).
The Lake is a drinking water storage and offers unique opportunities for day visitors and campers to spend time in a biologically diverse rainforest environment. |
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Notice to the public
Notice to the public
Any person using this lake and adjoining area for swimming, camping, non-motorised boating, or other recreational activity does so at his/her own risk. Townsville City Council accepts no responsibility to any such person for any damage to or loss of property, or any injury caused, contributed to or sustained by that person whether caused by other persons, concealed dangers, or any other cause whatsoever.
Little Birthday Creek Bridge
Please note the load limit to cross the Little Birthday Creek Bridge, to access the Dam and camping area, is 13.5 tonne.
Road Closures
Please check for Paluma Road (Mount Spec Forestry Road) road closures prior to planning trips to Lake Paluma here.
Rainfall and dam levels
Lake Paluma is in a high rainfall area, please check rainfall and weather forecasts before visiting.
Follow this link to see current dam levels.
Maps
Camping
Activities and facilities
- Activities
- Dedicated foreshore area
- Covered picnic tables
- Gas barbeques
- Toilets (no showers)
- Non-motorised boat launching facilities
- Swimming
Please note
- Rubbish bins are not provided. All visitors must bag and remove their rubbish on departure.
- No domestic animals (except guide dogs) are allowed within the Lake Paluma Reserve or the surrounding World Heritage Area.
- Motorised watercraft are not permitted on Lake Paluma (electric motors excepted).
- Firewood is available for purchase at Lake Paluma ($10/20kg bundle). Campers can obtain firewood when rangers are on site daily. Campers may supply their own untreated firewood. Collection from surrounding forest is not permitted.
For your safety
- A dedicated emergency phone connecting direct to 000 is located outside the Lake Paluma Office.
- Do not feed any wildlife in the campground and do not leave any food which may be scavenged.
- Supervise your children, especially near water.
- Be careful when swimming. Never dive or jump into the water.
- We strongly recommend all children using canoes/kayaks/boats wear an approved personal floatation device.
- Boil or treat water before use.
- Please drive carefully and observe speed limits.
- Stay on walking tracks and carry water and food on longer walks.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Wear protective clothing to avoid bites, scratches or stings.
For more information, please phone the Customer Service Centre on 1300 878 001 or send an email to Townsville Water.