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Lake Paluma

Lake Paluma Access

Updated: 9 October 2025

The normal access route via the Bruce Highway, up Mount Spec Road through Paluma is now accessible under a permit arrangement with TMR.

General public are now welcome to apply for a single round trip permit to access Mount Spec Road Paluma.

To apply for a permit, contact our Northern District team by email at engagement.northern@tmr.qld.gov.au or telephone on 1800 625 648.

Visit the TMR website for more information about the reconstruction works.

Lake Paluma is nestled among our world heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Access to Lake Paluma is approximately 12km north of the township of Paluma.

The offers unique opportunities for day visitors and campers to spend time in a biologically diverse rainforest environment.

Camping at Lake Paluma

Lake Paluma is a popular camping destination. There are a limited number of camp sites available and you must have a booking. Without a booking you are not guaranteed a camp site.

Council Rangers patrol the area daily. People who camp without a booking will be fined.

Camp sites must be vacated by midday on the day of departure.

Schools and large groups are encouraged to use Magar Yamba, as it is the large group camping area.

All campgrounds and vehicle sites require a booking which can be made on Bookable.

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Book your campsite before travelling to Lake Paluma. Our online booking system (Bookable) allows you to select a campsite, pay your camping fees, and obtain a booking confirmation.

There are 23 sites to choose from with a mixture of large, double, and single sites. You may stay up to 12 consecutive nights.

When your booking is completed you will be emailed a booking confirmation. Within this email you will find a booking details attachment which will contain your campsite number and relevant information.

You must print and display your booking details attachment.

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.

Camping fees will be refunded, provided you give at least two days’ notice prior to the date of your booking.

Campers who change their plans and cancel at short notice effectively limit or prevent others from using the allocated camp site.

Council will not refund camping permit fees for circumstances outside of its control, including:

the occurrence of unfavourable weather
personal decisions to change plans.

Remember to:

book your campsite before travelling to Lake Paluma
be self-sufficient as basic supplies are 1 hour away
check road and weather conditions before you travel (strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause road closures)

Supplies

We recommend that you take the following items when you go camping:

booking details document (emailed to you after you book your campsite)
camera and binoculars
fire starters, firewood (untreated) and a block splitter or axe
first aid kit (stocked and in-date)
food (non-perishable) and drinking water
fuel stove
hat and sunscreen for sun safety
insect repellent and protective clothing
radio (for forecasts) with spare batteries
raincoat or waterproof jacket
rubbish and storage bags
sturdy shoes
torch (for walking at night)
warm clothing
waterproof tent and a tarp.

Firewood is available for purchase at Lake Paluma (payment by credit/debit card only – no cash transactions). Campers can obtain firewood when rangers are on site daily. Campers may supply their own untreated firewood. Collection from surrounding forest is not permitted.

Some advice for safety while camping at Lake Paluma:

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.

Magar Yamba is a group camping area at Lake Paluma. Magar Yamba was constructed with the assistance of the local traditional owners of the Paluma area, the Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi people.

In Gugu Badhun traditional language, Magar means 'scrub' and Yamba means 'camp'.

Six traditional owners worked with staff from Council to develop the site as part of a training program under the Community Development and Employment Scheme. The site is available for use by all groups, with a priority given to education and community organisations.

Designed around a central fireplace, Magar Yamba features:

raised tent sites
BBQ tables and seats
covered food preparation area
communal fire place with seating
separate parking area (suitable for coaster bus) and
non-potable water supply (boil before drinking).

Site capacity – seven tent sites for three to four person sized tents.

Parking – coaster bus plus four vehicles.

Camping fees – fees for Magar Yamba include access to non-potable water. See the Fees & Charges page for a list of Lake Paluma fees.

Booking Magar Yamba

Magar Yamba can be booked by either:

Contacting Council
Booking via Bookable (under Campsite C23 Magar Yamba Group Site).

Bookings are essential. Bookings for the large site are not instant, they require further details and reviews by our onsite Rangers. You will be contacted once the booking is confirmed.