Lake Paluma
Lake Paluma Access Update - 4 June 2025
The normal access route via the Bruce Highway, up Mount Spec Road through Paluma is not yet open to general traffic.
- Alternative access is possible via the Ingham – Mount Fox – Hidden Valley – Paluma Dam Route or the Herveys Range Development Road – Hidden Valley – Paluma Dam Routes.
- Both of these routes are approximately 100 kilometres longer than the normal access route and travel times will be increased to 3 to 4 hours one way.
- It will include travel on gravel roads with no mobile telephone coverage for much of the journey.
- High clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles would be recommended and to exercise caution due to roaming stock, wildlife, and truck traffic.
- Road conditions can change rapidly, particularly during adverse weather so persons wishing to camp at Paluma Dam should plan accordingly.
- The bridge over Running River at Hidden Valley currently has a 4.5 T load limit and 5 kph speed limit for vehicles.
- The BBQ facilities at Paluma Dam are currently not available.
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, the large group camping area.
All campgrounds and vehicle sites require a booking which can be made on Bookable:
Book a Camping Permit
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.
Notice to the Public about Recreational Activities
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.
Looking After Lake Paluma
Help keep Lake Paluma beautiful by remembering that all plants and animals are protected and fishing is not permitted.
Visit the Mount Spec and Paluma Range National Park page on the Queensland Government website for more information on caring for the park.
Cancellation
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.
Checklist Before You Arrive
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
- 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.
For Your Safety
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.
Large Group Camping at Magar Yambar
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.
Bookings are essential. Magar Yamba can be booked by contacting Council or via Bookable (under Campsite C23 Magar Yamba Group Site). 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.
Maps of Lake Paluma
Select images to view full size maps:
More Information
For more information about Lake Paluma, visit:
- Dam Levels page for Paluma Dam water levels
- Hidden Valley Cabins (20km west of Lake Paluma)
- Mount Spec and Paluma Range National Park page (Queensland Government website)
- Wet Tropics Management Authority website
