Jourama Falls Camping Area – Paluma Range National Park

Jourama Falls camping area, tucked away in the northern section of Paluma Range National Park, is a stunning bush campground offering an immersive natural retreat. Located approximately 90 kilometres north of Townsville, this Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service site is famed for its spectacular waterfall, pristine swimming holes, and lush rainforest setting. The campground itself is a spacious, open, and grassy area set alongside the beautiful Waterview Creek. It provides a peaceful base for visitors to explore the surrounding wilderness. Camping must be booked and paid for online in advance, with sites suitable for tents, off-road camper trailers, and small caravans. The final section of the access road includes creek crossings that can become impassable to conventional vehicles after heavy rain, making it an adventure to reach. The main highlight is the Jourama Falls lookout track, a 3-kilometre return walk that climbs through open woodland to a viewing platform. From here, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the falls as they cascade down a series of granite rock faces. Below the main falls, Waterview Creek is dotted with numerous rock pools and clear-flowing water, creating idyllic spots for swimming and relaxing, especially during the warmer months. The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see a variety of birds, butterflies, and goannas. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including flushing toilets and cold showers, aligning with the remote, natural experience. Campers need to be completely self-sufficient, bringing all their own supplies, including drinking water and a fuel stove, as open fires are prohibited. As it is a national park, pets are not allowed. Jourama Falls is a true gem for those seeking to escape and connect with the rugged beauty of Tropical North Queensland’s Wet Tropics.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: Tents, off-road camper trailers, small motorhomes/caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the turn-off, then a gravel road with creek crossings which may require a 4WD after rain.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are essential and must be made online via the QLD Parks website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Varies, check booking website.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, cold showers, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. Treat all water before use.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
• TV Reception: None.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves must be used.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 1 designated site, but a large open area. Check booking details.
• Essentials to Bring: All food, drinking water, insect repellent, rubbish bags, fuel stove.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in Paluma Range National Park.
• Fishing: Not permitted.
• Short Walks: Yes, Jourama Falls lookout track (3km return).

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lees Hotel, Ingham (approx. 40 km)
  • Royal Hotel, Ingham (approx. 40 km)
  • Herbert River Jockey Club, Ingham (approx. 40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and takeaways in Ingham (approx. 40 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • TYTO Wetlands, Ingham (approx. 40 km)
  • Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park (approx. 90 km from Ingham)
  • Broadwater, Abergowrie State Forest (approx. 60 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ingham Tourist Park (approx. 40 km)
  • BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville (approx. 90 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Saunders Beach (Donation camp, approx. 65 km)
  • Balgal Beach Campground (Donation camp, approx. 50 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ingham Showgrounds, Ingham (approx. 40 km)
  • Bluewater Park Rest Area (approx. 65 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Various stations in Ingham (approx. 40 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Ingham (approx. 40 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at Jourama Falls

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The region has a tropical climate, defined by a hot, wet season in summer and a cooler, dry season in winter.