InTownsville and Magnetic Island Guide March - August 2020

KENNEDY ST
Queens
Park
Queens
Gardens
STANLEY ST
STANTON TCE
WILLS ST
GREGORY ST
MURRAY ST
QUEEN ST
HILL
SIDE CR
VICTORIA ST
Reservoir
WALKER ST
JONES ST
HALE ST
BLACKWOOD ST
WILLS ST
MAIDENHAIR TRACK
This walk is relatively easy as it has few climbs and hugs
the base of the hill from West End Cemetery to the Goat
Track in town. There are some pretty sections, including
a bridge over a stream that flows in the wet season
and a little rockpool after it’s rained. It gets a bit more
challenging near the Goat Track where a little bit of rock
hopping is required.
Starts: West End Cemetery at Church Street, West End
Ends: Near the start of the Goat Track
Distance: 1.13km one way
Best bit: The little rock pool that appears after the rain
THE GOAT TRACK
Starting from Hillside Crescent just outside the CBD, the
Goat Track is short and sharp. Getting to it requires a steep
climb up the road, before the incline begins again to take
you to a lookout at the intersection of the Cudtheringa
Track. The Goat Track is a good way to add a bit of
variation if you usually just stick to the Cudtheringa Track
and you prefer the city side tracks.
Starts: Hillside Crescent, Townsville City
Ends: Castle Hill Road, just short of Castle Hill summit
Distance: 0.63km one way
Best bit: Views over the city, Magnetic Island,
Pallarenda and around to Cleveland Bay from the
lookout.
MAIDENHAIR LOWER TRACK
This easy trail starts just behind the West End Cemetery
on Church Street, West End, and offers a pleasant
walk parallel to the Maidenhair Track. Although the
elevation isn’t high, the view out to Mount Stuart is
surprisingly impressive. You will come out on Wilson
Street, where there’s a small climb via the road until
you’ll rejoin the track. Follow a short set of stairs and
you’ll eventually come to the Maidenhair Track.
Starts: West End Cemetery at Church Street, West End
Ends: Wilson Street, West End, but rejoins to the
Maidenhair Track
Distance: 0.8km one way
Best bit: Fantastic vista with minimal effort.
ERYTHRINA TRACK
We like to call this one the ‘sneaky shortcut track’ as
it allows you to cut a big corner of road off if you
are going up or coming down the hill. While this track
is short and easy, it’s also very convenient. A lot of
walkers know it exists, but many don’t realise that it
actually starts from Balmoral Place (off Yarrawonga
Drive) in Yarrawonga. Handy to know if you park at
the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder, do that challenging
climb, turn right onto Yarrawonga Drive, right into
Balmoral Place and then onto the Erythrina Trail and
the hill.
Starts: Balmoral Place, Yarrawonga
Ends: Castle Hill Road, about half way up
Distance: 0.4km one way
Best bit: Being a sneaky little shortcut if you are
running late/lacking energy
WEST RIDGE TRACK
It seems not many people know the existence of this
fantastic trail that starts on William Street in West End
and finishes half way up the hill, just opposite the end
of the Erythrina Track. It has a rocky and relatively
steep, but steady, start (it can get slippery and muddy
at times), then it flattens out onto the ridge line where
there are stunning views of The Strand and Magnetic
Island one way and Mount Stuart the other - 360
degrees of bliss. The track is easier after this, still
climbing but quite gradually and with the help of stairs
in some sections.
Starts: William Street, West End (between Ernest Street
and Claude Street)
Ends: Half way up Castle Hill Road, opposite the
Erythrina Track
Distance: 1km one way
Best bit: Jaw dropping 360 degree views
SUMMIT WALK, RADAR HILL WALK AND PILLAR
BOX WALK
These are all short, well-maintained, concreted
paths you can do at the top of Castle Hill. They are
particularly great for visitors as they afford unrivalled
views of Townsville and surrounds and have historical
significance, but the Summit Walk is great for those
wanting an extra physical challenge. Run that flight
of stairs a few times and it will finish you off before
your descent.
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