Big Crystal Creek:
Located approximately 5 kilometres from the Bruce Highway, Paradise Waterhole is the most popular of the swimming holes at Crystal Creek. It is substantially larger than Little Crystal Creek waterholes, and can be accessed by a short walk from the picnic area along a bush track. Facilities at Big Crystal Creek also include a wheelchair accessible picnic area, barbecues, toilets, as well as a designated camping ground (permits required) .
Further down the road from the picnic area, the Big Crystal Creek Rockslides can be found. This is another popular swimming destination known for its series of short natural waterslides over slick mossy rocks. Excellent for the adventurous to cool off on a hot summer day. The track to the rockslides is short, with a steep grade at times. It takes about 10 minutes from the gate to reach this fun destination.
Little Crystal Creek:
Situated further up the range from Big Crystal Creek, approximately two thirds of the way along Mt Spec Road towards the village of Paluma. This location consists of a number of small crystal clear swimming holes and waterfalls, as well as the Little Crystal Creek Bridge, an historical arch bridge of which construction began in 1932 and is the only arch road bridge that remains in service in Queensland. Facilities here include a wheelchair accessible picnic area, barbecues and toilets.
Paluma:
The township of around 25 permanent residents in the Mount Spec ranges of the heritage-listed Wet Tropics. Paluma developed from a mining and forestry background. The first people to arrive here were tin prospectors in the 1870s after an abundance of tin in the mountains. The area remained isolated until a road was built up the range in the 1930s. This industry lasted for years until landowners worked together to shut it down. The tin industry was using the creeks for washing the tin, however this was incompatible with using the creeks for the Paluma’s water supply.
Congratulations to Karicka for being the FTF.
