While some see Paluma as a great place to hide away with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate while watching the birds feeding on the local flowers, there is also plenty on offer for those who want to get the blood, and even the adrenaline, pumping. Check out the links below to learn more.
Paluma Adventure Centre recently opened a high ropes training course which is open to the public once a month.
Mountain biking – For a relaxed bike ride the road from Paluma to the Dam is a great introduction to mountain biking – it’s all on paved or graded roads but with several hills and a return distance of over 30km it offers a reasonable challenge for beginners. You can take a break at Birthday Creek falls, which is about half way to the Dam. At the Dam there is a mountain bike circuit around lake that offers a better challenge for more experienced riders. Each year the Paluma Push offers these tracks and more in a full day event that caters to all levels of fitness and experience.
Trail runs – each year Outerlimits Adventure Fitness holds a series of trail runs through the local rainforest. The Paluma Dam Good event offers courses to suit all levels of fitness. If you are not keen on a competitive event, a gentle jog down any of the local walking tracks is a great way to improve your fitness whilst enjoying the rainforest setting.
Bushwalking & Camping – There are over 100km of walking tracks around the village and Paluma Dam. The downloadable track maps provide an indication of walking times, and you can plan for anything from a half hour stroll to a multi-day walk with bush camping. Check out our walking tracks page for more details. Camping at the dam can be booked online.
Canoeing and Kayaking is allowed on the Paluma Dam. You can explore the further reaches of the lake and check out the various inlets and perhaps see a Platypus!
Swimming – While there are no swimming spots in the village, the ever popular swimming holes on either side of little Crystal Creek bridge are only 15 min drive back down the mountain, or you can drive out to the dam and use the day facilities there. Many of the walking tracks around the dam have waterfalls and swimming holes. The most popular and accessible from the dam campground is Crystal Creek Falls – its about 1.5hr walk each way so consider it as a full half day visit.