Starting from Hillside Crescent, Townsville, this walk takes you to the summit of Castle Hill and back via the Goat Track, which includes 1300 steps(one way). A great way to view the city of Townsville whilst getting in your daily cardio workout, this track features 360-degree views all over the hinterland and the coast. No matter how experienced you are, the sheer number of steps and the steepness are bound to make you feel your calves and quads. Although it’s demanding, the aforementioned views make this challenge quite worthwhile in the eyes of many. You’ll be able to see the Magnetic Island and beyond to the east as you catch your breath. Speaking of, a local legend says the American soldiers that were here during WWII offered to blow up the hill and use the debris to build a bridge all the way over to Magnetic Island. Keep in mind that you can also drive up to the summit and make this a one-way walk, if you arrange transport. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn left onto Bowen Road, 17 and drive for another 950 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bowen Road, 17 and drive for another 5.2 km
Turn left onto Morris Street and drive for another 180 m
Turn right onto Sturt Street, 9 and drive for another 1.4 km
Turn left onto Stokes Street and drive for another 540 m
Turn left onto Victoria Street and drive for another 540 m
Turn right onto Hillside Crescent and drive for another 45 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Hillside Crescent, Townsville(across house no:5), head along the gravel track(Goat Track) gently uphill as you pass by little informative signposts to your right, moving directly away from the road. In about 55 metres, keep right at the 3-way intersection and pass by a water tank to your left to continue along Castle Hill via the Goat Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Hillside Crescent & Goat Track Start heading along Goat Track (a footpath).
After another 55 m veer right, to head along Goat Track.
After another 65 m (at the intersection of Goat Track & Maidenhair Track) continue straight, to head along Goat Track.
After another 55 m veer right, to head along Goat Track.
After another 250 m (at the intersection of Goat Track & Cudtheringa Track) turn left, to head along Goat Track.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Widowmaker Track & Goat Track) continue straight, to head along Goat Track.
After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Goat Track.
After another 120 m continue straight, to head along Goat Track.
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Castle Hill Road & Goat Track) continue straight, to head along Castle Hill Road (a road).
After another 10 m pass the car park (25 m on your left).
After another 35 m come to the "Hynes Lookout Hill Castle" (50 m on your right).
After another 75 m pass the shelter (10 m on your left).
About 125 m past the end is "Castle Hill".
About 70 m past the end is a water tap.
About 65 m past the end is a toilet.
About 65 m past the end is "Jenkinson's Post".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 830 m to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Castle Hill via the Goat Track
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
1.7 km
Time
45 min to 1 h 15 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
45 min to 1 h 15 min
Shelter: There is one 820 m from the start.
Toilet: There is one 850 m from the start.
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After another 65 m (at the intersection of Goat Track & Maidenhair Track) continue straight, to head along Goat Track.
After another 10 m pass the car park (25 m on your left).
After another 35 m come to the "Hynes Lookout Hill Castle" (50 m on your right).
About 125 m past the end is "Castle Hill".
About 70 m past the end is a water tap.
