Mt Louisa Walking Track

The Mt Louisa track climbs a hill on the north side of Townsville by way of more than 1,700 stone steps, and it pays out with a 360 degree view of the city, Castle Hill, Magnetic Island and the northern beaches. The trailhead is not in Bohle itself. It sits about 10 minutes drive away, at the corner of Bayswater Road and Weston Street in Mount Louisa.

The walk. AllTrails measures the circuit at 3.7 km and rates it moderate, an hour to an hour and a half. That rating undersells the steps. Locals call it the stairway to heaven, and the surface alternates between cut stone, loose rock and steep uneven grades. Seating and interpretive signs are spaced along the climb.

The rules. Townsville City Council manages the track and dogs are welcome on lead. Bicycles are not permitted. Camping, fires and four wheel driving are all prohibited, and the marked track is the only place to be.

Water. None. No taps, no toilets, nothing at the summit or on the way up. In the Townsville dry season that matters more than the distance does, so carry a bottle and a bowl.

Getting there. Free parking at the end of Weston Street, off Bayswater Road. It gets busy at sunset, which is the local ritual here, but there is usually a space.

Nearby with the dogs. Mount Louisa Dog Park is the obvious follow up and close by. Goat Track Summit Trail is the other Townsville hill climb if this one leaves you wanting more, Kirwan Dog Park is the western option, and Coconut Glen is the local stay.

When to go. Early morning, every time. Weekday mornings are quietest, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and weekend mornings are busiest, and sunset draws a crowd to a track with no lighting. Good for big runners in hard condition. This is the wrong walk for seniors, short noses and hot afternoons.

Sources

• Walking and cycling trails - Townsville City Council · www.townsville.qld.gov.au
• Mt Louisa Walking Track - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.