Living at Somers & Hervey puts you close to some of North Queensland’s most breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or planning the perfect family outing, there’s no shortage of weekend escapes waiting to be explored. To help you get started, here are our top picks!
Jourama Falls
Nestled in the lush Paluma Range National Park, Jourama Falls is an easy drive from Somers & Hervey, but one that feels like you’ve landed worlds away. The falls themselves are certainly the centrepiece. They cascade into rock pools, making them the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy a swim. The falls are a great spot for wildlife viewing, with birds, freshwater turtles, and goannas often appearing along the rainforest-fringed creek. There’s plenty of rocky areas to dry off for lunch or set up a picnic for the afternoon. The falls lookout walk is a must-try to reach the best views and surrounding forest. It’s a pleasant walk through open woodland, approximately 3km return with a creek crossing and small uphill walk to the lookout itself included.
Little Crystal Creek
For a more laid-back outing, Little Crystal Creek is a local favourite. Famous for its historic stone arch bridge and crystal-clear swimming holes — as the name suggests — it’s an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. There’s plenty of shade to enjoy a quick lunch or to make a day out of it, the nearby day-use area includes picnic tables and sheltered barbeques. It’s a great way to enjoy a bit of nature without being too far from home!
Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, Cape Edgecumbe’s walking trail is a must. It’s considered one of The Whitsundays hidden gems with several lookouts, beaches and World War II radar site. The trail features giant boulders with plenty of wildlife along the way, sometimes including glimpses of an echidna, red-tailed black cockatoo or rock wallaby. The views are the real highlight and nothing short of spectacular, with the ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. The entire trail is approximately 5km as a round-trip (2.5km each way) so with some sturdy shoes and a water bottle, it’s an adventure the whole family can try out.
Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with some of our favourite Aussie wildlife at Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary just over 20 minutes drive from our community. With an array of free-of-charge experiences it’s the perfect answer to school holiday boredom – take a selfie with a Koala, feed Kangaroos, Turtles and Cassowary, hold a baby Crocodile, Python or Lizard and to top it all off watch the bird show and interaction.
Top tip: Make sure to check out this website ahead of your trip for the latest park updates and alerts.