The Pinnacles, Frederic Peak, 4x4 & Moto Trax & Camping

ak and South Pinnacle are all different and are regionally unique. All are listed as "Of Concern". Geologically they are possibly the only obvious examples in the region of what may have originally been part of deep underground volcanic vent passages from one of the very ancient mountain building periods that built almost all mountains and plains that are visible. An incredibly diverse mountain right in our suburbs. Open cliff ecosystems are each unique regionally and one is clearly unique to the world. This mountain has large patches of Semi-evergreen Rainforest almost in the suburbs through to Seasonally Very Dry Rainforests. Tall Bluegum Forest (related species) to Brush Box Shrubland and dwarfed open Cliff Ecosystems. For now this is a hard climb but the track can be far better graded in time. Difficult road access exists now but eventually suburbs will encroach on the foothills and change all this. Water is readily available for 9 months. Possibly warrants water tanks at the top campsite for year round access. For now access via a Bus and a long tedious walk to access and follow the powerline road. A car/taxi saves a few kilometres. 4WD vehicles can directly access the mountain now and save a few more kilometres

Front Pinnacles Route to the top

Ascend via the two front pinnacles direct to the plateau and on to the South Pinnacles Campsite. A long day may also allow time to visit Frederick’s Peak. (generally Poplar Gum Woodland and Seasonally Very Dry Rainforest but see the next paragraph)
Especially the general public will like the lowest pinnacle, because it is the most easily reached, no rock climbing is required to reach the summit and yet it still has the Pinnacles feel. A 1-2 km walk from a possible nearby car park and a climb of 250m will be required (the height of Castle Hill). Especially the first Front Pinnacle features the only place in the world where Dubouzetia saxatilis (Elaeocarpaceae, small shrub) can be found, perhaps some thousand steep cliff crevice loving plants. This is the only place in Australia for the Dubouzetia genus except for another cliff loving species that inhabits a few Northern Territory waterholes. A first guess set of mechanisms that could be limiting the species to this location include: unique crevice dampness or chemical water status, or soil borne disease isolation mechanisms, etc that are involved limit the species to this location. These plants are not thought to be at much immediate risk so are classified "Vulnerable" and the ecosystem "Of Concern". A long term management program needs to monitor effects. When advised rock climbers will appreciate the obvious need to stay away from this cliff or assist. Currently the perhaps four Dubouzetia plants on the second pinnacle (need rockclimbers to do a proper assessment) should probably be especially protected. Foothill rainforest route to the top

This excellent route passes around the foothills and up the valley behind Frederick’s Peak. Regionally unusual vegetation also exists here, Gympie Messmate Forest C covers many slopes, Argyrodendron trifoliatum Semi-evergreen Rainforest on the foothills almost in Townsville’s suburbs, and a huge (by local standards) Ficus virens, not so tall, but with a 5m trunk diameter very roughly. Low creek elevations have reliable water for 9-11 months, but possibly always. Continue up to the saddle south east of South Pinnacle (Gympie Messmate Forest C, Semi Evergreen Rainforest)
At the first saddle descend 500m to Feather Palm Creek (reliable water for 9 months of the year) and scramble along the pretty cascades/low gorge for a while before returning to the saddle. Camp at the saddle or proceed to the South Pinnacles main campsite via Featherpalm Creek (regionally unusual Feather Palm Rainforest C) (collect water on the way) or boulder hop over the peak itself (big boulder’s probably OK but not checked yet. From South Pinnacle saddle campsite walkers can day walk to the spectacular Frederick’s Peak (4 hours return) or to Featherpalm Creek cascades (4 hours return). To continue on the Great Walk

From South Pinnacles campsite, recross the plateau and descend to Moroides Gorge Creek. (Poplar Gum Woodland). A few hours walking up the open rocky creek is enjoyable (scenery, rocky swimming holes). Water should be available here for 9 months of the year or longer. Descend to the small by quite nice lagoon campsite in the foothills (Riverine Coastal Woodland).