Paluma is a tiny village in the mountains north of Townsville, set in cool rainforest near the southern edge of the Wet Tropics. It is the opposite of coastal Queensland: misty, green, quiet, and much cooler than the plains below.
Most visitors come for the drive up Mount Spec Road, the stone bridge and swimming holes at Little Crystal Creek, and the forest walks around the village. Paluma Dam adds canoeing and camping, while the surrounding bird area is known for rainforest species.
Do not expect much town life. Paluma is a place for a picnic, a swim, a rainforest walk, and a break from Townsville heat.