The history of the Mount Spec area can be traced back to 1875, when alluvial tin was first discovered on Running River. This discovery sparked a wave of prospecting and mining activity that spread through the Kangaroo Hills and Paluma Range, with Mount Spec becoming the region’s focal point.
Between 1895 and the early 1900s, mining boomed across three key locations: Kangaroo Hills, Mount Spec, and the Star River. Mount Spec was mined exclusively for tin, while Kangaroo Hills yielded copper, silver-lead, wolfram, and tin in significant quantities. Star River was rich in silver deposits. The height of this mining rush peaked around 1905, before entering a period of steady decline.
How Mount Spec Got Its Name
Paluma Range, a spur of the Hervey Range, was named after the HMS Paluma, an early government survey vessel. The origin of the name "Mount Spec" is less certain, though local legend suggests it came from a pack horse known as "Old Speck," easily spotted from a distance thanks to a distinctive white marking on its head. As pack teams transported supplies up the mountain, the name "Speck" gradually became associated with the mountain itself.
Tracks, Trailblazers, and Tin
Mining and packing activity created an intricate network of tracks through the rugged terrain. Even today, remnants of these old pack trails can be found - complete with hoof marks etched into roots and stumps.
The Goringe Brothers, surveyors turned prospectors, are believed to be the first to work tin in the Mount Spec jungle. They forged a wagon road from Hidden Valley to the Paluma Range, bringing in a small battery to process tin. However, the terrain proved too difficult, and the operation was eventually relocated.
From the coast, access to the range was limited to pack teams and foot traffic. Pioneering figures like the Benham and Gard brothers, Jack Johnson, Sid Jacobsen, Phil Foxlee, and 'Bullocky Tom' Andrews blazed trails into the rainforest. Their legacy lives on through landmarks such as Mount Benham, Ethel Creek, Benham Falls, and Foxlee’s Lookout.
A Harsh and Isolated Life
Life on the range was challenging. Prospectors and teamsters carried supplies and tools on their backs, often alone in the dense rainforest. Every clearing or former settlement holds stories of hardship - and many have graves, some marked, many not.
First Nations people, including the Nywaigi people, lived in the surrounding areas long before European settlement. An Aboriginal burial ground remains on the slopes of Mount Ruth, offering a solemn reminder of the deep cultural heritage of the region.
From Timber Reserve to National Park
Forestry activities began in the early 20th century. In 1921, 65,000 acres around Mount Spec were declared a timber reserve. By 1937, conservation efforts gained momentum, and the area was proposed for National Park status—valued for its scenic beauty, lush rainforest, and dramatic waterfalls.
Building the Paluma Road
In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, construction began on the current road to Paluma. It was built as part of an unemployment relief scheme, employing up to 180 men using mostly manual labour. The iconic masonry bridge over Little Crystal Creek was built during this period, with stone sourced from nearby Barrett’s Bluff.
Ten tent camps were established along the mountain during road construction. As teams progressed up the range, they would dismantle and move camp, gradually inching closer to the summit.
McClelland’s Lookout, or “The Loop,” was named after the Main Roads Officer who oversaw the road’s construction.
World Heritage Recognition
Mount Spec National Park was officially proclaimed in 1952. In 1989, the area became part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland - recognised for its extraordinary natural and cultural value. This listing ensures the long-term conservation of the rainforest and allows visitors to experience its beauty for generations to come.
