If you haven’t yet had a chance to see those duck-billed and beaver-tail like animals, Eungella National Park won’t disappoint. Aside from quietly watching platypuses in and around the creeks, there’s lots more to do in the park.
Eungella has swimming spots, walking tracks, campgrounds and even a great walk to try out. It’s one of those parks that has it all. And, it’s just 80 km from Mackay, the nearest big city, which is great for grocery shopping.
Eungella is the perfect escape in a haven of wildlife and stunning rainforests. It’s broken up into two sections, the Finch Hatton Gorge and the Mackay Highlands. This guide contains information about both areas including hikes, lookouts, and more. Both sections are separated based on location so it’s easier to plan.
A quick note on pronunciation: Eungella is pronounced more like “young-ella.” It took me a long time to get used to this, even Australians that aren’t local get confused, so don’t worry about saying it the wrong way.
Table of Contents
Finch Hatton Gorge Section
Finch Hatton Gorge is the lower section of Eungella National Park. Meaning it’s below the highlands section of the national park. There’s just one main walk through the gorge, so it’s an easy spot to visit during the morning or early afternoon, before heading up to the rest of Eungella.
Swimming is possible at both rock pools in Finch Hatton Gorge, accessed through the two walks. Keep in mind they’re both cold no matter what time of year you go, as they’re flowing rivers. Both walking times and kilometres include return journey. And remember, jumping and diving in the pools is prohibited, due to the amount of fatal injuries.
Wheel of Fire 
Araluen Cascades
Araluen Cascades – 2.8 km, 1-1.5 hour
The Araluen Cascades is an easy walk to a small, yet rewarding waterfall. These cascades are the closest to the parking lot and just a short walk from the junction of where the main trail splits. The cascades aren’t exactly high, but they’re enough to fill the lower pool with a healthy amount of water for swimming.
This rock pool looks more like a formal swimming pool in its size and shape. There’s flat rocks that are close to the waters edge, making it easy to go in for a dip. Even on a hot day, it will feel cool next to the pools—so you might not even have to go in to feel refreshed.
Wheel of Fire – 4.2 km, 1.5-2 hours
The Wheel of Fire doesn’t get its name from an elaborate story, but rather the local flowers that bloom near the pool. This is the largest rock pool in Finch Hatton Gorge, but also the longest to walk to. On the way there, hikers must go over or through Callistemon Crossing. The crossing is over Finch Hatton Creek, and joins the two pools.
However, don’t attempt to cross if it’s too fast running, which could be dangerous. Maybe avoid during the wet season for this reason.
The path to get there (aside from the creek crossing) is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Although it can get slippery in wet conditions, or if your feet are wet.
When you arrive at the rock pool, it’s a pleasant paradise surrounded by the local rainforest with large boulders around. The water levels in the pool are always changing due to rainfall. Again, this pool is cold even on the hottest days, but it’s a natural coffee to wake up the body.
Eungella National Park
Following a visit to Finch Hatton Gorge, the next stop should be the upper section of Eungella National Park. Set in the Mackay highlands region, Eungella meets the borders of other national parks and state forests, to the likes of Homevale National Park and Credition State Forest. However, this section is dedicated to Eungella only.
Eungella is up a steep winding road, so be sure your vehicle can handle the drive before planning a trip here. My Ford Econovan ‘99 made it all fine.
Hikes
There’s about four different main walking areas in the national park, then other walks that stem off of those. Or, there’s even Skywalk, which is just a lookout. All of these walks are dominated by tall trees and dense rainforests. But for a uniquely structured tree, check out Tree Arch, at the end of the Pine Grove Circuit.
In this section are all of the hikes and walks in the Mackay Highlands section of Eungella National Park. Hikes are listed from shortest to longest in kilometres, and all include return journey—unless otherwise noted.
Sky Window Circuit – 250 m, 5-10 minutes
The lookout at Sky Window is exactly what it sounds like, the perfect opportunity to look back at where you drove from—into the sky. The valley below is compromised of Netherdale, Finch Hatton, Pioneer Valley and more.
It’s a view mainly represented by the bush surrounding the areas, including more national parks and state forests. And it will most likely be breezy. This short walk is easily accessible, there’s a parking lot, picnic area and toilet close by.
River Walk – 520 m, 10 minutes
River walk is the place to see platypuses. There’s signs recommending to visit around sunrise and sunset, when they’re most active. However, they are out during other times, it’s just about being patient.
There’s also plenty of turtles as well! See the section below hikes for more information on spotting platypuses.
Rainforest Discovery circuit – 780 m, 20-30 mins
Branching off from the river walk, the Rainforest Discovery circuit is a short walk to see more local flora and fauna. It begins at the end of the platypus viewing areas and it’s a good walk to see more of area. The path is paved, so it’s well accessible and flat.
Granite Bend circuit – 1.6 km, 40-55 mins
Following River Walk, then Rainforest Discover circuit, takes you to Granite Bend circuit. It’s another small walk in the area, despite it being the longest round trip there.
As the name suggests, Granite Bend, will take you to a granite-like bend in the river with lots of flat rocks. This is higher up Broken River, where the platypus viewing area is.
The path continues around for more rainforest to calm your soul. Watch out for the long strangler figs hanging down on the path.
Pine Grove circuit – 1.6 km, 45 min-1 hour
Switching sections of the hiking area, Pine Grove starts at the most northern section of Eungella National Park. That is, the most northern section accessible by hiking. Pine Grove circuit is a relaxing walk through the park, meandering past a bat colony, which will smell. Don’t worry, coping with the smell a bit is worth seeing and hearing those sweet little flying foxes.
The walk itself is easy with some slight inclines, but overall it’s not difficult. Stick on the trail a bit longer than the circuit section to see the most Instagram-able tree in the area, Tree Arch. It’s actually located on the Cedar Grove track. Finish the circuit by heading back on the circuit to the parking lot.
Wishing Pool Circuit – 1.7 km, 35-50 mins
Over on the southern end of Eungella National Park is the short and easy Wishing Pool Circuit. It’s a bit confusing to get there as there isn’t any road signage so make sure to have navigation in already as there’s also limited cellphone service. The actual wishing pools are riverside pools, not meant for swimming but lovely to see.
There’s also plenty of fruit doves calling out. They’re noticeable because they’re more colourful than doves found in urban areas, my favourite is the emerald-dove, which is completely emerald on top and brown on the bottom.
Cedar Grove track – 2.8 km, 1-1.5hr one-way
The Cedar Grove track connects Sky Window to the Pine Grove track. It’s a one-way track through the dense rainforest of Eungella. It’s also where the Tree Arch can be found. Make sure to arrange a ride on the other side, if you’re not planning on walking back.
Crediton Creek Track – 8 km, 3-4 hours one-way
Following Crediton Creek, this track is another longish, one-way walk through the park. Aside from seeing more rainforests, diverse ecosystems and colourful birds, enjoy seeing platypus, turtles and eels in Crediton Creek.
A benefit to the one-way tracks is they’re less travelled. Usually because they’re longer, so it may be a practical option for visiting during busy times, to escape the crowds.
Clarke Range track – 8.2 km, 3-4 hours, one-way
The final, and longest hike in Eungella National Park is Clarke Range Track. Take the suggested time with as just an estimate, for those from all different fitness levels. I walked Clarke Range track from Sky Window to the River Track at just over two and a half hours.
The track is nice, but I expected more views considering its named after a mountain range. It’s mostly a dirt path through the forest, which is quite lovely and relaxing. Starting at Sky Window, the path goes near the road for a bit before heading into the rainforest. That’s when the sound of the cars disappears and all you can hear is the wildlife, especially the eastern whipbird. They’re nearly impossible to see, even when their call is close.
Eventually the track goes into Granite Bend circuit, then Rainforest Discovery circuit, and finally back to the parking lot. Watch out for Atherton berries along the trail, which are edible and delicious!
Mackay Highlands Great Walk – 56 km, 3-5 days
The Mackay Highlands Great Walk passes through Eungella National Park, Crediton State Forest, Homevale National Park and Conservation Park. It can take around three to five days to complete at 56 kilometres. It’s a walk to experience other, lesser known angles of the area. All while relaxing in the outdoors, backcountry-style. For more information on routes, camping and more, check out Queensland Goverments Parks and forest page.
How to See Platypuses
Whether you’ve seen them before or not, Eungella won’t disappoint for seeing platypuses in the wild. Broken River is home to many platypuses, which like to show up most in near sunrise and sunset. This section has all of the tips for seeing these tiny wild creatures in their natural habitat.
I have a full guide on how to see platypuses in Eungella National Park, which includes the best locations, what to look for, and the best times. Check out this article for the full run down on how to see platypuses in Eungella National Park.
Lookouts
There’s a lot to within Eungella National Park, these are a few lookouts located outside of the park but with equally stunning views over the area. Goodes Lookout is just off the Mackay to Eungella road up to the highlands. There’s a picnic area, toilets and a good-sized parking lot, for visitors convenience. It’s a good place to take in the views just after ascending up the hill.
Another good spot to stop is up Dalrymple Road, called Peases Lookout. The road there is quite small in areas so it might not be safe for caravans to attempt. Not to mention the parking lot is next to the steep road and doesn’t have much space to turn around. But, it’s definitely better for small vehicles, including camper vans.
Camping
There’s loads of accommodation options in Eungella National Park and in the local towns, such as Eungella. Depending on if you have camping equipment or not will depend on where you go. Below are the two options for camping within the park, they’re also both within walking distance of Broken River, to spot those platypuses.
I’ve stayed at both campgrounds, Broken River is definitely better for seeing platypuses, but it’s closer to the road and less private, so if you’re staying longer it might be better to stay at Fern Flat. And at Parks Queensland’s rate of A$6.75 per person, per night, it’s affordable to stay for a while for both sites.
Fern Flat camping area
Fern Flat is on the other end of Broken River, but in the bush, rather than by the river itself. It’s a cozy camping spot that’s great to get away from it all. A few important bits of information on this site, there’s no cellphone reception, and the sites are mainly for camper vans and tenting only. Meaning caravans cannot make it in, due to the sharp and narrow roads and corners of the campsite.
Before booking a spot at this site, see what numbered spots are available. The only sites accessible by camper vans are 1, 2 and 5, whereas the other sites are for walk-in tents only. It doesn’t explain this online when booking a site, rather it says all spots are multi-use, which is not true. Aside from this it’s a nice campground. And, it’s just a small walk to Broken River so the only people in the area are camping there.
Broken River camping area
Right next to Broken River is its own camping area, complete with easily accessible camping spots. The camping area is right next to the road and the bridge, but despite this proximity it isn’t too loud because the area isn’t that busy. It especially dies down overnight and into the morning, when those tourists that aren’t camping have left.
This camping area is more open, so there’s a bit less privacy but it’s the sacrifice to being closer to spotting platypuses. If you can, grab a spot right next to the river to see the animals from your vehicle or tent. Otherwise it’s just a short walk over to the River Walk, just across the bridge.
Travelling on the east coast of Australia? Check out Cape Hillsborough National Park north from Mackay, or south, head off the coastal route for Carnarvon National Park and hiking Mount Walsh.
