Mackay Highlands and Eungella National Park visitor guide (PDF

Mackay Highlands and
Eungella National Park
Visitor guide
Featuring
Eungella National Park
Pine Grove
Sky Window
The Diggings
Broken River
Fern Flat
Finch Hatton Gorge
Crediton State Forest
Crediton Hall
Denham Range
Homevale Resources Reserve
Homevale National Park
Moonlight Dam
John Augusteyn
Homevale Conservation Park
Mount Briton
Clouds settle in rainforest, birds
call from quiet creeks, breezes
carry bush scents, and the
afternoon sun shines on the
sheer cliffs of the Clarke Ranges.
People have been coming to this
area for hundreds of years for
many different reasons
—discover the attraction.
Great state. Great opportunity.
John Augusteyn
Mia Mia State Forest
Welcome
Discover Mackay Highlands
Mackay Highlands offers tranquil
rainforest, community charm and dramatic
landscapes that you will never forget.
History and value
Long before the spread of roads and towns, people from the
Birri Gubba language group walked softly along creeks and
rivers here to access the fruits of their traditional homeland.
Descendants keep their heritage alive today.
In the late 1800s, prospectors found their fortunes in gold-rich
pockets, providing a boost to the area’s pastoral development.
Since then, the Mackay Highlands has supported beef and
dairy industries.
Tempted by the tall trees of the Clarke Range, timber harvesters
started work here in the early 1900s. The winding road from
the Pioneer Valley and up the range was built soon after. In the
midst of all this change, people worked hard to protect this
area’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage.
Liveable landscapes
With such diversity of threatened species
and animals unique to the area, Mackay
Highlands is a wildlife lover’s paradise.
The Eungella day frog and northern gastricbrooding frog call the area home; however
they are sadly suffering dramatic population
declines. Listen closely and hear the clear,
sharp call of the Eungella honeyeater found
only in the highlands.
Watch the turtles bob at the surface at
Broken River and wait for the popular
platypus to appear. At night, greater gliders
and common ringtail possums cling to high
branches, and rare golden-tipped bats dart
silently through the canopy. Almost invisible
against rough bark is the Clarke Range’s
own species of leaf-tailed gecko, just
another example of the variety of wildlife
to enjoy.
Mackay Highlands
Eungella National Park is home to Australia’s longest stretch of
sub-tropical rainforest and a dominant feature of the highlands.
Follow the road through Eungella National Park to Crediton State Forest.
The picturesque creek scenery, lush rainforest remnants and grassy
open eucalypt forest make this area well worth a visit.
Accessible from Nebo or Eungella, Homevale National Park has dramatic
cliffs, peaks and spires that punctuate views of a vast dry landscape
formed millions of years ago. The
park protects open woodland,
brigalow and key fossil locations.
Nestled in the foothills of the
Clarke Range, Mia Mia State
Forest, meaning view or lookout,
is aptly named. This is mostly
open eucalypt forest and protects
a diverse array of wildlife.
Richness and beauty
A bird’s eye view of the Mackay Highlands reveals a sculpted
masterpiece. This rugged mountainous terrain and stunning scenery
encompasses dense rainforest, deep gorges, steep escarpments and
tranquil farming communities.
An area of outstanding natural values Mackay Highlands is scattered
with a variety of different vegetation communities, of these, more than
40 are rare or threatened plant species. Some are found only here.
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This diverse landscape comprises montane mossy forests and
subtropical rainforest thriving at higher altitudes and tall open forest
growing in adjacent narrow bands. Eucalyptus woodlands cover much
of the lower rainfall areas, while dry rainforest survives in the western
low country.
NPRSR
Eungella National Park—the land of the clouds
High above the surrounding plains,
this cloud-shrouded mountain
refuge is one of Queensland’s most
ecologically diverse parks.
From Mackay, drive 80 km west along
the Mackay–Eungella Road to Eungella
township. At the head of the valley,
the road winds sharply and steeply up
the Clarke Range; take care if towing
a caravan. At Eungella township
at the top of the range, follow the
road sweeping left to get to Eungella
National Park and its short walks.
Eungella has more than 20 km of
walking tracks and is the starting
point for the 56 km Mackay Highlands
Great Walk. There are options to stroll
with the family, walk for several hours,
or set out on the Great Walk.
Pine Grove is in the heart of Eungella
Finch Hatton Gorge offers
something for everyone with short
walks winding through a complex
rainforest environment with fast
flowing streams, cascades and
waterfalls. Located 28 km east
of Eungella township, access to
the gorge is along dirt roads with
multiple creek crossings. Vehicle
access may be restricted after high
rainfall due to fast flowing streams.
Araluen Cascades Track
2.8 km return (1–1.5 hours)
Moderate level of fitness required for short
uphill sections. From Finch Hatton Gorge
parking area, walk through lush rainforest
and between large granite boulders to the
lookout above the Araluen Cascades.
Wheel of Fire Track
4.2 km return (1.5–2 hours)
Finch Hatton Gorge
NPRSR
township. Take the first left-turning
lane and pull into the parking area.
There is parking, information and
the start of the Pine Grove Track
(refer pg 5).
Moderate level of fitness required for
uphillsections and a long section of stairs.
Leaving from the parking area, turn off
from Araluen Cascades Track to walk to a
large rock pool. Callistemon Crossing is
a particularly rewarding place to sit
among the palms.
At Wheel of Fire, choose a comfortable
boulder, take a seat and cool off before
walking 2.1 km back to the parking area.
Sky Window is 2 km from
Eungella township. There is parking,
information, wheelchair accessible
toilets, picnic tables and a barbecue,
as well as three walking tracks
including a spectacular lookout
(refer pg 5).
Broken River is 5 km from Eungella
township and offers the greatest
range of facilities and activities. There
is parking, information and a range of
short walks (refer pg 5). It is a popular
place for platypus spotting; stand
patiently at the viewing platform at
dawn or dusk and watch carefully for
rapid ripples and bubble trails in the
water. Toilets, barbecues and tables
in a shady picnic area make this a
great place to spend the day.
Pease’s Lookout is 4.7 km north
of Eungella along the Dalrymple
Road. This site offers extensive views
down the Pioneer Valley of dairy
farms and townships and back to
the Clarke Range.
If swimming, observe
safety signs. Jumping and
diving into the water is
prohibited. Variable water depths,
submerged rocks and logs, and
fast flowing water combine to make
this activity extremely dangerous.
Accidents have resulted in serious
injury and death.
Callistemon Crossing is weather
dependent with high flowing water
restricting access after moderate
to heavy rainfall. Visitors choosing to cross
the creek need to take care on slippery
rocks and be aware of fast stream flows.
NPRSR
3
Get ready
for a great walk
Enjoy the range of short or day walks,
or take an overnight opportunity and
discover the attractions ahead.
There is something for everyone.
Whatever you choose, consider the
challenges, be well prepared even for
short walks and know personal limits
to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Take heed of the safety warnings
and be aware that parts of Mackay
Highlands are remote and without
a consistent ranger presence.
Walk safely
• Never walk alone. Walk with
family or friends—even on a
short stroll.
• Tell friends or family about the
trip and planned return time.
If anything changes, let them
know. Plan to complete your
walk well before dark.
• Carry a first-aid kit. Check its
content and know how to use it.
• Keep to tracks to avoid getting
lost. Carry extra food and
drinking water in case the walk
takes longer than expected.
• Wear boots or strong shoes for
a comfortable walk. Dress for
comfort, use insect repellent
and keep protected from sun
and rain.
Walk softly
Help preserve this precious remnant rainforest for future walkers.
• Never feed or leave food for animals—they can bite and
scratch. Let animals find their own food as human food can
be harmful.
• Leave pets at home. This protects wildlife, and more native
animals will appear when pets are not around.
• Stay on the walking tracks. Taking shortcuts causes erosion,
damages vegetation and looks unsightly.
• Take all rubbish home. Take a small container to carry
cigarette butts.
NPRSR
4
Short walks in
Eungella National Park
1
2
Even a short stroll through Eungella National Park’s rainforest can take longer
than expected. It’s hard to hurry past towering trees, glistening palms and
long valley views, so allow plenty of time to relax.
1
2
3
1 Pine Grove Circuit • 1.6 km (45 minutes–1 hour)
Fairly level circuit suitable for most visitors. Starting from the Pine Grove car
park, enjoy a pleasant walk in rainforest shade with glimpses of the Pioneer
Valley. Return to Pine Grove car park via roadside track.
1
2
Moderate level of fitness required for short uphill sections and stairs. Walk in
rainforest shade and catch glimpses of the Pioneer Valley through tall trees.
Stop at the lookout to take in the valley floor view—a patchwork of green and
brown cane fields with a steep mountain backdrop. Continue from the Pine
Grove Track to feel dwarfed by towering red cedars and tulip oaks. Take a
moment to stand inside the strangler fig tree arch. After crossing bridges over
gentle creeks and brushing past livistona palm fronds, stay a while and relax
at Sky Window visitor area.
3 Sky Window Circuit • 250 m (5–10 minutes)
Short and level track suitable for most visitors. Take a leisurely walk around
to the lookout for views across the Pioneer Valley to the steep, rugged
northern wall. Discover how land-use values in the valley and forest have
changed over time.
3
5
G
R
4
Clarke Range Track • 8.2 km one way (3–4 hours)
Moderate level of fitness required for long track with some short uphill
sections and stairs. From Sky Window, walk down through layers of bright
piccabeen and Alexandra palms. During light rain or early morning mist,
feel the rainforest’s magic as fronds glisten in the breeze. Descend to
Broken River’s tumbling cascades and link up to Granite Bend Circuit and
Rainforest Discovery Circuit to reach the visitor area and other facilities.
4
R
G
G
R
4
Rainforest Discovery Circuit
780 m (20–30 minutes)
Short and level track suitable for most visitors, part of the Granite Bend Circuit.
From the Broken River visitor area, step into cool and shady rainforest. Cross
trickling creeks and glance up to see tall trees decorated with epiphytes and
vines.
4
G
4
3 Pine Grove–Cedar Grove Track • 2.8 km (1–1.5 hours)
5
6
G
4 Granite Bend Circuit • 1.6 km (40–55 minutes)
Fairly level track suitable for most visitors. Consider walking Granite Bend
Circuit as an extension of Rainforest Discovery Circuit, starting from Broken
River visitor area.
5
6
Broken River
visitor area
7
8
Pass through tall groves of livistona palms before taking
a break at a bend in Broken River. Stay a while and listen
to the water rushing over the rocks.
4
6
7
8
Crediton Creek Track
8 km one way (3–3.5 hours)
Moderate to high level of fitness required for long
track with some slopes, organise to be picked up at
the Wishing Pool access point—the journey can also
start here.
From the Broken River visitor area travel through the
Granite Bend Circuit to the Wishing Pool intersection.
Follow the Crediton Creek Track beside the river and walk
from rainforest gullies up to rocky ridges covered in drier
vine forest. Where the track meets calm river sections,
enjoy reflections in the water and watch for the ripples
of a platypus.
8
7
8
Wishing Pool Circuit
1.7 km (35–50 minutes)
Fairly level track suitable for most visitors. Arrange to
be dropped off at the access point or enjoy this circuit
as part of Crediton Creek Track. Walk through tall
rainforest carpeted with delicate ferns and listen for
birds calling, then stop by the calm river pool to see
forest canopy reflections.
NPRSR
5
Mackay Highlands and
Eungella National Park
5
7.5
10 km
Finch Hatton Gorge
Pelion
State
Forest
Eungella
National Park
Rd
Macka
y– Eungella
3
Cattle
Eungella
Dam
Bluff Hill
State
Forest
Creek
Pinnacle
Finch Hatton
!
4
r
ive
rR
ee
Teemburra
Dam
9
on
To Homevale
via Lizzie
Creek Road
Pi
Pinnacle Septimus Rd
Scale
2.5
0
Eungella
National
Park
Captain’s
Crossing
Sealed road
pri
n
Tra
ck
o
Crediton
State Forest
va
te
lan
d
Unsealed road
Conventional access not recommended
High clearance or 4WD access only
during dry weather
Mia Mia
State
Forest
Road
temporarily
closed
To Eungella
Dam via
Turrawulla Road
10
Moonlight
Dam
12 Mount Britton
11
Homevale
National
Park
Legend
6
Homevale
National
Park
Homevale
Conservation
Park
Homevale
Resources
Reserve
Epsom
State
Forest 2
Locality map
Toilets
Picnic tables
Parking
Barbeques
Wheelchair access
Kiosk
Information
Water on tap
Camping
Walking track
Camping—car access
Viewpoint
Camping—4WD access
Platypus
NPRSR
Longer walks, drives and camping opportunities
For a bit more adventure, stay overnight in the Mackay
Highlands. Take the 56 km Great Walk over several days or in
sections; there are many walk and drive combinations possible.
The tranquil rainforest, community charm and stars stretching
to the horizon make it a must see destination.
Permits are required to camp at Fern Flat, Crediton Hall,
The Diggings, Denham Range, Moonlight Dam and Mia Mia
State Forest. Book campsites online at <www.qld.gov.au/
camping> or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
1
4
Driving 5 km one way (10 minute drive)
Winding drive along sealed road suitable for conventional
vehicles. Enjoy the slow, winding drive along the sealed
Eungella Dam Road to Broken River visitor area. The road passes
through lush rainforest, past Sky Window visitor area, and through
open pasture to Broken River.
9
Camping
Walk in camping at Fern Flat. This shady spot is high on
the banks of Broken River in Eungella National Park.
Accessible only to walkers.
Four-wheel-drive access to The Diggings, Crediton State
Forest, (9.5 km from Broken River, 7.5 km from Eungella
township)
Bush camp amongst tall trees shading a grassy clearing near
Broken River. It is only 6 km off the Eungella Dam Road, which
feels far away in this tranquil spot. There are no facilities or
designated campsites. Access is limited by weather. Please check
park alerts online.
Broken River to Crediton Hall
Walking 11.2 km one way (3.75–5.5 hours)
Moderate to high level of fitness for long track with
short uphill sections. From the Broken River visitor area,
travel 8 km along the Crediton Creek Track, south along the river’s
edge to where the Wishing Pool Circuit meets Crediton Loop Road.
Continue 3 km south along this road following track markers
through farming communities to Crediton Hall.
Driving 9.7 km one way (10 minute drive)
Suitable for conventional vehicles. Please watch for
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Access to many of the areas in the Mackay Highlands depends
on the weather. Please check park alerts before attempting to
travel roads, especially during and after rain periods.
Pine Grove to Broken River
Walking 10 km one way (3.5–5 hours)
Moderate level of fitness for shady and fairly level track.
Starting from Pine Grove in Eungella township, follow
a network of short walks south through tranquil rainforest. Pass
through shimmering palms to cross the Clarke Range and follow
river cascades to Broken River visitor area. Walk a further 600 m
to Fern Flat campground.
4
There are many options for commercial accommodation
throughout Eungella and Mackay Highlands. Contact Mackay
Tourism for more information on (07) 4944 5888 or visit
<www.mackayregion.com.au>.
walkers on these shared roads. From Broken River, drive south
along the winding Eungella Dam Road for 3 km and take a left turn
into Crediton Loop Road. Turn right after the Wishing Pool Circuit
track entrance to continue along this road 3 km to Crediton Hall.
Camping
Crediton Hall campground offers walk-in and vehicleaccessible sites, giving peace and privacy to a range
of campers. This park is maintained by Mackay Regional Council.
10 Crediton Hall to Denham Range
Walking 19.5 km one way (6.5–9.75 hours)
Only fit and experienced walkers should attempt this
remote track. Long, steep sections are a challenge. From
Crediton Hall, start south along Up River Road through farming
country. Track markers lead up to a rainforest ridge and then along
forestry roads through Crediton State Forest. A series of quiet
gravel tracks leads to Denham Range, a camping area with views
to revive the weariest walkers.
Driving 33.3 km one way (40 minute drive)
Steep gravel roads suitable only for four-wheel-drive
vehicles. Please watch for walkers on shared roads.
The start of the driving route differs from the walking track.
Head south-west along Crediton Loop Road and turn left into
Eungella Dam Road. Travel 4.7 km before taking another sharp
left into Cockies Creek Road. This road leads to a series of rough
tracks up to Denham Range camping sites. Access is limited by
weather, please check park alerts online.
Camping
Denham Range camping area is along a cool mountain
ridge, offering both walk-in and four-wheel-drive vehicleaccessible sites.
10 11 Denham Range to Moonlight Dam
Walking 16.2 km one way (5.5–8 hours)
Only fit, experienced walkers should attempt this track.
Extremely steep descents are a challenge. Descend steeply
along the Dray Track through eucalypt woodlands dominated by
ironbarks. After the descent, continue along the gravel road and
cross dry creek beds to Moonlight Dam. For safety, vehicles are not
permitted on the dray track; it is a walking route only.
Denham Range to Moonlight Dam about 100 km one way
(2 hour drive)
Retrace the rough gravel tracks and Cockies Creek Road,
turn left into Eungella Dam Road, follow for 14.8 km then turn left
into Lizzie Creek Road and follow this for 17.3 km. Turn left into
Turrawulla Road. Drive 40 km to the signed left turn into Moonlight
Dam. It is then a further 6 km.
Driving
Choose from the following routes to suit the trip.
Be aware some gravel roads are suitable only for fourwheel-drive or high clearance vehicles. Watch for walkers on shared
roads. Access is limited by weather please check park alerts online.
Broken River to Moonlight Dam about 88 km one way
(1.5 hour drive)
Follow Eungella Dam Road for 24.5 km, turn left into
Lizzie Creek Road. From here follow the directions above.
7
10 11 Denham Range to Moonlight Dam (continued)
Nebo to Moonlight Dam about 43 km one way
(40 minute drive)
Drive towards Mackay along the Peak Downs Highway for
16 km, turn left into Nebo–Glenden Road and follow for 11.2 km.
Turn right into Turrawulla Road and drive 19 km to the signed right
turn into Moonlight Dam. From here it is 6 km to Moonlight Dam.
Camping
Moonlight Dam camping area offers private walk-in sites
among the trees and more open vehicle-accessible sites.
11 12 Extend the journey to Mt Britton
Walking 5.5 km one way (2–2.75 hours)
Moderate level of fitness required for exposed but fairly
level track. From Moonlight Dam, retrace the Great Walk
route north for about 50 m to the signed track intersection. Follow
the rough gravel track east to the vehicle road and follow signs to
Mount Britton—an old goldmining township. All buildings have
gone but Nebo Shire Council has marked the original streets and
presented historical photographs of the town in the 1880s.
Driving 15 km one way (20 minute drive)
Gravel roads suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Please watch for walkers on shared sections. Drive from
Moonlight Dam and turn left into Turrawulla Road. Follow this road
for about 2.5 km, turn left and then drive another 5.5 km to reach
Mount Britton.
Take in Mia Mia State Forest
Creek, turn right before the creek and follow the track
another 1.5 km to the State forest boundary. Captain’s
Crossing on Teemburra Creek is another 7.5 km along the
access road from the State forest boundary. The campground can be
reached by four-wheel-drive vehicles, registered motor cycles and
bicycles. Access is limited by weather please check park alerts online.
There are no defined campgrounds in Mia Mia State
Forest; however, bush camping is permitted in the open
eucalypt forest located at Captains Crossing on
Teemburra Creek. Mia Mia State Forest can be accessed from the
Mackay–Eungella Road; when driving up the Pioneer Valley turn
south at Pinnacle and travel approximately 5 km to Septimus
Overnight safety
What season is it now?
Walk only between April and September
to avoid wet and dry weather extremes.
Be prepared for track closures during high
fire danger.
Are there sufficient supplies?
Be self-sufficient. Carry a first-aid kit and
extra rations for emergency situations.
Is vehicle support arranged?
Before setting off, remember to arrange a
support vehicle for pick-up at a set place
and time. Do not rely on mobile phone
coverage from camping areas or along the
walk and driving tracks.
Pack to stay safe
• Always carry enough water for one
day and evening. Refill containers
from water tanks at camping areas.
Treat all water from creeks and tanks
before drinking.
• Pack enough food for one extra day in
case there are delays.
For further information
Visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks>.
Go to ‘park alerts’ for the latest
information on access, closures
and conditions.
Phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Campsite bookings
8
<www.qld.gov.au/camping>
or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
• Wear protective and comfortable clothing:
• take a hat, long sleeves, trousers and
apply insect repellent to minimise
scratches, stings, bites and sunburn
• take a warm jumper in winter and a
raincoat in case weather changes suddenly
• for a comfortable walk, wear boots
suitable for wet conditions.
• Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
Bring supplies of any prescription
medicines needed during the walk.
Leave no trace
• Carry a fuel stove to minimise impact on
the forest and reduce fire danger.
• Pack strong rubbish bags for storing rubbish
during the journey. There are no bins, so
please take rubbish home.
• Carry a trowel and toilet paper to use
between camping areas. Bury toilet waste
at least 15 cm below the ground and
100 m from water. Clip-seal bags are handy
for carrying sanitary items to dispose of
after the walk.
NPRSR
In an emergency call 000
• If there is difficulty connecting to 000
from a mobile phone, try 112.
• If deaf or speech or hearing impaired,
call 106 using a text phone.
• Stay with the injured person—keep them
calm and protect them from the elements.
• Remember coverage is very limited.
Lookouts and ridgelines are best.
© State of Queensland.
Department of National
Parks, Recreation, Sport
and Racing
Queensland Parks and
Wildlife Service,
BP1950 June 2011
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