Walking

Short walks

Whether you are seeking a family stroll or a half-day walking challenge, there is bound to be a walk to suit your requirements in Eungella National Park. Before setting out, think carefully about your group's fitness levels and the time you have available.

See Eungella National Park page and the Eungella and Mackay Highlands Discovery Guide (PDF, 2.7MB) for detailed information about the short walks.

The Mackay Highlands Great Walk

The Mackay Highlands Great Walk is 56km long and takes 3–5 days to walk. This multi-day walk is only recommended for experienced hikers with high fitness levels. On the journey discover rainforest and palm groves, quiet roads and farming communities, cliffs and peaks.

Walk the multi-day Great Walk from north to south, starting at Pine Grove in Eungella National Park and ending at Moonlight Dam at Homevale National Park. This will allow you to follow track markers and avoid very steep climbs in dry and exposed conditions.

To find out where each section of the track starts and finishes, match the map references on the Mackay Highlands Great Walk locality map (PDF, 526.9KB) to the track note descriptions below.

Depending on how far you wish to walk, remember to arrange a support vehicle to pick you up at a set place and time. The Mackay Highlands and Eungella National Park Discovery guide (PDF, 2.7MB) gives detailed driving directions.

Track notes

Pine Grove to Broken River

Grade 4

Map reference: (1)–(3)
Distance: 10km one way
Time: allow 3.5-5hr
Details: A moderate level of fitness is required for this shady track with some short uphill sections, steps and creek crossings. Walk through lush, tranquil rainforest and shimmering palms to cross the Clarke Range. Follow river cascades to the bustling Broken River day-use area and then to Fern Flat, a peaceful camping area accessible only to walkers.

Broken River to Crediton Hall

Grade 4

Map reference: (3)–(5)
Distance: 11.2km one way
Time: allow 3.5–5hr
Details: A moderate to high level of fitness is required for this long track with short uphill sections and multiple small creek crossings. Walk alongside Broken River, stopping to enjoy reflections in calm sections. Step out from rainforest and follow track markers through farming communities to Crediton Hall, a comfortable camping area.

Crediton Hall to Denham Range

Grade 5

Map reference: (5)–(6)
Distance: 19.5km one way
Time: allow 6.5–9.5hr
Details: Only fit and experienced walkers should attempt this remote track. Long, steep sections are a challenge. Walk through farming country, up to a rainforest ridge and through Crediton State Forest. Open views at Denham Range camping area will revive you.

Denham Range to Moonlight Dam

Grade 4

Map reference: (6)–(7)
Distance: 16.2km one way
Time: allow 5.5–8hr
Details: Only fit, experienced walkers should attempt this track. Extremely steep descents are a challenge. Descend through eucalyptus woodlands, enjoying the surrounding mountain ranges and sharp peaks rising from the dry country. Cross dry creek beds to Moonlight Dam, a camping area with a grazing history.

Extend your journey to Mount Britton

Grade 4

Map reference: (7)–(8)
Distance: 5.5km one way
Time: allow 2–3hr
Description: A moderate level of fitness is required for this exposed but fairly level track. Learn about life in an 1880s gold-mining township.

Track conditions

Sections of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk are rugged and remote, be aware of what to expect. The track:

• traverses rural land between a national park and State forest
• follows unsealed roads in some sections, be alert for vehicle traffic
• varies from standard walking track width to narrow road width where it follows forest roads
• can have hazards such as stinging trees, fallen branches and trees, and rocks
• has some very steep gradients
• can become muddy and slippery in parts
• in certain sections crosses shallow creeks.

Do not walk alone. The ideal group size is 4.

A permit is required for a commercial activity or organised event (including a competitive and sporting event) held on the Mackay Highland Great Walk. For more details see Permits and fees.

Walk safely

Sections of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk are remote and isolated. Be prepared, even on short walks, judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger. Be prepared and follow the Mackay Highland Great Walk staying safe guidelines.

Walk softly

Help look after the Mackay Highlands—tread softly and leave no trace.

Camping

• Camp only at designated walkers’ camps.
• If you pack it in, pack it out! Rubbish bins are not provided.
• Do not dig trenches, flatten or break any vegetation.
• Leave your camp site in the same or better condition than when you found it. Check your site thoroughly before leaving to ensure nothing is left behind.

Pest and pathogen control

Don’t let your walk destroy the forests. Stop the spread of pests and pathogens, bring and use clean camping equipment.

• Clean all walking and camping gear before arriving in the Mackay Highlands. Dirt on walking boots, tents, tent pegs and other items can carry harmful diseases—a major threat to plants and animals. Check your gear, boots, pockets, fabric and Velcro for seeds, parts of plants, eggs, insects and spiders and remove it before you visit.
• Keep all gear as clean and free from soil as possible during your walk.
• Keep to designed roads and walking tracks at all times.

Use a fuel stove

• Use a gas or liquid spirit stove for cooking to reduce fire danger.
• Never leave stoves unattended when lit.
• Never cook in your tent.

Toilets

• Use toilets in camping areas.
• Between camping areas, bury all faecal matter and toilet paper at least 100m from camp sites, tracks and waterways and about 15–20cm deep. Consider taking a Poo pot.
• Take all sanitary items with you—they do not decompose. Clip-seal bags are handy.

Rubbish

• Reduce your rubbish by bringing as little packaging as possible.
• Bring strong rubbish bags to carry out all your rubbish and dispose of it properly. Solid waste and litter is unsightly and can injure and kill wildlife.
• Carry a small container for disposing of cigarette butts.

Keep waterways clean

Help protect the Mackay Highlands rivers and streams. Detergents, soaps, sunscreen lotions, insect repellents and toothpastes pollute water and harm aquatic life.

• Do not let detergent, soap, shampoo and toothpaste get into the creeks.
• Do not bath in the creeks; the sunscreen or insect repellent you're wearing will kill aquatic life.
• Wash yourself and dishes at least 100m from waterways.
• Use hot water and a scourer to clean dishes instead of detergents.
• Do not toilet in or within 100m of waterways.

Keep wildlife wild

• Do not feed any native wildlife. Human food is often harmful.
• Some animals can quickly become reliant on human food and become aggressive to people, especially children.
• Keep food and rubbish in well-secured containers and hidden in your pack or tent. Kookaburras, brush turkeys, magpies, butcherbirds, wild dogs and goannas are especially vulnerable to scrounging food from you, your backpack or your rubbish container.
• Take all rubbish out with you for disposal or recycling.

We hope you enjoy your time on the Mackay Highlands Great Walk. Walk softly and stay safe and visit with care.