Homevale National Park Mackay Isaac

Things to do

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Moonlight Dam offers a basic camping area with tank water (treat before use) and pit toilets. In this dry environment, open fires are not permitted.

    Camping permits are required and fees apply.

    Other accommodation

    Campgrounds, cabin-style accommodation and motels are available in Eungella, Nebo and Mount Britton. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Walking

    Marvel at the dramatic peaks and spires of ancient volcanic eruptions of Mount Britton, Marling Spikes and Sydney Heads that surround the vast dry plains in Homevale National Park and Homevale Resources Reserve. Stretch your legs and take an early morning hike to Mount Britton, a former 1880s gold mining settlement. All the old buildings are gone, though you can learn about the gold rush pioneers by reading the signs provided by the Isaac Regional Council. When walking, remember to follow the parks and forests walk with care guidelines.

    For map references, refer to:

    Moonlight Dam to Mount Britton walk

    Grade 4

    Distance: 5.5km one way
    Time: Allow 2–3hr one way
    Map reference: (7)–(8)
    Details: A moderate level of fitness is required for this exposed but fairly level track leading to a former 1880s gold-mining town. Either return to Moonlight Dam via the same walking route (4-6hr return), or arrange a pick-up vehicle at Mount Britton.

    Mackay Highlands Great Walk

    Grade 5

    Distance: 56km one way
    Time: Allow 3-5days
    Map reference: (1)-(7)
    Details: This 3–5 day multi day hike starts at Eungella National Park and leads south to Moonlight Dam, and is recommended for experienced and well prepared walkers with high fitness levels. Highlights include rainforest and palm groves, cliffs and peaks, and quiet roads and farming communities. Read more about the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.

    Mountain biking

    You can mountain bike through Homevale National Park on the internal roads and fire breaks, unless otherwise signed. Expect to share the roads with pedestrians, vehicles and other cyclists. Remember to follow the Parks and forests mountain bike and cycle with care guidelines. Cycling is not permitted on walking tracks.

    Driving

    Explore Homevale National Park by vehicle and take the opportunity to extend your trip beyond Homevale to link-in with the Eungella and Mackay Highlands drive from Pine Grove (Eungella National Park) to Moonlight Dam (Homevale National Park) and Mount Britton (Homevale Resources Reserve). A network of quiet gravel vehicle tracks will give you a different view of rainforest, open woodland and dry open country. It also provides access to the Mackay Highlands Great Walk and a series of short walks, should you wish to further explore this spectacular area on foot. Please read four-wheel drive with care and the associated driving safety information before you drive in the Mackay Highlands.

    To find out where each drive starts and finishes, match the map references below to the forest drive numbers in the Mackay Highlands and Eungella National Park Discovery Guide. (PDF, 2.7MB)

    Moonlight Dam to Mount Britton—15km one way (30min drive)

    • Map reference: (7)–(8)

    This is a gravel road suitable only for 4WD and high clearance vehicles. Please watch for walkers on shared sections. From Moonlight Dam, retrace 6km back to the turnoff and turn left into Turrawulla Road. Follow this road for about 2.5km, turn left into Homevale Road and then drive another 5.5km to reach Mount Britton.

    Broken River to Moonlight Dam—about 88km one way (1.25hr drive)

    • Map reference: (3)–(7)

    From Broken River, follow Eungella Dam Road for 24.5km, then turn left into Lizzie Creek Road and follow this for 17.3km. Turn left into Turrawulla Road and drive 40km to the signed left turn into Moonlight Dam. It is then a further 6km to Moonlight Dam. Gravel roads are suitable only for 4WD or high clearance vehicles.

    Denham Range to Moonlight Dam (via Eungella Dam Road and Turrawalla Road)—about 100km one way (2hr drive)

    • Map reference: (6)–(7)

    Gravel tracks are suitable only for 4WD and high clearance vehicles. Please watch for walkers on shared roads. Retrace the rough gravel tracks and Cockies Creek Road, turn left into Eungella Dam Road, follow for 14.8km then turn left into Lizzie Creek Road and follow this for 17.3km. Turn left into Turrawulla Road and drive 40km to the signed left turn into Moonlight Dam. It is then a further 6km to the camping area.

    The Dray Track is accessible to walkers only. To travel to Moonlight Dam from Denham Range, prepare for a long drive. Alternatively, access Moonlight Dam from Broken River (88km) or Nebo (45km).

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Visitors interested in a quiet picnic spot could try Moonlight Dam or nearby Mount Britton. Both provide information and toilets.

    Viewing wildlife

    Set in the heart of this dry landscape, Moonlight Dam is a wildlife haven. A regular water source for bush birds and stopover point for migratory birds, the dam is the perfect spot to observe Homevale's birdlife.

    About 100 bird species, from honeyeaters to brolgas, are known to live or visit here. A wander around with your binoculars and bird guide will be rewarding.

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