Mia Mia State Forest Mackay Isaac

Visiting Mia Mia safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Mia Mia State Forest is west of Mackay. Turn off the Mackay-Eungella road at Pinnacle and drive approximately 5.2km south along Pinnacle Septimus Road to reach the Pinnacle Station Road turn-off. Follow the unsealed Pinnacle Station Road for approximately 150m, then take the left-hand fork in the road (right-hand fork is a private entrance) and follow Pinnacle Station Road for 1km to reach the State forest boundary gate. From this point follow the rough and unsealed Captain Crossing track for 7.5km through the State forest to reach Captain Crossing. Access is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. State forest visitors are not permitted beyond Captain Crossing.

    Roads may be closed in wet weather or during high fire danger periods. Before you visit, always check the current park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities or tracks in Mia Mia State Forest.

    Staying safe

    • For your safety, leave an itinerary of your plans with a responsible person and advise them of your safe return.
    • Take plenty of drinking water, food and wear suitable clothing. Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it. Always recreate in the cooler part of the day.
    • Creek beds and rock surfaces can be slippery. Care is required when traversing these surfaces.
    • Snakes, spiders, stinging plants and insects are common, so know how to respond. Avoid bites from sandflies and mosquitoes by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
    • Mobile phone coverage is limited—help can be many hours away. It is recommended that visitors consider taking a satellite phone and/or carry a personal locator beacon (PLB).

    For more information, please read the guidelines stay safe and visit with care in parks and forests.

    In an emergency:

    For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000)

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    Pack the right equipment including:

    • food and drinking water (include an emergency supply in case you become lost or stranded).
    • warm and waterproof clothing
    • sturdy, reliable footwear
    • hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
    • essential medications and a first-aid kit—know how to use it
    • a topographic map, compass and/or GPS (know how to use it)
    • reliable communication equipment
    • fuel stove and spare fuel, plus any cooking equipment
    • torch or headlamp, and broadcast radio with batteries (for weather and emergency updates)
    • waterproof camping equipment if staying overnight, insect repellent and clothing to avoid insect bites
    • strong rubbish bags.

    Opening hours

    Mia Mia State Forest is open all year round. The forest may be closed at times due to high fire danger, severe weather conditions or management activities. Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Permits are required for scientific research, commercial tours, organised group activities or competitive events. Contact us for further information.

    Pets

    Dogs are permitted during day light hours only on Captain Crossing track and must be on a leash and under control at all times. Make sure you pick up your dog’s faeces, bag it and take it with you to dispose of it responsibly. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in Mia Mia bush camping area.  Learn more about dogs and pets in parks and forests.

    Climate and weather

    The region's dry season occurs during winter (June to August), with average temperatures from 10°C to 20°C. Between October and March, high humidity, strong seasonal rainfall and average temperatures of 20°C to 30°C make walking less comfortable.

    Much of the yearly rainfall falls between December and March, with the driest months being August and September. If planning a hike, try to walk between April and September to avoid wet and dry weather extremes.

    Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Gargett, Finch Hatton or Mackay.