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Eungella National Park
Eungella National Park is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks, located 80 km's West of Mackay. It sits high above the surrounding plains and is a mist-shrouded & forest-clad mountain harbouring diverse plants & wildlife.
We recently did a day trip to Eungella National Park, and we explored Broken River, where we spotted a platypus and saw some turtles. We enjoyed the views from the Sky Window, then went to the Pinnacle Hotel for one of their famous pies for lunch. After lunch, we hike to Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of Fire in the Finch Hatton Gorge.
Broken River is one of the best places to see a platypus in the wild, and there are several purpose-built viewing platforms along the river.
As platypus are nocturnal, you will usually spot them early in the morning or at dusk. The best way to spot them is to approach the river bank slowly and quietly and look for ripples and bubbles made by the platypus searching on the riverbed for food, then wait for them to come up to the surface.
After watching the platypus, turtles and birds, we wandered along the river, enjoying the views.
From the Sky Window carpark and picnic area, it is an easy 250-metre walk to two lookouts with stunning views over the Pioneer Valley.
The Pinnacle Hotel was built in 1930 and is a lovely old country pub with fantastic pies. We enjoyed a Chicken and Leek and a Beef and Bacon pie for lunch.
From the Pinnacle Hotel to Finch Hatton Gorge is 16 kilometres, and after a few creek crossings and the last two kilometres of gravel road, we arrived at the medium-sized car park.
We wander along the track towards Araluen Cascades, a grade 3, 2.8-kilometre return hike that takes about an hour and a half.
Araluen Cascades is a 15-metre cascade where Finch-Hatton Creek flows into a naturally carved rock pool. There is a lovely viewing platform, and it is a popular swimming spot.
After enjoying Araluen Cascades, we returned and continued along the Wheel of Fire track, rated grade 4 due to the steps and creek crossing. The total return distance to see both falls is approximately 5 kilometres.
At Callistemon crossing, you will need to clamber over the rocks to get to the steps on the other side of the river.
Then you reach the beautiful natural swimming hole, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the tranquillity.
Click Here to check availability and book the Eungella Platypus Tour.
With this tour you can explore Eungella National Park, spot platypus and see Araluen Falls with a local guide. It includes lunch and bus travel.
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