Eungella National Park is the Lush Rainforest Playground You’ve Been Looking For

Explorer Constance is a self-proclaimed beach lover, so throwing her in the rainforest is a touch out of her comfort zone. But now she can’t stop raving about Eungella National Park in the Mackay Isaac region of Queensland.

About Eungella National Park

If you’ve never heard of Eungella National Park let me show you around. Firstly, it’s pronounced young-guh-la. You’re welcome. Now you won’t embarrass yourself in front of the locals like I did. Secondly, it’s the oldest and longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia and I vouch for this stretch of 51,700 hectares.

Eungella National Park is 80km west of Mackay, located between and around the towns of Eungella and Finch Hatton. I didn’t cover every square inch, but I did cover a heck of a lot. From swimming, hiking, eating, and platypus spotting, there’s lots to explore.

Read more: 5 Days Road Tripping Queensland’s Mackay Isaac Region

Definitely accomplished some log sittin’

Eungella National Park History

Eungella is the traditional home of the Biria and Wiri tribes of the Birri-Gubba people. The name Eungella comes from the Indigenous word meaning, ‘land of the clouds’. If that’s not indicative of what’s to come, then I’m not sure what is. Thousands of years of isolation allowed this rainforest to flourish. This national park continues to have a small human footprint which is why the flora and fauna love it (over 800 plant species and 220 bird species). Let’s keep it that way by leaving no trace.

Clouds have been found

How to Get to Eungella National Park

By Car

Eungella National Park is approximately a 1.25-hour drive from Mackay.

Other transport

There aren’t any public transport options here, but bus tours do operate from Mackay. Ideally though, you’ll want a car to explore the nooks and crannies of the national park with ease.

Essential Gear for Eungella National Park

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Windbreaker, extra socks, hiking shoes (both open-toe and enclosed are ideal)
• Camping gear
• Mountain bike
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent – midges are alive and well out here
• Firewood – fires are permitted in certain areas of the national park. The natural next suggestion is of course marshmallows … and digestive bickies
• Food and water. Shout out to apricot and coconut bites, my snack of choice
• Camera (or a really cool photographer)

Read more: Leeches: How To Remove, Avoid, and Appreciate Them

Never forget a good cuppa tea

Where to Stay in Eungella National Park

In terms of the great outdoors, you’re pretty much guaranteed a beautiful night at the campgrounds in Eungella National Park. Broken River Camping Area is the park’s camping hub because it’s right near the platypus viewing platform and marks the start of the boardwalk.

Plus, it has ample parking, an information centre, picnic tables, and disability access. At the far end of the boardwalk, is Fern Flat Camping Area. I stayed here, and for me, it was the perfect choice as it’s a little bit quieter and has limited mobile service. Both locations have spots for caravans, 4WDs, vans, tents, and swags.

And while I recommend a night under the stars, if that’s not your style, no worries. You can rest up in one of Platypus Bushcamp’s lodge cabins, or for a bougier evening, check in to the Broken River Mountain Resort.

Read more: Where To Pitch Your Tent (It’s Not as Simple As You Think)

Where to Eat in Eungella National Park

Eungella Chalet

A local recommended this one to me (thanks Rob), and I’m so glad he did. Just a short drive from the park itself, the historic Eungella Chalet was established in 1934 and is located adjacent to the head of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.

It sits high up in this region which means it can be a wee bit cold (pro tip: order a hot choccy as I did). The open floor plan with glass panes ensures you can enjoy views of the Pioneer Valley while listening to live music. Or better yet, have yourself a picnic and lounge out on the grass.

Yippee for hot choccie

The Gift Shed & Café

This cute cafe in Finch Hatton caught my eye because of its homey exterior and handwritten sign announcing housemade ice cream – mango passion takes the win for me. The rest of the menu is lowkey yet inventive, like the goat sausage sandwich. They source local produce and make everything in-house – yep, even the jam and cream and their cabinet filled with baked goods.

Things to Do in Eungella National Park

Enjoy the View

Sky Window Lookout

From the car park it’s 250m to this platform suitable for rainforest gawking. We watched the sunrise with a warm cuppa in hand: hmm, perfect. Plus, this area of the track is wheelchair accessible.

Take a Hike

Cedar Grove Track

This walk is 2.8km one way. While it’s marked as a Grade 3 walk, I did this one in the early morning rugged up in my jeans and jumper. That’s to say, you can take it as a morning stroll or if you’ve got energy to burn, knock it out. It’s 1.5 hours of marvelling at tulip oaks, red cedars, and palm trees. Midway through you’ll approach the Eungella Tree Arch, which I lovingly dubbed nature’s cubby house.

Read more: 10 Essentials Every Day Hiker Needs

Fairy mode activated

Mackay Highlands Great Walk 

If you have the time, embark upon this 56km hike, one of Queensland’s lesser-known Great Walks. It starts in Eungella National Park and travels through Homevale National Park and Crediton State Forest which can take three to five days depending on your pace.

This hike is broken into various stretches, with 10km being the smallest section. All stretches are Grade 4 or 5; terrain is steep so this undertaking is only recommended for experienced walkers with high levels of fitness.

Mobile phone coverage is limited out here in the sticks so come prepared with a sat phone and all the goods required to last you up to five days. Most importantly, look forward to tranquil rainforest, gorges, and stunning cliffs and peaks.

Read more: 11 Best Multi-Day Hikes in Queensland 2024

Spot the Wildlife

Eungella National Park is a known home to Australia’s beloved platypus. If you’re staying at Broken River or Fern Flat, at dawn or dusk head to the boardwalk adjacent to watch the little guys in their natural habitat. The river is also home to a bale of turtles – fin, noggin’, dudeee! Against the backdrop of birdsongs, seeing these creatures made my day.

Read more: A Guide to Wildlife Spotlighting

Spotted one!

Explore Finch Hatton Gorge

Araluen Cascades Walking Trail

Park at the end of Gorge Rd and start the trail to Araluen Cascades, a 1.6km walk through sub-tropical rainforest. While there are some uphill sections, this track is great for people of all ages and skill levels as the path is stable, clear, and wide.

Because the walk is on the easier side, I found plenty of time to appreciate Australia’s flora and fauna: notably the weeping bottlebrush, and the calls from the Eungella tinkerfrog (you’re most likely to hear from this little guy by Rawsons Creek).

The waterfall itself is unsurprisingly stunning. The rocks are lounge-worthy, by my standards anyway, and the water is like an ice bath. It’s a place to set up for the day, picnic in tow.

This is livin’

Wheel of Fire Walking Trail

The Wheel of Fire walking trail (Grade 4) can be started from the car park or continued from the Araluen Cascades. This track is more challenging as parts involve wading through water over submerged rocks like a wee obstacle course.

These are very slippery (guilty) so be mindful about your choice of footwear – I recommend waterproof, open-toe hiking shoes. It’s 4.2km return (1.4km from Araluen) so allow for 1.5-2 hours to complete it. There are also lots of stairs, so don’t back it up with a leg day of any kind. And while you might be tempted to grip onto trees for stability at times, be aware stinging trees live here (ouch!).

Wild Swimming

I’m a hiker whose ideal walk ends with a splash, so these trails were perfect for me as they both lead to bodies of water. As this is rainforest territory, the water is fresh. In summertime, you’ll grapple with humidity followed by a refreshing swim.

Mermaid mode activated

In the colder months, take it from me when I say, the water temperature knocks the wind out of you. At the end of the Wheel of Fire trail, the water is almost artificial in colours, its blues and greens alluring in the sunshine, kind of like a Grecian summer.

And though it’s not for the faint of heart, I couldn’t recommend a swim more. But resist daredevil urges and instead exercise extreme caution when entering this water, as the rock faces adjoining the cascades are hazardous.

Read more: How To Stay Safe Around Swimming Holes & Waterfalls

Seriously, that colour is absurd

Go Mountain Biking in Finch Hatton

Just outside Eungella National Park in the heart of the Pioneer Valley is a quaint town named Finch Hatton. Here, you’ll find brand new mountain biking trails and can head straight up to their starting points thanks to Off Camber Mountain Biking shuttle service.

If you’re anything like me and used to bikes with wicker baskets, in other words you’re slightly afraid of mountain biking, stick to the green trails and avoid the black trails like Chuck a Sickie and Big Bickies. Small bickies are nothing to be ashamed of!

Read more: A Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Biking

There’s heaps to do in Eungella NP

Eungella National Park FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Eungella National Park?

The dry season is from April to November, so this is the ideal time to visit. Summer months this far north in Queensland are very humid. If that’s your thing, then by all means, but stay hydrated folks.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Eungella National Park?

Eungella National Park is accessible to all car types. Adventures of all setups are most welcome indeed.

For your next tropical escape, grab your mates and drag them up to Eungella National Park, an utterly serene rainforest oasis.

Photos thanks to @isobelgrace.jpg