About Cape Hillsborough

Park features

Diverse habitats are protected in the 1074.85ha Cape Hillsborough National Park, one of the most ruggedly beautiful parks on the Central Queensland coast. Lowland rainforest and vine forest grow along creeks, valleys and hillside gullies. Rocky hills and headlands support open eucalypt forest and a grassy understorey, while patches of low heath survive on exposed slopes. West of the day-use area, a large mangrove community is an important breeding ground for marine animals.

On the broad beaches, sand bubbler crabs leave intricate patterns at low tide, and many sea creatures shelter in tidal rock pools. Surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Large rhyolite boulders scattered over the headlands and beaches are a reminder of volcanic activity millions of years ago, as are volcanic plugs and other striking rock formations found in the park.

Known as Yuwi nandhi, land of the Yuwi people, the Yuwi people have a strong spiritual connection with Cape Hillsborough, which intertwines the people with the water and land as well as their air, land and sea animals—the Yuwi people understand it is their cultural responsibility to care for land and sea country. Yuwi people believe if you care for mother earth, then mother earth will provide and care for her people. The relationship and responsibility of the Yuwi people to care for their land and sea Country is strong.

Read more about the nature, culture and history of Cape Hillsborough National Park.

Looking after the park

• Respect Yuwi Peoples culture. Yuwi nandhi represents thousands of years of traditional Yuwi cultural ways of life, encompassing both tangible places of significance and spiritual connections. This landscape is easily damaged and irreplaceable. The Yuwi people and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ask that you travel lightly through this beautiful Country.
• Everything in the national park is protected. Please leave everything as you found it.
• Take care with fire. Camp fires are permitted at Smalleys Beach camping area only (conditions apply). Preferably use a fuel or gas stove for cooking.
• Stop the spread of pests and soil pathogens. New introductions can spread and displace resident species and alter the local ecology. Before you arrive ensure all camping equipment, walking gear and your vehicle is clean and free of seeds, soil and insects (including ants and their eggs).
• Rubbish bins are not provided. Pack sturdy rubbish bags and take all rubbish home with you. Carry a container for cigarette butts.
• Leave your pets at home. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the national park. Please observe the before you visit guidelines for dogs and pets.
• Do not feed any native animals. Feeding can make them sick or aggressive and can upset the population balance.
• Stay well back from nesting sea turtles. The sandy beaches at Cape Hillsborough and surrounding coastline are vital habitat for nesting sea turtles. Any disturbance can affect their survival.
• Protect sea turtles and dugongs. Both animals feed among the seagrass beds surrounding the shores of Cape Hillsborough National Park. If you are boating in the area, please watch out for these animals and go slowly to avoid a collision—propeller injuries can be fatal.
• Follow the boating and fishing regulations that apply in the adjoining marine park.

See the guidelines on caring for parks and forests for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Cape Hillsborough National Park was first gazetted in 1969. The 1074.85ha park is managed to conserve its landscapes, naturally occurring species and natural ecological processes, and to protect its cultural resources and heritage values. Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers together with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service aim to provide a destination for a wide range of nature-based recreation opportunities, sustainably managed to maintain natural and cultural values of the national park.

Protected waters adjoining the park are managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Tourism information links

Mackay Region Visitor Information Centre
www.mackayregion.com
Sarina Field of Dreams, Railway Square, Sarina QLD 4737
ph (07) 4837 1228
email bookings@mackayregion.com

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.