Eungella National Park Mackay

One slip can change your life

Take extreme care around cascades and fast-flowing water at Finch Hatton Gorge. Tragically, people have died in accidents around the Finch Hatton Gorge area. Many more have been seriously injured―including spinal injuries. These incidents are specifically due to slipping on the wet slippery rocks and steep wet slopes and jumping into water holes. Please take warnings seriously and do not enter a restricted access area.

Photo credit: © Lennan Whiting

Cedar Grove track, Eungella National Park

Araleun Cascades, Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park

Walks in the Finch Hatton Gorge area

Weave your way past granite bounders through lush rainforest to reach emerald pools and tumbling cascades.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
Over 4km of walking tracks
Time suggested
Allow 1 day to explore the walk in the Finch Hatton Gorge area.
Grade
Various

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural and constructed)
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

Follow the walking track through lush rainforest and around granite boulders to reach lookouts over emerald pools and tumbling cascades at Finch Hatton Gorge.

DANGER! Slippery surfaces, variable water depths, submerged objects and fast-flowing water.

Tragically, people have died at Finch Hatton Gorge. Others have been seriously injured. For your safety, heed the following safety warnings:

  • Never dive or jump into creeks and waterholes.
  • Do not climb up rock faces or cascades.
  • Take extreme care on slippery rocks and around fast-flowing water.
  • Swimming in creeks is dangerous and at your own risk.

Pay attention to safety and warning signs, and do not enter the designated restricted access areas—access is closed to keep you safe.

For more safety information, see Finch Hatton Gorge safety section.

Maps

    Araluen Cascades track

    Grade 3

    Distance: 2.8km return
    Time: Allow 1–1.5hr return
    Map reference: (9)

    Details: From Finch Hatton Gorge picnic area, walk uphill weaving your way through lush rainforest and between granite boulders to a lookout above Araluen Cascades. Along the way listen out high in the canopy for the Lewin’s honeyeater. Take some time to sit and enjoy the tumbling cascades at this rainforest retreat. Over the sound of the rushing water, you may be lucky to hear the call (a gentle rattling sound) of the endangered Eungella day frog.

    Wheel of Fire track

    Grade 4

    Distance: 4.2km return
    Time: Allow 1.5–2hr return
    Map reference: (9)

    Details: Turn off from Araluen Cascades track and continue walking uphill through the rainforest (catching glimpses of Finch Hatton Creek) to Callistemon Crossing. Callistemon Crossing is a particularly rewarding place to sit among the palm trees and listen to the sound of the creek.

    Take extreme care at Callistemon Crossing. Flowing water and slippery rocks can make crossing the creek dangerous at any time. The crossing is weather dependent—fast-flowing water restricts access after moderate to heavy rainfall. Never attempt to cross fast-flowing water.

    In clement conditions, visitors choosing to traverse Callistemon Crossing must take extreme care when walking on the slippery rocks and boulders in the creek.

    Past Callistemon Crossing, the track ascends along Finch Hatton Creek with demanding uphill sections and more than 300 steep steps—assess your fitness before commencing.

    When you reach Wheel of Fire, choose a comfortable boulder and rest your feet before walking 2.1km back to the picnic area.

    Getting there and getting around

    Walks in the Finch Hatton Gorge area of Eungella National Park are located approximately 70km west of Mackay along the Mackay-Eungella Road.

    • From Mackay, follow the Mackay–Eungella Road for approximately 61km, then turn right onto The Gorge Road (crossing Cattle Creek via a bridge).
    • Continue following The Gorge Road for 9km to reach the Finch Hatton Gorge carpark and picnic area. Please note, the last 2.5km of The Gorge Road is unsealed with two causeways to cross.

    Wheelchair access

    There is no wheelchair access to walks in the Finch Hatton Gorge area.

    Before you visit

    Opening hours

    Walks in the Finch Hatton Gorge area are open all year round. Access may be closed at times due to localised flooding, severe weather or park management activities.

    Visiting safely

    For more safety information see Visiting Eungella safely and Walk with care.