Visiting Eungella safely
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Getting there and getting around
From Proserpine
Turn off the Bruce Highway 91km south of Proserpine and drive 9km to Marian. Continue 53km to the Eungella township.
From Mackay
From Mackay, drive 80km west along the Mackay–Eungella Road to Eungella township.
From either direction, the road to Eungella winds sharply and steeply up the Clarke Range—take care if towing a caravan. When you reach Eungella township (at the top of the range), follow the road sweeping left (Eungella Dam Road) to get to the beginning of walks starting at Pine Grove. From Pine Grove, continue following the Eungella Dam Road to reach the Sky Window day-use area (2km), and the Broken River visitor area (5km).
Eungella National Park has more than 20km of walking tracks and is the starting point for the 56km multi-day Mackay Highlands Great Walk. So, whether you want to stroll with the family, walk for several hours, or set out on the Great Walk, there will be something to suit.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Broken River visitor area offers wheelchair-accessible toilets, picnic tables and walking track with access to platypus viewing platforms (assistance may be required). Sky Window day-use area offers wheelchair accessible toilets, picnic tables, BBQ’s and a short circuit walk to lookouts across Pioneer Valley (assistance may be required).
Broken River visitor area
Staying safe
For your safety
Consider your fitness, ability and weather conditions carefully before setting out. Be well prepared and responsible for your own safety—even on a short stroll. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.
Walking safely
- Supervise your children at all times, especially around water and near cliff edges.
- Stay behind barriers and pay attention to safety signs.
- Take care on slippery rocks and at creek crossings.
- Take care near cliff edges—do not climb on rock faces.
- Never dive or jump into creeks or pools as the water may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Walk in a group, never alone. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination in daylight.
- Walking is best between the months of April and September to avoid the wet and dry weather extremes. Try to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day.
- Take a first-aid kit and know how to use it. Carry and drink sufficient drinking water.
- Dress for comfort. Wear supportive walking shoes, a hat, a long sleeve shirt and pants to protect yourself from the sun and insects that sting. Check yourself regularly for leeches and ticks.
- Avoid contact with stinging hairs on the leaves and stems of stinging trees.
- Pack a raincoat and jumper as weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Prepare well if undertaking a long distance or overnight walk. Refer to the staying safe guidelines for the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.
Walking in the rainforest, Cedar Grove track, Eungella National Park
Finch Hatton Gorge safety
Dangers and risks
Tragically, deaths have occurred in the Finch Hatton Gorge area.
The Finch Hatton Gorge area of the national park has many dangerous cascades. While the cascades look inviting to explore and climb, please beware of the dangers—too many lives have already been lost here!
Death, spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegia and paraplegia are some of the serious consequences of jumping or diving into creeks waterholes, or slipping from steep slopes. Drowning is the greatest threat to people who have injured their spines through accidents in and around the cascades and water. Pay attention to safety signs and don’t take risks.
Heed on site safety signs at Finch Hatton Gorge
Obey signs
- Parts of the Araluen Cascades and Wheel of Fire are closed to keep you safe. Entry to the restricted access areas is prohibited without a permit or written approval. Penalties apply.
Water safety
- Take care when swimming, and do not attempt to climb steep or wet slopes. Beware of dangers and do all you can to reduce your risk of injury or death due to:
- slips and falls
- drowning/near drowning
- hypothermia or shock from unexpected water temperature.
- Climbing rock faces is prohibited. Rocks may be loose or slippery, especially after rain or from water spray at the cascades. Penalties apply.
- Sudden downpours and seasonal storms can quickly change the nature of the water flows in Finch Hatton Gorge. Fast stream rises and strong currents occur following heavy rainfall. Do not attempt to cross fast-flowing water.
- Be aware of slippery rocks, especially around the cascades.
- Take care at creek crossings. Rocks and boulders may be uneven, loose or have slippery surfaces.
- Supervise children closely when near water.
See map of Finch Hatton Gorge .
Safety is your responsibility
- Advise a reliable friend or family member of your itinerary and contingency plan if things go wrong.
- Be aware that this person, not rangers, is responsible for alerting police if a rescue is needed.
- Do not ignore track closure signs.
Always check:
- Check Queensland Traffic for current road conditions before your trip.
- Park alerts for Eungella National Park for the latest information on access, closures and conditions before starting your walk.
- Bureau of Meteorology for current weather and warnings.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
- We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park.
- Mobile phone coverage in limited in the national park, consider taking a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB).
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
- sufficient food and water
- sturdy footwear
- first-aid kit—and know how to use it
- protective clothing
- insect repellent
- strong rubbish bags—bins are not provided
- portable fuel stove and fuel
- reliable communication equipment. A mobile phone or satellite phone (with spare battery), GPS and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) are recommended.
Opening hours
Eungella National Park is open 24 hours a day. Sections of the national park may be closed at times due to severe weather or management operations.
Check Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions in Eungella National Park, and for parks and forests around Queensland.
The Broken River Information Centre is open 9am to 3.30pm, Friday to Sunday. Queensland Parks Wi-Fi is available at the information centre (terms and conditions apply), see QldParks-Wifi for details.
Permits and fees
Camping permits
If you intend to camp you will need to obtain a camping permit and fees apply. A camping tag or camping permit details must be displayed at your camp site. Penalties apply for camping without a permit.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other permits
Various activities conducted in Eungella National Park may require a permit. These activities include commercial tours, social events (such as weddings), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and sale of photographs or vision of Eungella National Park and conservation parks. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in Eungella National Park (refer to guidelines for Dogs and pets).
Climate and weather
The region's dry season occurs during winter (June–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 is between December and March. Walking from April to September will help avoid wet and dry weather extremes.
For more information see the tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Mackay, Proserpine, and Finch Hatton. For more information see the tourism information links.
- Clarke Range Track Closure 24 May 2023 to 11 July 2025
- Temporary walking track closure: Wheel of Fire walking track, Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park 2 December 2024 to 30 September 2025