Visiting Mia Mia safely

Getting there and getting around

Mia Mia State Forest is west of Mackay. Turn off the Mackay-Eungella road at Pinnacle and drive 20km south-west through the forest. The rough, gravel access road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. Roads may be closed in wet weather or during high fire danger periods. Always check the current park alerts.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities or tracks in Mia Mia State Forest.

Staying safe

• For your safety, leave your itinerary with a friend or relative and advise them when you return. They (not rangers) are responsible for alerting the police should you fail to return.
• Always carry water, wear a hat and sturdy footwear, and try to walk in the cooler part of the day.
• Creek beds and rock surfaces can be slippery. Care is required when traversing these surfaces.
• Avoid bites from sandflies and mosquitoes by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Mobile phone coverage is limited—help can be many hours away. It is recommended that visitors consider taking a satellite phone and/or carry a personal locator beacon (PLB).

In an emergency:

• call Triple Zero (000) or use the Emergency+ app (which uses the GPS on your smartphone to give an accurate location address)
• call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing-impaired callers
• advise the nature of the emergency and your location
• stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

Pack the right equipment including:

• food and drinking water (include an emergency supply in case you become lost or stranded).
• warm and waterproof clothing
• sturdy, reliable footwear
• hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• essential medications and a first-aid kit—know how to use it
• a topographic map, compass and/or GPS (know how to use it)
• fuel stove and spare fuel, plus any cooking equipment
• torch or headlamp, and broadcast radio with batteries (for weather and emergency updates)
• waterproof camping equipment if staying overnight, insect repellent and clothing to avoid insect bites
• strong rubbish bags.

Opening hours

Mia Mia State Forest is open 24 hours a day, although closures may be enforced during severe weather conditions.

Permits and fees

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site. Book a camp site online or learn about our camping booking options.

Pets

Dogs are permitted on a leash in Mia Mia State Forest during the day only. Make sure you pick up your dog’s faeces, bag it and take it with you to dispose of it responsibly. Dogs are not allowed to stay overnight.

Climate and weather

The region's dry season occurs during winter (June to 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 falls between December and March, with the driest months being August and September. Try to walk between April and September to avoid wet and dry weather extremes.

• For more information see the tourism information links.
• Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Pinnacle or Mackay.