Mackay Highlands Great Walk- Hiking Trails in QLD

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Hiking in Mackay Highlands Great Walk

The Mackay Highlands Great Walk starts in Eungella National Park, 80km west of Mackay

Pine Grove Track

800 m one way (20–30 min)

Fairly level track suitable for most visitors.
Walk in rainforest shade and catch glimpses of the Pioneer Valley through tall trees.
Stop at the lookout to take in the valley floor view - a patchwork of green and brown canefields with a steep mountain backdrop.

2 km one way (40 min–1 hour)

Moderate level of fitness required for short uphill sections and stairs.
Continue from the Pine Grove Track to feel dwarfed by towering red cedars and tulip oaks.
Take a moment to stand inside the strangler fig tree arch - a great photo opportunity.
After crossing bridges over gentle creeks and brushing past livistona palm fronds, stay a while and relax at Sky Window picnic area.

250 m circuit (5–10 minutes)

Short and level track suitable for most visitors.
Take a leisurely walk around to the lookout for views across Pioneer Valley to the steep, rugged northern wall.
Stop at trackside signs to learn about the spiritual significance of this landscape.

1.5 km one way (30–45 min)

Moderate level of fitness required for short uphill sections and stairs.
From Sky Window, walk down through layers of bright piccabeen and Alexandra palms.
During light rain or early morning mist, feel the rainforest's magic as fronds glisten in the breeze.

5.5 km one way (2–2.75 hours)

Moderate level of fitness required for long but level track.
Arrange to be dropped off at the access point 3km south of Eungella or continue on from the Palm Grove Track to journey across Clarke Range to Broken River.
Pass through lush rainforest and take a break at viewpoints over the Netherdale cane community. Cross Clarke Range and weave from rocky ridges to moist gullies.
Descend to Broken River's tumbling cascades and link up with the Granite Bend Track and Rainforest Discovery Circuit to reach the picnic area and other facilities.

1.5 km one way (30–45 min)

Fairly level track suitable for most visitors.
Consider walking Granite Bend Track as an extension of Rainforest Discovery Circuit, starting from Broken River picnic area.
Pass through tall groves of livistona palms before taking a break at a bend in Broken River. Stay a while and listen to the water rushing over rocks.

700 m circuit (15–20 min)

Short and level track suitable for most visitors.
From the Broken River picnic area, step into cool and shady rainforest. Cross trickling creeks and glance up to see tall trees decorated with epiphytes and vines.

5.7 km one way (2–2.75 hours)

Moderate to high level of fitness required for long track with some slopes.
Rather than attempting the challenging 11.4km return walk, arrange to be dropped off at the Wishing Pool Circuit to walk 8km back to Broken River picnic area.
With the river at your side, walk from rainforest gullies up to rocky ridges covered in drier vine forest.
Where the track meets calm river sections, enjoy reflections in the water and watch for the ripples of a platypus.

1.7 km circuit (35–50 min)

Fairly level track suitable for most visitors.
Arrange to be dropped off at the track entrance or enjoy this circuit as part of Crediton Creek Track.
As you pass through tall rainforest carpeted with delicate ferns, listen for different birds calling around you. Stop by the calm river pool to see forest canopy reflections.

Further information

EPA Customer Service Centre
160 Ann Street, Brisbane
PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
ph (07) 3227 8185