The Mackay Highlands Great Walk offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure for experienced hikers. This 56-kilometer trail traverses diverse landscapes within Queensland, Australia, starting in Eungella National Park and concluding at Moonlight Dam in Homevale National Park. To ensure a smoother and safer experience, it's recommended to tackle the walk from north to south, following established track markers and avoiding steeper climbs, particularly in dry and exposed areas.
The trail starts in Eungella National Park, a haven of ecological diversity. While Mount Dalrymple, one of Queensland's highest peaks, lies within the park, the walk itself traverses relatively flat sections along the Great Dividing Range. This means breathtaking views with minimal climbing, especially if you tackle the walk north to south as recommended.
The difficulty of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk varies. The first two sections are ideal for first-time hikers with good fitness due to the gentle inclines. Here, panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley and Mackay's sugar cane plantations will surely leave you breathless.
As you explore deeper, immerse yourself in the cool, crisp rainforest air. Towering trees, dense palm groves, and dramatic peaks will keep you captivated throughout your daily hikes of 10-20 kilometers. The trail also ventures through Homevale National Park and Crediton State Forest, adding to the variety of ecosystems you'll encounter.
For a smoother and safer experience, always choose the north-to-south direction. This ensures you follow established markers and avoid strenuous climbs in dry, exposed areas. Remember, this is a multi-day adventure, so proper planning is crucial. Pack appropriate gear, inform others of your route and estimated return time, and be prepared for the beauty and challenges that await.
While the full 56-kilometer journey is a challenging feat, the Mackay Highlands Great Walk caters to a wider range of interests. The first sections, with their manageable inclines, can be a fantastic introduction for first-time hikers. For nature enthusiasts, the diverse rainforests teeming with subtropical and tropical plant life offer a paradise to explore.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the walk's four sections, allowing you to plan your multi-day trek effectively:
Section 1: Pine Grove to Broken River (10km)
This section provides a gentle introduction to the walk. The shady and fairly level track weaves through tranquil rainforest and past shimmering palms as you cross the Clarke Range towards Broken River. Enjoy the cool, refreshing air and lush surroundings as you ease into your journey.
Section 2: Broken River to Crediton Hall (11km)
This longer section presents some short uphill sections. The trail follows alongside the Broken River, offering scenic riverside views. As you leave the rainforest behind, you'll enter farming communities before reaching Crediton Hall. Be prepared for a more moderate challenge in this section.
Section 3: Crediton Hall to Denham Range (20km)
This remote and sometimes steep section is suited for fit and experienced walkers. The track ventures through farming country, before climbing up to a rainforest ridge and through Crediton State Forest. This is the most challenging leg of the walk, demanding a good level of fitness and experience.
Section 4: Denham Range to Moonlight Dam (17km)
Descend through eucalyptus woodlands, taking in the surrounding mountain ranges and dramatic peaks that rise from the dry landscape. Cross dry creek beds before reaching Moonlight Dam, your final destination. This section features challenging descents, so be prepared for some steeper terrain.
- Walking between April and September is recommended to avoid wet and dry weather extremes.
- You must be self-sufficient—carry a first-aid kit and extra rations for emergency situations.
- You must have a permit to camp along the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.
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Total distance: 55867 m
Max elevation: 941 m
Min elevation: 305 m
Total climbing: 1450 m
Total descent: -1842 m
Getting to the trailhead: Eungella National Park.
Reaching the Trailhead:
- Eungella National Park, the starting point, is located approximately 80 kilometers west of Mackay, accessible via the Mackay-Eungella Road.
- While traveling on Mackay-Eungella Road, be aware of a sharp and steep section as you wind your way up the Clarke Range. This section might be challenging for caravans.
- Upon reaching Eungella township at the range’s peak, follow the leftward bend to enter Eungella National Park.
- The official starting point of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk is the Pine Grove car park, situated at the edge of Eungella township.
Closest towns to this walk: Broken River, Eungella, Finch Hatton, Mackay, Marian, Midge Point, Mirani, Sarina, Walkerston
Nestled amidst the Clarke Range, Eungella National Park boasts a unique claim to fame: it harbors the longest stretch of subtropical rainforest in all of Australia. Located approximately 80 kilometers west of Mackay and 858 kilometers northwest of Brisbane, Eungella National Park offers a captivating escape into a world of towering trees, diverse plant life, and fascinating wildlife.
Eungella National Park encompasses a vast 517 square kilometers, much of it blanketed in a dense rainforest thriving under the protection of the park. This precious ecosystem boasts a fascinating range of vegetation, from high-altitude notophyll vine forests clinging to the slopes to lush mesophyll forests flourishing at the base of the ranges.
For the adventurous soul, Eungella National Park is a paradise for exploration. A network of walking tracks caters to all experience levels. Short, easy strolls allow visitors to immerse themselves in the rainforest's serenity, while longer and more challenging hikes like the Mackay Highlands Great Walk offer a multi-day adventure through the park's diverse landscapes.
Eungella National Park is more than just a botanical wonderland. The park's unique habitat provides a haven for a variety of Australian wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive platypus, a shy local celebrity. Other fascinating creatures that call the park home include pademelons, wallabies, and bandicoots. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to spot a plethora of avian species flitting through the rainforest canopy.
Eungella National Park is the ideal destination for those seeking a nature getaway. Whether you're captivated by the beauty of the rainforest, eager to explore hidden walking trails, or simply yearn for a breath of fresh air amidst ancient trees, Eungella National Park has something to offer everyone.
Main image: The original uploader was Msdstefan at German Wikipedia.(Original text: Stefan Heinrich), CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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