4WD
For the 4WD enthusiast, the Mackay region has two 'National Park tracks to keep you enthralled in the natural beauty of Mackay and its surrounds. During the wet season, both tracks should be taken with extreme caution, and safety equipment and extra supplies should be carried, in case of emergencies. For further information, please contact the Mackay Queensland Parksand Wildlife office on 07 4944 7800.
Below is a list of 4WD tracks in the Mackay region. Alternatively, click here for listings of 4WD experiences/ attractions from our database.
To search our comprehensive database of all attractions and tours click here.
Cape Palmerston National Park
Access to the Cape Palmerston National Park is from Illbilbie, 75 km South of Mackay on the Bruce Highway.
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0.0 km |
Zero the meter at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Greenhill Road (located just before the Illbilbie Road House) |
|
4.6 km |
At this Y intersection, keep left on the gravel road. |
|
7.1 km |
Turn left here. The Cape Palmerston track entrance is not well signposted. The township of Greenhill is located further down the road, and this is also where you will find the dump for disposal of your rubbish on departure. |
|
9.7 km |
Cross Noblers Creek. |
|
11.1 km |
To take the inland track, keep left at this Y junction. Alternatively, keep right to take the beach track. |
Cape Palmerston National Park is self registration camping, with registration huts available at the Cape Creek and Windmill Bay campsites.
Both the inland and beach track should be taken with caution. The inland track is 15 km and takes nearly two hours to complete. The beach track has soft sand and extreme tides of up to six metres at times and it is advised to check tide times prior to travel. A QPWS visitor information handout is available for this drive and can be picked up at the Mackay Visitor Information Centres or the Mackay QPWS office.
Mackay to Eungella
This challenging trip through the Mia Mia state Forestto Eungella can be expected to take 5 hours. This trip is quite scenic as you travel through the eucalypt and rainforest. It can be quite tricky after heavy rains, and should not be undertaken by inexperienced 4WD enthusiasts.
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0.0 km |
Zero the trip meter at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway in Mackay, facing West towards Nebo. |
|
6.3 km |
Turn right off the Peak Downs Highway onto the Mackay Eugella Road. |
|
23.0 km |
Straight on through the Marian town centre. |
|
31.8 km |
Straight on through the Mirani town centre. |
|
48.7 km |
There is a signpost here 'Septimus 6'. Turn left and head straight towards Septimus and Eungella |
|
53.8 km |
Passing over three bridges should bring you to a Y intersection; turn right onto a gravel track - the turn off is immediately before a single-lane bridge. |
|
53.9 km |
There is a private signpost: 'Captains Crossing/Teemburra Creek'. Keep left at this Y intersection. |
|
55.0 km |
Passing through a creek crossing over a cattle grid, will bring you to a Mia Mia State Forest signpost. From here you will need a permit (these can be obtained from the QPWS Mackay), and this section is winding and narrow up the Clarke Range |
|
58.8 km |
Crossing through another creek will bring you to the McLean's Creek. Cross this causeway. |
|
60.3 km |
Cross through Cherrytree Creek causeway. |
|
62.6 km |
Teemburra Creek/Captains Crossing. |
|
72.4 km |
Crossing through two more creeks will bring you to the Endeavour Creek crossing - be careful when crossing as this crossing is considered difficult. |
|
72.5 km |
Turn left at this intersection. |
|
90.5 km |
After four more creek crossings, there is another intersection. Keep heading straight. |
|
94.3 km |
After a cattle grid, there will be another intersection. Keep heading straight. |
|
100.4 km |
Timbilla Creek crossing. |
|
101.8 km |
Cockies Creek Crossing. |
|
103.1 km |
Raspberry Creek Crossing. |
|
105.9 km |
Keep going straight ahead at this intersection. |
|
111.3 km |
At this intersection, keep heading straight on the Eungella Dam Road. |
|
113.1 km |
Keep right at this intersection. |
|
114.1 km |
At this T intersection, there is a signpost 'Eungelal 10'. Turn left here. |
|
119.2 km |
End of trip will bring you into the Eungella National Park, at the Broken River picnic ground |
Source: Wherrett P and K, 1993, Explore Australia by Four-Wheel Drive, Explore Australia Publishing, Victoria.
Four-Wheel Drive Day Tours
Australian 4WD Adventures
Contact: Tom and Wendy Cyran
Ph: 07 4955 5011
Mobile: 0431 604 047
E-mail: astek@iprimus.com.au
Four-Wheel Drive Clubs
Mackay LandRover Club (all makes of 4WD's welcome)
Contact: Karen Noble
ph: 07 4942 5121
Mackay Four-Wheel Drive Club
Contact: Neil Barker
ph: 07 4952 4514
E-mail: enquiries@mackay4wdclub.com
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