Walking Tracks

Whether it's a leisurely stroll in and around Mackay City and beaches or the diverse and picturesque landscapes, including the famous Eungella National Park, Cape Hillsborough and the vast outback regions in Mackay's hinterland, there are plenty of walks to help you enjoy the best scenery and attractions within the Mackay Region. There are wheel chair accessible tracks and scenic boardwalks to challenging hikes for the more adventurous.

Below is a list of National Park, beach and city walks around the Mackay region. Alternatively, click here for listings of walking activities/attractions from our database.

To search our comprehensive database of all attractions and tours click here.

NATIONAL PARKS 

Eungella National Park

Access: Eungella township is 80km west of Mackay.  On arriving at Eungella township, follow the road sweeping to the left to reach Broken River, 5km away.  Approximately 1.25 hours from Mackay.

Walking Information: Eungella National Park has a variety of short walks and overnight adventures for the walking enthusiasts.  If you want to explore a short walk, follow the road to the head of the valley, the road winds sharply and steeply up the Clarke Range.  When you reach Eungella township at the top of the range, follw the road sweeping left to gain access to Enugella National Park’s short walks.  Choose from three stops, each offering different walks and facilities. For those of you wanting to satisfy your sense of adventure and stay overnight in the Mackay Highlands, you need to commence your journey at the starting point of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.  When you reach Eungella township at the top of the range, take the left-turning lane and pull into the Pine Grove parking area.  For a brochure on the Short Walks or the Mackay Highlands Great Walk, contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on (07) 4944 7800 or stop in at the Mackay Visitor Information Centres located on Nebo Road and Sydney St.

Finch Hatton Gorge

Access:  The turnoff to Finch Hatton Gorge is situated on the main Pioneer Valley road, 1km east of the Finch Hatton Township.   The road is relatively narrow, 10km long with 6km of compacted dirt road.  Creek crossings may flood periodically following heavy rain.  Approximately 1 hour from Mackay.

Walking Information: Two rainforest walks are located at Finch Hatton Gorge, leading to the Wheel of Fire and Araluen Falls.  The main track extends 2.1km up to Finch Hatton Gorge.  Turn left 1.2km along this track to Araleun Falls (400m) or continue ahead 900m on the Wheel of Fire track.  The last 500m includes 337 steps, where the track terminates at a large natural swimming hole and waterfall.

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Access: The Cape Hillsborough turn-off is approximately 20km north of Mackay along the Bruce Highway, signposted towards Seaforth.  Before reaching Seaforth, take the right hand-turn as directed, and Cape Hillsborough is located a further 10km along.  Approximately 45 minutes from Mackay.

Walking Information: Discover the area's rich Aboriginal history on the self-guided Hidden Valley Jupiera Plant Trail or walk through the Melaleuca woodland on the Diversity Boardwalk, located on the right at the entry to the National Park.  Andrews Point track offers 5 lookouts with spectacular views.  The Beachcomber Cove track is steep in places but rewarding with good views available from the lookout.

Brampton Island

Access: Brampton Island is 32km north-east of Mackay.  Currently the only public access to the National Park is for overnighting guests to Brampton Island Resort.  The National Park itself can be accessed via private boat, however hikers must stay within the boundary of the Park.  Approximately one hour by boat, 15 minutes by light plane.

Walking Information: Brampton Island has more than 11km of walking tracks encompassing a variety of scenery and landscapes.  Brampton Peak is a relatively steep track that offers extensive views of the Coral Sea and nearby islands.

Cape Palmerston National Park

Access: By 4WD vehicle only.  From the Bruce Highway at IIlbilbie, turn east towards Greenhill.  After 6.9km, turn left onto Cape Palmerston Road.  The park entrance is a further 6.5km.

Walking Information: Cape Palmerston National Park is a natural undeveloped bush walking park.  No specific walking tracks are marked out, but beach walking and lookouts are accessible.  Camping permits available by self registration or at Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.

Newry Island

Access: Nestled just off the coast, about 50km north west of Mackay.  Access by private boat.

Walking Information: This island contains just over two kilometres of walking tracks through sub-tropical rainforest and open forest areas.  Lookouts offer views of nearby islands and the mainland.  Birdwatching can also be rewarding with many seabirds and raptors.

For further information on National Parks please contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Mackay on 4944 7800.


BEACHES 

Mackay Region has 31 beautiful beaches scattered along the coastline which can be enjoyed all day long - why not try a sunset beach walk to end the perfect day?

WALKS AROUND MACKAY CITY

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Access: Parking is available on Lagoon Street, located off Nebo Road (Bruce Highway).

Walking Information: The new Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens showcases the flora of the Central Queensland Coast bioregion — a diverse region featuring lush tropical rainforests, wide sweeping beaches, mangrove lined creeks and waterways and open eucalypt forests.  These features of the region are represented in various precincts of the gardens.   Boardwalks span sections of the lagoon to allow close-up viewing of the wetland species and newly created wildlife habitats.  Be sure to collect your Gardens Guide or ask for a Gardens Friend to give you a free guided tour.

Heritage Walk

Access: From Macalister Street to River Street in the Mackay City Centre.  We suggest you begin your tour in River Street on the levee bank opposite Carlyle Street.

Walking Information: This walk is designed to introduce you to aspects of Mackay's architectural heritage.  On the walk, you will be able to discover the fascinating history of 22 different heritage buildings outlined in the Heritage Walk brochure - available free at Mackay City Council or Mackay Visitor Information Centres located on Nebo Road and Sydney Street.

Art Deco Mackay

Access: The majority of Art Deco style buildings are located on Wood, Victoria and Sydney Streets in the city centre.  We recommend parking your car and enjoying these decorative buildings on foot.

Walking Information: Mackay has Queensland's best collection of Art Deco Buildings constructed early in the twentieth century.  These colourful buildings bring life to the city centre and make for an interesting afternoon- combine this with the Heritage Walk.  Maps available from Mackay Visitor Information Centres.

Horizons Mosaic Walk

Access: The artworks can be seen in Victoria Street, between Gregory and Sydney Streets in the Mackay City Centre.

Walking Information: Stroll and discover the mosaics, terrazzo images and the bronze plaques and sculptures of the Mackay Horizons Project, completed by members of the community in 1993.  There are five areas to look for — The Rainforest, The Pioneer Valley, The Coast, The Islands and The Reef. You will find these detailed on the brochure available from both Visitor Information Centres.

Pioneer Promenade (Ocean Blue River Trail)

Access:

Walking Information:

Slade Point Reserve

Access: There are three separate entry points to this walking Reserve, via Amhurst Street, Pacific Esplanade and Teal Street, Slade Point.

Walking Information: This 73 hectare public reserve conserves one of the last remaining areas of coastal dunes and paperbark wetlands in the Mackay region. Walk through the reserve on three separate tracks: Beach circuit (1.1km), the Amphitheatre circuit (1.1km) and the Reserve circuit (3.1km).  All plants and animals are protected so please take only photographs and leave only footprints.

Kommo Toera Water Water Trail

Access: At the eastern end of Keeleys Road.  Car parking is also available.

Walking Information: The first section of the trail is a combined boardwalk and pathway system extending system extending for 700 metres and will take up to one hour if you stop and enjoy the many points of interest along the way.  The trail will be progressively extended as a circuit 1,500 metres long, traversing virtually every habitat found in this coastal environment.  The wetlands are a dramatic and dynamic place to visit, whatever the season.

For the full brochure, follow this link - Kommo Toera Water Walk Trail ( Adobe Acrobat - 3574.024KB )

Gooseponds

Access: From Valley Street, North Mackay.  Car parking is available there, or any of the neighbouring streets.

Walking Information: The Gooseponds are surrounded by a footpath/walking track.  The walk is a 5km circuit along the banks.  There are plenty of geese/ducks and turtles to see, whilst doing a spot of fishing. Council website has the following on the Gooseponds:- Lovely, slow-flowing waterway which attracts geese and other birdlife.  This park also features 5km of walking trails, shade and exercise equipment.  No brochure available on this walk.

Mackay Cemetery Heritage Walk

Access: Mackay Cemetery is located on Cemetery Road, Mackay.

Walking Information: The Heritage Walk at the Mackay Cemetery, looks at the history of the Mackay Region between 1862 and 1883 and provides an insight to the lives of the Pioneers of Mackay.  The walk is a one and a half kilometre circuit, taking about 45 minutes, self walked with booklets available at Mackay Cemetery.  The Cemetery also contains the graves of 10 servicemen who lost their lives during World War II.  The Mackay Cemetary Heritage Walk brochure is available free at Mackay City Council or Mackay Visitor Information Centres located on Nebo Road and Sydney Street.

World War II Heritage Tour Brochure

Access: This brochure is currently being re-printed. Please contact Mackay City Council on (07) 4968 4444. More information to be provided once brochure is re-printed.

Walking Information:

SARINA

Sarina Heritage Tour

Access: From Mackay, drive south on the Bruce Highway 36 kilometres.

Walking Information: The Sarina Heritage Buildings walk encompasses 9 historic sites, including the old Courthouse which is now the Sarina Tourist Arts & Craft Centre, where a brochure of this walk is available.

NEBO

Nebo Heritage Tour

Access: From Mackay, drive south west on the Peak Downs Highway 93 kilometers.

Walking Information: The Nebo Township Heritage Tour showcases some of the town's most historic sites and buildings. The walk begins at Snows Place, which is now a museum/library and cultural development centre.  Brochures are available from the Nebo Shire Council.

BELYANDO SHIRE

Moranbah Federation Walk

Access: From Mackay, drive south west on the Peak Downs Highway 190 kilometres.

Walking Information: At the entrance to the township is the Federation Walk, which was formed as a way to beautify the area in 2001.  The complete walk is just over 1.2 kilometres.  A brochure for this walk is available from the Belyando Shire Council.

Moranbah Heritage Walk

Access: From Mackay, drive south west on the Peak Downs Highway 190 kilometres.

Walking Information: This walk highlights some of the towns historical buildings and sites. A brochure for this walk is available from the Belyando Shire Council.

Clermont - Hoods Lagoon

Access: From Mackay, drive south west on the Peak Downs Highway 280 kilometres.  At the beginning of the township's main street is Hoods Lagoon (visible as you drive into Clermont from the east).

Walking Information: Hoods Lagoon is the site of the original township, and has been redeveloped into a recreation area, featuring peaceful, tranquil walkway's. One walkway is referred to as the Remembrance Way, and has plaques to commemorate war survivors and war families in the area.  There is no brochure available for this walk.