The best camping near Eungella National Park

Whether you want to hike along lush rainforest trails, cool off in natural swimming holes around Finch Hatton Gorge, or spot platypuses along Broken River—Eungella National Park is well equipped for outdoor adventures. Explore more than 20 kilometres of trails from short bushwalks to full-day treks, admire views over Pioneer Valley, or venture off-road in a 4WD. Platypus are the stars of the show when it comes to wildlife, but there’s also a spectacular variety of birds, including rainbow lorikeets and blue-head honeyeaters. If you’re seeking a challenge, the 56-kilometre Mackay Highlands Great Walk winds through palm groves, rainforest gullies, and cliff-top viewpoints. 

• Best for a family camping adventure: Broken River camping area is the only option for camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes, and is within a short stroll of the riverside. There’s a kiosk and restrooms, but few other facilities.
• Best for a back-to-nature experience: Fern Flat camping area has back-to-basics bush camping for tents only—take a walk down to Broken River in the early morning for a chance to spot a platypus.

1. Camping must be booked in advance, and you will need to pay the full fee upfront to secure your reservation.
2. Camping permits are required for the park’s campsites, and a tag with your booking number must be displayed on your tent at all times. 
3. Book at least six weeks in advance if visiting in summer (December to February) or on bank holiday weekends. There are just eight sites at each camping area, so they can book up quickly.

Eungella has distinct wet (October through March) and dry (June through August) seasons. The most pleasant weather for hiking is from April through September, and temperatures rarely fall below 10°C, even in mid-winter. Summer (December through March) is peak season, when popular spots such as Finch Hatton Gorge and Araluen swimming hole can become overrun with visitors. Make an early start to dodge the crowds and avoid visiting on weekends and public holidays if possible.

• Eungella National Park is located 85km west of Mackay, about a 75-minute drive along the Bruce Highway. There is no public transport to the park. 
• Parking, picnic tables, and visitor information points are located at Finch Hatton Gorge, Pine Grove, Sky Window, and Broken River. There is also parking at Peases Lookout. There is a gas station, general store, and café in Finch Hatton, but it’s advisable to bring everything you need with you. 
• Phone and 4G service is patchy throughout the park. The Sky Window day use area is the most reliable spot for phone coverage.
• Fire bans are common in Queensland during dry periods. Otherwise, campfires are allowed in camping areas in fire rings. Bring your own timber. 
• The campsite at Broken River is wheelchair accessible, but there are no accessible trails.