National Park Guide
Cape Hillsborough National Park is a national park situated on the Central Queensland coast, approximately 50 kilometers north of Mackay. This area features a diverse landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, resulting in rugged headlands, rhyolite boulders, and distinctive rock formations. The park encompasses varied ecosystems, including lowland rainforests, open eucalypt forests, and extensive mangrove communities, all meeting wide sandy beaches and rocky coastlines. These varied terrains offer opportunities for several sports like hiking.
6
Routes
4.9
(46)
Average rating
369
People visited

4.8
(22)
178
hikers
3.70km
01:05
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
40
hikers
5.28km
01:31
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(13)
77
hikers
4.43km
01:18
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
31
hikers
1.29km
00:20
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Cape Hillsborough National Park offers opportunities for hiking. There are 5 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.9 stars from more than 30 ratings. Over 270 visitors have explored these routes.
Popular hiking routes include the Forest Trail with Rock – Sand Bay Beach loop from Cape Hillsborough, a 2.2 mile (3.5 km) route. Another option is the Sand Bay Beach – Forest Trail with Rock loop from Cape Hillsborough, which is 3.3 miles (5.2 km) long. These trails offer diverse scenery, including coastal views and forest sections.
Yes, all 5 hiking routes listed on komoot for Cape Hillsborough National Park are rated as easy. The National Park loop from Cape Hillsborough National Park is a short 0.8 mile (1.2 km) option. The Diversity Boardwalk is also an easy, wheelchair and pram-friendly 0.7 mile (1.2 km) return loop.
The park features rugged volcanic formations, including large rhyolite boulders and a 268-meter-high headland. Diverse forests, wide sandy beaches, and mangrove communities are also prominent. At low tide, a causeway allows access to Wedge Island.
Cape Hillsborough National Park is known for agile wallabies and kangaroos that forage on the beach at sunrise. The park is a refuge for a diverse array of wildlife, including six species of kangaroos and wallabies, over 150 bird species, and 25 reptiles. Its varied ecosystems support over 500 identified plant species.
The Diversity Boardwalk is a family-friendly option, being a 0.7 mile (1.2 km) return loop that is wheelchair and pram-friendly. It meanders through mangroves and forests, offering insights into the park's diverse habitats. All komoot hiking routes in the park are rated as easy.
Cape Hillsborough National Park is the traditional home of the Yuwibara people, who have a deep connection with the land and sea. The park contains significant spiritual places and cultural lore embedded in the landscape. The Yuwi Plant Trail offers insights into the cultural significance of various plants to the Yuwibara people.
Hiking trails in Cape Hillsborough National Park vary in length. The shortest komoot route, the National Park loop from Cape Hillsborough National Park, is 0.8 miles (1.2 km). Longer options include the Sand Bay Beach – Forest Trail with Rock loop at 3.3 miles (5.2 km).
Komoot offers several guides for the area. These include the comprehensive Hiking in Cape Hillsborough National Park guide. For those seeking less strenuous options, there is also a guide specifically for Easy hikes in Cape Hillsborough National Park.
For general inquiries or camping bookings related to Cape Hillsborough National Park, contact the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The general phone number is 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
The Andrews Point Track is a steep, rocky trail that provides ocean, island, and coastal views from various lookouts. It traverses moist vine forest, which is home to over 25 species of tropical butterflies and 150 bird species. At low tide, this track offers access to the causeway leading to Wedge Island.
The Beachcomber Cove Track leads to a secluded beach within Cape Hillsborough National Park. Along this track, visitors can observe sloping volcanic strata and rhyolite lava on the sand. It provides access to a quieter coastal experience.

