The best walks and hikes in Eungella National Park
4.7
(38)
565
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking in Eungella National Park offers access to Australia's longest continuous stretch of subtropical rainforest, situated on the Clarke Range with mountains rising over 1200 meters. The park is characterized by deep gorges and the meandering Broken River, which supports a diverse range of habitats. This isolation has fostered the evolution of unique and endemic species, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot. The park features more than 20 kilometers of walking tracks, including sections of the 56-kilometer Mackay Highlands Great Walk.
Best hiking trails in Eungella National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Wheel of Fire Cascades – Araluen Cascades loop from Finch Hatton Carpark, a 2.7 miles (4.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 25 minutes to complete. This easy path leads through lush rainforest to scenic waterfalls and swimming holes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Eugenella Lookout loop from Broken River, an easy 1.9 miles (3.0 km) path. This route offers views over the Pioneer Valley and opportunities for wildlife spotting near the Broken River.
- Local hikers also love the Valley Viewpoint loop from Eungella, a 3.5 miles (5.7 km) trail leading through subtropical rainforest, often completed in about 1 hour 38 minutes.
- Hiking in Eungella National Park is defined by subtropical rainforests, deep gorges, and the Broken River. The network offers options for various ability levels, from short, easy strolls to half-day hikes.
- The routes in Eungella National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from 25 reviews. More than 350 hikers have used komoot to explore Eungella National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 27, 2026
5.0
(8)
151
hikers
4.43km
01:25
190m
190m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.8
(8)
44
hikers
2.44km
00:40
40m
40m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
50
hikers
5.67km
01:38
140m
140m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3.0
(1)
13
hikers
14.2km
03:53
220m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(2)
14
hikers
14.1km
03:52
210m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
Callistemon Crossing is an unbridged crossing of Finch Hatton Creek, reached by continuing uphill through the rainforest from the Araluen Cascades track. It’s a beautiful spot to pause among the palm trees and listen to the creek, though the crossing itself is weather-dependent, with fast-flowing water and slippery rocks making it dangerous or impassable after moderate to heavy rain. Take extreme care here, since flowing water and wet rocks can make the crossing hazardous at any time.
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Wheel of Fire Cascades sits beyond Callistemon Crossing, reached after a climb of more than 300 steps through rainforest deep in the gorge. The reward is a large rock pool fed by the cascading waterfall, where the water is crystal-clear and refreshingly cold, making it one of the best swimming spots in the park. The cascades get their name from the Wheel of Fire flowers that grow nearby, a fitting finish to the more demanding half of the walk.
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Araluen Cascades an oasis of tumbling cascades and emerald pools set deep in the rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge, framed by granite boulders, with this lookout along the track offering beautiful views over the water. Swimming here is a popular, though unofficial, pastime, with a deep pool at the base of the falls drawing visitors on hot days. Swimming is entirely at your own risk, and parts of the cascades are closed off for safety, so it’s important to stay within the marked areas and take extra care on the slippery rocks.
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Wheel of Fire track branches off the Araluen Cascades track, climbing uphill through rainforest to Callistemon Crossing, then continuing along Finch Hatton Creek with some challenging uphill sections and more than 300 relatively steep steps. This stretch of the park has a serious history of accidents, so take extra care, pay close attention to safety signage, and avoid taking risks around the water.
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the perfect place to stay in Eungella NP, only 5 minutes to the Platypus platform
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One of the platforms to view the platypus. Best time is after 4pm till dusk or dawn till 8am.
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Easy but very beautiful jungle trail to the Araluen Cascades. There are some steps, but they are well-made. If you want to swim in the water, you should be careful on the stones in wet weather, as they can be quite slippery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hiking trails can I expect in Eungella National Park?
Eungella National Park offers a diverse range of trails through Australia's longest continuous stretch of subtropical rainforest. You'll find paths ranging from short, easy strolls to half-day and full-day hikes, including sections of the 56-kilometer Mackay Highlands Great Walk. The terrain features lush rainforests, deep gorges, and the meandering Broken River.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Eungella National Park?
Yes, there are several easy trails suitable for families. The Wheel of Fire Cascades – Araluen Cascades loop from Finch Hatton Carpark is an easy 4.4 km path leading to scenic waterfalls and swimming holes. Another great option is the Eugenella Lookout loop from Broken River, an easy 3.0 km route offering views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Where can I see platypuses in Eungella National Park?
The Broken River area is renowned for platypus viewing. There are dedicated viewing platforms, particularly around dawn and dusk, where you have the best chance to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. The Broken River Granite Bend Circuit and Broken River Track offer scenic walks along the river in this area.
Are there any trails with waterfalls or swimming holes?
Absolutely! Finch Hatton Gorge, a separate area within the park, is famous for its picturesque swimming holes and waterfalls. The hike to the Araluen Cascades offers a chance for swimming, and the more challenging trail leads to the Wheel of Fire Cascades. The Wheel of Fire Cascades – Araluen Cascades loop is a popular choice for experiencing these features.
What are the best viewpoints in Eungella National Park?
The Sky Window Lookout provides spectacular panoramic views down the Pioneer Valley. You can access this via the Sky Window circuit, which is a short, accessible track offering cultural information and stunning vistas. The Eugenella Lookout loop from Broken River also offers excellent views over the Pioneer Valley.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes available?
For those seeking more demanding adventures, the Clarke Range and Crediton Creek Trails provide longer hikes through diverse terrain. The Crediton Creek track, for instance, follows the scenic Broken River. Moderate options include the Eugenella Lookout – Broken River Lodge loop, which covers over 14 km.
What makes Eungella National Park unique for hiking?
Eungella National Park is unique due to its status as Australia's longest continuous stretch of subtropical rainforest. Its isolation has led to the evolution of many unusual and endemic species, such as the Eungella day frog and Eungella spiny crayfish, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot. The mist-shrouded environment and diverse habitats offer a truly immersive experience.
Can I find circular hiking routes in the park?
Yes, several trails in Eungella National Park are circular. Popular options include the easy Wheel of Fire Cascades – Araluen Cascades loop and the Valley Viewpoint loop from Eungella. The Sky Window circuit is also a short, accessible loop with great views.
What do other hikers say about Eungella National Park?
The trails in Eungella National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 25 reviews. Hikers often praise the lush rainforest scenery, the chance to spot unique wildlife like platypuses, and the variety of trails catering to different fitness levels.
Are there opportunities for camping within Eungella National Park?
Yes, camping facilities are available within the park. You can find campsites at Broken River and Fern Flat. Fern Flat specifically offers walk-in campsites, which are particularly convenient for hikers undertaking sections of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while hiking?
Eungella National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. Besides the famous platypus, you might encounter unique and endemic species such as the Eungella day frog, Mackay tulip oak, Eungella spiny crayfish, and the Eungella honeyeater. The dense rainforest also supports a variety of birds and other rainforest creatures.
How many hiking trails are there in Eungella National Park?
There are over 20 kilometers of walking tracks within Eungella National Park, offering a variety of experiences. Our guide features 7 distinct routes, ranging from easy strolls to moderate half-day hikes.
Most popular routes in Eungella National Park
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