An hour west of Mackay, in the rainforest-clad mountains lies Eungella National Park, at the head of the Pioneer Valley. Australia’s longest, oldest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, ranging over 51,700 hectares, the park draws its name from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Land of the Clouds’.

Thousands of years of isolation have allowed the rainforest to nurture an abundance of native life such as the Eungella Honeyeater, only one of five new bird species discovered in Australian in the past 50 years. 225 bird species have been recorded including the Wompoo Pigeon, Crimson Rosella, Regent Bower Birds and the endemic Eungella Honey Eater. It is also home to the Gastric Brooding Frog and the Orange-sided Skink plus many other rare natives such as the platypus, and is one of the very few places in Australia to spot this shy creature in its natural environment. Be at Broken River’s platypus viewing deck at sunrise and sunset for your opportunity to spot this furry creature.

22 kilometres of existing bushwalking tracks, plus the Mackay Highlands Great Walk, offer increasing access with varying degrees of difficulty and breathtaking views. Wheelchair access is provided at the Sky Window walking track.