A MID WEEK GETAWAY
Maybe it’s time for a mid-week escape? Whether you live in Central Queensland and wanting to sneak away for a short trip or looking for something to change up your drive along the coast – you’ll find something in this pocket of paradise.
The unique campgrounds and superb pools of Wheel of Fire Cascades are an unexpected escape.
Throw in an adventure at Eungella Dam and you’ve got yourself some very different scenery in only a 60km radius.
Highlights
Platypus watching and a wide range of wildlife
Scenic walks in the misty mountains
Dry & dusty to muddy 4wding in an instant
Pristine camping at The Diggings
Travelling through two different climates in a matter of 30mins
Finch Hatton Gorge exploring and icy cold dips in the falls Swimming
BYO canoe or kayak – Eungella Dam is also a popular for ski boats or jet skis
Let’s dive in folks!
We were lucky enough to sneak away mid-week. The weekend just couldn’t come fast enough! So, we packed some food and took off
The area had received some light winter rains just the week before, so we knew we were in for a little fun.
Day 1 –
Splitting off from the Bruce Highway and sliding into a world I am all too familiar and love, Sugar Cane Fields. Through the winding country roads, we started the steep range up to Eungella Township. I promise you’ll be torn between watching the road and gawking at the ancient rain-forest views which at midday, were covered in mist.
First on our list of to-dos were a couple of the many lookouts however the mountain mist hung around. That didn’t stop us doing the walks though!
Onwards to camp and upon dropping down into The Crediton State Forest we came across some unexpected mud play. In the form of a mudslide down to The Diggings Campground. I jumped out to photograph while Hubby took the wheel on this one and by the scenes through the windscreen he was having an absolute blast.
The Diggings campground was much different to the photos and what we had found online. We were completely on our own in a large rolling grassy paddock. How can we be lucky enough to camp right beside a crisp, clear, rushing freshwater river!? What an unexpected delight too – the campground even had composting toilets! Which is indeed a luxury for us
Day 2 –
High in the mountains, waking to drizzling rain on canvas and the smell of the smouldering campfire. We ate our bacon and eggs river side and spent way too much time hiding on the river bank watching platypus’s play.
As the sun came out we opted for a day of easy adventuring, but first, we dug in and had a tonne of fun on the mud climb exit (this is not the only option for those who are after something a little tamer)
Anyone from FNQ will agree the Crediton Loop drive is like sneaking through back roads on the Atherton Tablelands. Vast rolling glowing green hills & dairy cattle galore. You’ll find Crediton Hall as well, in its early days it was a school and Community Hall. Now it’s surrounded by a campground for travellers.
With a strong history of gold mining, we come across a lot of signage for mine-shafts so keep an eye out for these. Still, we never actually stumbled upon any.
Some delicious food and homegrown hospitality back at the Eungella Township, General Store and we were on our way again. In search this time for the alternate 4wd track back to The Diggings. Boy did we find a rugged and rocky track. Yes, it led us back to camp however in a bit of a long detour for a short trip sense
Day 3 –
The joy of our simple yet comfortable setup is we can afford to rise slowly in the morning (isn’t camping life unreal) we packed our few items and spent some final time down at our personal river entrance watching a little platypus play for almost 20 minutes before moving on.
I had my heart set on camping at Eungella Dam and after a 25km drive we swung by some possible campsites then ducked up to the lookout and continued on for a gnarly mountain climb.
The real beauty of this place happens as the sun goes down. Campfire glowing, beers sinking and world class fishing for sooty grunter. What a night!
Day 4 –
We woke to the sound of a herd of cattle passing our camp in the early hours of the morning. In the moonlight we could just make them out as they trudged along the water’s edge. Later, upon sunrise, birdsong filled our roof top tent. What a way to rise!
We woke to warm weather and bright blue skies and were gobsmacked to find only 30kms back at Eungella Township we were popping on our jackets and driving lights! The mountains were hidden in mist once more.
At the bottom of the range we took a left towards some top swimming holes we were yet to enjoy. Finch Hatton Gorge. A MUST on our list for a while now.
Hiking to the furthest point of the trail, Wheel of Fire Cascades, we found the perfect setting for a snack and rest on the boulders. Upon return we darted into Araluen Falls, this one more popular as its closer to the car park but still a stunner and a wonderful way to end our trip
Did I mention all of this beauty is only 1 hours’ drive from Mackay!?
Essential Gear
4wd essential for The Diggings & Broken River crossing otherwise 2wd
Get fuel in Mackay or township of Pinnacle at the bottom of the range
Camping essentials – food and sufficient water
Firewood sold at Eungella
Camera – for sure!
Cold and warm weather gear (as we learnt, you’ll need both up here!)
HOW TO GET THERE
Mackay
From Mackay head west and get onto the Peak Downs Highway. Follow for 7kms then turn right onto Mackay/Eungella Road. From here the road will lead you to Eungella Township and onwards to Eungella Dam.
>> 80kms in total from Mackay to Eungella General Store (centre of town)
ELEVATION
Eungella Township is 683m above sea level. You can feel this in the crisp air
The Eungella Plateau rises to 1259m at Mt Dalrymple (which can make a great hike)
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