Great hikes and bushwalking trails in Mackay

Over the past decades, the iconic image that has been used to position the Mackay region is one of a young couple with the wallabies that frequent the beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park.

Either before or after posing with the wallabies, visitors to Cape Hillsborough National Park take the scenic walk to the lookout that gives panoramic views to the sets of dotted islands shimmering like green emeralds on a velvet cushion of blue ocean.

Also not to be missed in this park is the self-guided Hidden Valley Jupiera Plant Trail to discover the area's Aboriginal history or a walk through the Melaleuca woodland on the Diversity Boardwalk, located on the right near the entry to the park.

Stunning scenery including dense rainforest, deep gorges, steep escarpments and tranquil farming communities ensures the Mackay Highlands Great! Walk is a unique experience.

The Mackay Highlands cover a large area of rugged mountainous terrain in the hinterland region of Central Queensland, including a significant portion of the Connors and Clarke ranges. The Great! Walk links Eungella and Homevale National Parks, and passes through Crediton State Forest.

Eungella National Park is a nature lover's paradise, boasting 860 plant species. As it is located close to the boundary between subtropical and tropical rainforest, the area supports species from both vegetation types. Starting at Eungella township, some of the Mackay Highlands Great! Walk include a magnificent rainforest of red cedar, massive Mackay tulip oak, and groves of piccabeen and Alexandra palms.

The best chance to see possibly Australia's most secretive and reclusive mammals, the Platypus in its natural environment, is at Broken River, 95 kilometres west of Mackay. An on-site information centre provides visitors with maps and also has a small interpretive centre that highlights the lifecycle of the Platypus.

Broken River is also the access point for three of the nine walking trails in Eungella National Park.

The Granite Bend Circuit of 2.1 kilometres extends from the Rainforest Discovery Walk and leads deeper into the forest while the Crediton Creek Trail at 8.5 kilometres, one way, is a track for the physically fit. It forks from the Rainforest Discovery and follows Broken River upstream to Crediton Creek. The Wishing Pool Circuit is 1.5 kilometres in length at the end of the Crediton Creek Trail. It leads through rainforest past a waterhole in Broken River.

Accommodation is also available at Broken River, which includes camping, and self-contained cabins.

Put yourself in the picture by taking a walk in the Mackay region.