Cape Hillsborough

Cape Hillsborough is a wild and beautiful headland on Queensland’s central coast, where ancient rainforest meets the sea and kangaroos hop along the sand at sunrise. This national park offers a raw, untamed slice of Australia’s coastline, with excellent walking trails, secluded beaches, and a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat. It’s a perfect stop for travellers seeking solitude and natural beauty away from the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Sunrise kangaroo beach: Watch eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies feed on the beach at dawn – one of Australia’s most magical wildlife encounters.
• Dive into the Wedge Island walking track: A 2.5 km return walk through coastal forest and mangroves, ending at a lookout with panoramic views over the bay and islands.
• Explore the Cape Hillsborough National Park: Hike the 5 km Hidden Valley track through lush vine forest and eucalypt woodland, with chances to spot koalas and birds.
• Kayak or canoe: Paddle around the headland and explore hidden coves and mangroves – hire gear from the nearby resort or bring your own.
• Relax on the beach: The stretch of sand between Cape Hillsborough and Andrews Point is perfect for swimming and beachcombing, with hardly anyone around.
• Spot marine life: From the headland, look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and migrating humpback whales (June–November).

Suggested Time to Spend

Spend a full day to truly soak in the park. Arrive before dawn for the famous kangaroo beach experience, then tackle a walking track mid-morning. After a picnic lunch, explore another trail or go kayaking. If you’re short on time, a half-day (4–5 hours) is enough for the kangaroo viewing and one short walk. Overnight stays are available at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort, which is the only accommodation inside the park and gives you easy access to the sunrise show.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mackay: The regional hub, 50 km south, with a vibrant riverfront, sugar mills, and the Eungella National Park for platypus spotting.
• Eungella National Park: Famous for its platypuses at Broken River, plus lush rainforest walks and stunning lookouts over the Pioneer Valley.
• Finch Hatton Gorge: A beautiful spot for swimming in crystal-clear rock pools and hiking to the Araluen Cascades and Wheel of Fire Falls.
• Seaforth: A laid-back coastal village with a lovely beach and a few cafés – a good lunch stop on the way to or from Cape Hillsborough.
• Brampton Island: Take a ferry from Mackay to this idyllic island national park with fringing reefs and walking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.