Cape Hillsborough National Park

Just 50 kilometres north-west of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough National Park is a pocket-sized coastal wilderness where ancient rainforest meets the Coral Sea. The park’s headline act happens at dawn: wallabies and kangaroos hop onto the beach to feed alongside seabirds, creating an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Beyond the sand, volcanic headlands, mangroves and eucalypt forest offer short walks and sweeping ocean views.

Highlights & What to See

• Wallabies on the beach at sunrise: The park’s famous morning show – agile wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos emerge from the bush to forage on the sand. Arrive early, stay quiet, and you’ll be rewarded with close encounters.
• Hidden Valley Lookout: A moderate 1.2 km walk through vine forest leads to a lookout with panoramic views over Cape Hillsborough, the Whitsunday Islands and the surrounding coastline.
• Andrews Point – Wedge Island walking track: This 3.2 km return coastal walk passes through mangroves, rocky headlands and ends at a sandy spit with views of Wedge Island. Great for birdwatching and spotting sea turtles.
• Dive into local history: The Yuwi people have lived here for thousands of years. Look for shell middens along the beach and interpretative signs that share their connection to this landscape.
• Smalleys Beach: A quieter stretch of sand within the park, perfect for a swim or picnic – but always be croc-wise (estuarine crocodiles are present).

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to catch the sunrise wildlife show and tackle a couple of walks. For a more relaxed visit, allow a full day to combine the coastal walks, a swim and a picnic. The park is compact, so you won’t need more than a day unless you’re an avid birdwatcher or photographer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mackay: The regional hub offers cafés, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and the historic Bluewater Quay – a good base for supplies and accommodation.
• Eungella National Park: About 80 km west, famous for its platypus-viewing platform at Broken River. Combine with Cape Hillsborough for a wildlife-focused trip.
• Finch Hatton Gorge: A lush rainforest valley with swimming holes and waterfalls (Araluen Cascades, Wheel of Fire Falls) – perfect for a refreshing dip after the coast.
• Brampton Island: Accessible from Mackay, this Great Barrier Reef island offers snorkelling and resort stays – a great offshore extension.
• Seaforth: A sleepy coastal village just north of the park, with a general store and a laid-back pub – ideal for a cold drink after your walk.

Please check official sources for current details.