Full Itinerary

Breakfast: Start with a delicious breakfast from one of the many cafes on Wood Street, in Mackay’s City Centre. Take a short stroll and admire the art deco and heritage buildings in the Central Business District. On the intersection of Wood and Victoria streets, discover the interactive art sculpture, Cane Fire, where you can create your own stunning light display.

Hit the open road and head west on a 70 kilometre scenic drive through The Mackay Region hinterlands, following the Mackay Eungella Road. Pass through the picturesque townships of Marian, Mirani, Pleystowe and Gargett. Tip: While in Marian, visit the Melba House Visitor Information Centre, the former home of famous opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba.

Turn right at Owens Creek Loop Road and then left onto Gorge Road, until you reach Finch Hatton Gorge. It’s time to explore! A popular walking track starts at the picnic area and takes you on a 1.6 kilometre journey to breathtaking Araluen waterfall.

Feeling refreshed? Travel back along the Mackay-Eungella Road, even further into the hinterland. Don’t forget to stop in the Eungella township to enjoy the views and take some happy snaps from the top of the range – they are simply spectacular!

Follow Eungella-Dam Road, a winding stretch of road enveloped with lush rainforest. Once you reach the Broken River Visitor Information Centre, park your car and enjoy lunch at Platypus Lodge Restaurant and Café. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open from Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 3pm.

Choose from walks and hikes ranging from 10 minutes to three hours long. For a favourite easy-grade track, try the Sky Window circuit, a leisurely 250 metre walk that boasts spectacular views of the entire Pioneer Valley. Find this walk on the Eungella Dam Road between Eungella and Broken River.

Visit Broken River and try your luck at spotting a platypus. Dawn and dusk is the best time to see a platypus at the viewing platform or from the bridge on the Eungella Dam Road.

It’s time to drive back to Mackay, admiring the afternoon views as the sun falls on the Pioneer Valley. Tip: If you are feeling peckish, stop at the Pinnacle Pub for a famous pie.

Once in Mackay, stop in at the Shamrock Hotel on Nebo Road for a budget-friendly family dinner with a gaming lounge, sports and lounge bar, garden dining and terrace. Or explore a myriad of options along Mackay's Pioneer River and in the Central Business District.