Pies, Platypuses and Pinnacle Views
Valleys, Lookouts & Lost Corners
We pulled into the free camp beside the Pinnacle Family Hotel. What a hidden gem! Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, this pub stay came with a perfect patch of grass for the moho (Zoe was thrilled), a warm country welcome, and homemade chicken and leek pies that make you rethink every petrol station pie we've ever eaten. We happily tucked into lunch and settled in for the afternoon, resting up before a big day of exploring the national parks nearby.
First stop: Hatton Finch National Park, one of the lesser-known pockets of greenery in the Mackay Highlands. The Araluen Cascades walk is a gentle 1.6 km return stroll through lush rainforest, winding past ferns, vines, and ancient trees. The trail concludes at a picture-perfect cascade tumbling into a rock pool, perfect for cooling off if you’re up for a dip. It’s peaceful, easygoing, and full of birdsong, an excellent warm-up for what came next.
We then pointed the Jimny up the road to Eungella National Park. And we mean up, the climb is notoriously steep, winding and narrow, with jaw-dropping drop-offs and views to match. The little 4WD handled it like a champ (don’t ask what gear we were in).
At the top, the landscape opens up to a misty rainforest, with fresh mountain air and one of the best vantage points in the region. We pulled in at the Sky Window lookout for sweeping views across the Pioneer Valley, and took a breath. Eungella really is something special.
No visit is complete without a platypus patrol, so we made our way to Broken River. It’s one of the few places in the world where you’ve actually got a decent chance of spotting one of these shy, semi-aquatic oddballs in the wild. Sure enough, just as the light began to dip into shadow, a little ripple in the water gave way to that unmistakable silhouette. The local turtles weren’t to be outdone and put on their own special appearance!
After a day of trails, twists, and wildlife, we headed back down the range to our camp behind the pub.
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Hatton Finch & Eungella Region
Hatton Finch National Park is a hidden rainforest pocket in the Mackay Highlands, with the Araluen Cascades trail offering an easy walk through cool canopy and into a peaceful waterfall. Just beyond it lies Eungella National Park, often called the “meeting place of the mist” thanks to its elevation and cloud forest charm. The region is known for its lush rainforest, endemic wildlife (like the platypus), and dramatic views across valleys below.
How to Get There
From the Pioneer Valley (or Mackay region), you head into the highlands via access roads that wind into the ranges. The route to Eungella has steep, narrow sections — 4WD or a capable car helps. The roads within the parks (to Broken River, etc.) may have unsealed or rough stretches, so check local info before setting off.
What to See & Do
Araluen Cascades Walk — 1.6 km rainforest walk to a cool cascade rock pool
Sky Window Lookout — sweeping valley and cloud forest views in Eungella
Platypus spotting at Broken River — join a guided patrol late afternoon for the best chance
Rainforest trails and waterfalls — paths weave through dense greenery, spots for quiet reflection
Birdlife & forest ambience — quiet moments among mosses, ferns, mist
When to Visit
The best time is in the dry season (May to September) when trails are safer, roads are more reliable, and forest walks are drier. Rainy months bring moss, saturation, and sometimes closure of lookout tracks.
For platypus watching, arrive near dusk; silence is your best friend. Take shoes for creek crossings, insect repellent, and waterproof layers as you’ll want to wander even when the weather shifts.
Final Thoughts
We left the ranges warmed by forest air and quiet awe. Hatton Finch’s cascades were gentle, Eungella’s heights majestic, and Broken River’s platypus a fleeting flash of magic. This stretch reminded us how much wonder hides in corners seldom travelled.
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