About Crediton
- Getting there and getting around
- Park features
- Camping and accommodation
- Things to do
- Things to know before you go
- Staying safe
- Looking after the park
- Park management
- Tourism information links
- Further information
Getting there and getting around
- Eungella and Mackay Highlands map (PDF, 337K)*
From Mackay, drive 80 km west along the Mackay–Eungella Road to Eungella township. At the head of the valley, the road winds sharply and steeply up the Clarke Range—not recommended for caravans. When you reach Eungella township at the top of the range, follow the road sweeping left through Eungella National Park to Crediton State Forest.
The Diggings is 9.5 km from Broken River off Eungella Dam Road via Diggings Road. Diggings Road is rough, unsealed and in wet conditions is only suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
To reach Crediton Hall camping area, turn off 8 km south of Eungella onto Crediton Loop Road, and continue 6.7 km to the camping area. This road is suitable for conventional vehicles.
To reach Denham Range, turn off Eungella Dam Road 14.7 km south of Eungella, onto Cockies Creek Road. From this turnoff, it is a further 23.7 km to Denham Range camping area along rough gravel roads suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.
Roads may be closed in wet weather or high fire-danger periods.
Wheelchair accessibility
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in Crediton State Forest.
Park features
Tall, stately rose gums more than a century old remain along Crediton Loop Road. Crediton marks the northern-most limit of these beautiful trees. The forest also contains relics of gold mining exploration during the 1880s.
Quiet country roads and farming communities here provide country charm. Just outside the state forest, Crediton Hall is a key feature of the area. It has brought this small community together for more than 60 years. In its early days, the hall was both a classroom and community hall. Today, it's part of the recreation reserve and serves as a camping area for weary walkers and travellers like you.
Following old forestry tracks through Crediton State Forest's open woodland, you can continue south to enjoy the cool breezes and open outlooks of Denham Range camping area.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
You can bush camp at The Diggings or stay in the camping areas at Crediton Hall and Denham Range. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
The Diggings
Bush camp at The Diggings. It's not far off Eungella Dam Road but you'll feel much further away in this tranquil spot. There are no facilities or designated camp sites, just plenty of natural offerings. Tall trees shade a grassy clearing near a calm section of Broken River.
Crediton Hall and Denham Range
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the small farming community surrounding Crediton Hall. Walk-in and vehicle-accessible sites are located on a grassy reserve managed by Mackay Regional Council.
From Crediton Hall, drive (33 km, 4WD only) or walk (19.5 km, full-day walk) to Denham Range to camp in sites spread along the high mountain ridge, offering cool breezes and views across the vast dry landscape of the Brigalow Belt bioregion.
- Find out more about camping in Crediton State Forest.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
- Crediton Hall can also be booked by self-registration on site.
Other accommodation
Commercial cabin-style accommodation and motels are available in Eungella, Finch Hatton and Broken River. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Walking
- Eungella and Mackay Highlands map (PDF, 337K)*
* see Mackay Highlands Great Walk or Eungella National Park page for explanation of track numbers shown on maps.
The 56 km Mackay Highlands Great Walk traverses Crediton State Forest.
Mackay Highlands Great Walk—56 km one way (3–5 days) Grade: moderate to difficult
The 3–5 day walk is only for skilled walkers with high fitness levels. Experience rainforest and palm groves, cliffs and peaks, and quiet roads and farming communities. For more information visit the Mackay Highlands Great Walk page.
Driving
Broken River to The Diggings—9.5 km one way (15 minutes)
3.5 km south of Broken River turn onto Diggings Road and travel 6 km to this peaceful place to relax. Diggings Road is rough, unsealed and in wet conditions is only suitable for 4WD vehicles. There are no facilities though vehicle based camping is available. The diversity of wildlife attracted to the river will keep you entertained.
Eungella township to The Diggings—7.5 km one way (10 minutes)
Drive 1.5 km south from Eungella township and turn right onto Diggings Road. The Diggings is a further 6 km.
Crediton Hall to Denham Range—33.3 km one way (40 minutes)
- map reference (9)-(10). Refer to Eungella and Mackay Highlands map (PDF, 337K)* for map reference locations.
This drive passes through farming communities to open woodland and is on steep gravel roads suitable only for 4WD vehicles. Please watch for walkers on shared roads. Head south-west along Crediton Loop Road and admire tall stately rose gums more than a century old. Turn left into Eungella Dam Road and travel 4.7 km before taking another sharp left into Cockies Creek Road. This road takes you to a series of rough tracks up to Denham Range camping area.
Explore Crediton State Forest by vehicle from Crediton Hall to Denham Range. Extend your trip beyond Crediton and link-in with the Eungella and Mackay Highlands drive, from Pine Grove (Eungella National Park) to Mount Britton (Homevale Resources Reserve). A network of quiet unsealed vehicle tracks will give you a different view of rainforest, open woodland and dry open country. It also provides access to the Mackay Highlands Great Walk and a series of short walks, should you wish to further explore this spectacular area on foot.
Picnic and day-use areas
The Diggings is a pleasant place for a picnic or rest stop but no facilities are provided. Nearest toilets and barbecue facilities are at Sky Window visitor area.
All rubbish (including food scraps) must be carried out.
Viewing wildlife
If you stop at The Diggings, you definitely won't be alone!
Platypus feed busily in the river at dawn and dusk, and rainforest birds will keep even the most enthusiastic naturalist occupied for hours. To appreciate the diversity of wildlife, pack your field guide and binoculars.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
- sufficient food and water
- first-aid kit—and know how to use it
- fuel stove and fuel
- sturdy footwear
- protective clothing
- insect repellent
- ground sheet
- strong rubbish bags—bins are not provided.
Opening hours
Crediton State Forest is open 24 hours a day. The park office in neighbouring Eungella National Park is open weekdays (park duties permitting).
Permits and fees
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
- Crediton Hall can also be booked by self-registration on site.
Commercial photography permits are required if you intend to sell any photographs taken of Crediton State Forest. Group activity permits are required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use. Contact us for further information.
Pets
Dogs are permitted on a leash in Crediton State Forest during the day only.
Climate and weather
The region's dry season occurs during winter (June–August), with average temperatures of 10 °C to 20 °C. Between October and March, high humidity, strong seasonal rainfall and average temperatures of 20 °C to 30 °C make walking less comfortable.
Much of the yearly rainfall is between December and March. Walking from April to September will help avoid wet and dry weather extremes. Be prepared for track closures during periods of high fire danger.
For more information see the tourism information links below.
Fuel and supplies
Limited supplies are available at Eungella with the nearest fuel at Finch Hatton. Fuel and supplies are also available at Mackay and Proserpine. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Staying safe
Consider your fitness, ability and weather conditions carefully before setting out. Be well prepared and responsible for your own safety—even on a short stroll. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger.
- Never walk alone—walk with family or friends.
- Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return and if you change your plans, inform them. Plan to complete your walk well before dark.
- Keep to tracks to avoid getting lost.
- Carry extra food and drinking water in case your walk takes longer than expected.
- Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
- Wear boots or strong shoes for a comfortable walk.
- Dress for comfort, use insect repellent and protect yourself from sun and rain.
- Carry a mobile phone and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency (try 112 if this fails). Remember coverage is very limited—lookouts are best. Otherwise, send the fittest members of your party to get help, leaving someone behind to care for the injured.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Please help keep these places special during your stay.
- Stay on the walking tracks. Taking shortcuts causes erosion and damages vegetation.
- Leave your pets at home—you will protect your pet and native wildlife, and come across more animals on your walk.
- Never feed or leave food for animals—you might be bitten or scratched. Let animals find their own food. Our foods can be harmful.
- Pack strong rubbish bags for storing rubbish during your journey. Take all rubbish home with you. Carry a small container for cigarette butts.
- Always use a fuel stove to reduce fire danger.
- Carry a trowel and toilet paper to use where there are no facilities. Bury toilet waste at least 15 cm below the ground and 100 m from water. Clip-seal bags are handy for carrying sanitary items to dispose of after your walk.
See the guidelines in caring for parks and forests for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
Crediton State Forest was first gazetted in 2002 and is managed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management.
Tourism information links
Mackay Visitor Information Centre
The Mill, 320 Nebo Road,Mackay Qld 4740
ph (07) 4944 5888 or 1300 130 001
fax (07) 4952 2034
email info@mackayregion.com
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
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Last updated 24 October 2011