Long walks
Overnight walkers in rainforest
The Mackay Highlands Great Walk is 56 km long and takes 3-5 days to walk. It is recommended for experienced walkers with high fitness levels.
Experience rainforest and palm groves, quiet roads and farming communities, and cliffs and peaks.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service strongly recommends that you walk from north to south to follow track markers and avoid very steep climbs in dry and exposed conditions.
To find out where each track section starts and finishes, match the map references in the track descriptions below to the overnight adventures map (PDF, 127K)*.
Depending on how far you wish to walk, remember to arrange a support vehicle to pick you up at a set place and time. The Overnight adventures brochure available from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service gives detailed driving directions.
- Pine Grove to Broken River
- Broken River to Crediton Hall
- Crediton Hall to Denham Range
- Denham Range to Moonlight Dam
- Extend your journey to Mt Britton
- More information
Pine Grove to Broken River
Campers at Crediton Hall
10 km one way (3.5–5 hours)
- Map reference: (1)-(2)
- Moderate level of fitness for shady and fairly level track.
- Walk through lush, tranquil rainforest and shimmering palms to cross the Clarke Range.
- Follow river cascades to the bustling Broken River picnic area and then to Fern Flat, a peaceful campground accessible only to walkers.
Broken River to Crediton Hall
11.2 km one way (3.75–5.5 hours)
- Map reference: (2)-(3)
- Moderate-high level of fitness for long track with short uphill sections.
- Walk alongside Broken River, stopping to enjoy reflections in calm sections.
- Step out from rainforest and follow track markers through farming communities to Crediton Hall, a comfortable campground.
Crediton Hall to Denham Range
View from Denham Range
19.5 km one way (6.5—9.75 hours)
- Map reference: (3)-(4)
- Only fit and experienced walkers should attempt this remote track. Long, steep sections are a challenge.
- Walk through farming country, up to a rainforest ridge and through Crediton State Forest.
- Open views at Denham Range c amping area will revive you.
Denham Range to Moonlight Dam
16.2 km one way (5.5–8 hours)
- Map reference: (4)-(5)
- Only fit, experienced walkers should attempt this track. Extremely steep descents are a challenge.
- Descend through eucalyptus woodlands, enjoying the surrounding mountain ranges and sharp peaks rising from the dry country.
- Cross dry creek beds to Moonlight Dam, a camping area with a grazing history.
Extend your journey to Mt Britton
5.5 km one way (2–2.75 hours)
- Map reference: (5)-(6)
- Moderate level of fitness required for exposed but fairly level track.
- Learn about life in an 1880s gold-mining township.
More information
- Camping and facilities
- Getting a permit - Penalties apply for camping without a permit.
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service contacts
- Tourism information
* Requires Acrobat Reader
Last updated: 04 August 2006