Finch Hatton Gorge
A rainforest gorge in Eungella National Park, where visitors can swim in natural pools beneath Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of Fire waterfall.
Finch Hatton Gorge lies on the eastern side of Eungella National Park, in Pioneer Valley. It is a volcanic-rock gorge rainforest. The two most popular trails are the roughly 3-kilometer round-trip Araluen Cascades trail and the Wheel of Fire trail, which continues uphill for about 4.5 kilometers round trip. Both have clear swimming pools. The paths follow the creek through the rainforest, with stone steps and creek crossings in places, so wear non-slip shoes. Entry is free. At the gorge entrance, a private rainforest zipline lets you ride above the canopy. Swimming is prohibited when heavy rain sends the creek swelling. From Mackay, it is about an hour's drive, and you can combine it with Broken River on the same day.
Opening hours
All day (may close after rain)
Nearby sights
- Sky Window, Eungella
- Broken River Platypus Viewing, Eungella National Park
- Greenmount Homestead
- Cape Hillsborough National Park
- Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
- Bluewater Lagoon
- Mackay Art Deco CBD
- Mackay Marina & Harbour Beach