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Points of local interest in Finch Hatton
and surrounds
Finch Hatton
The enchanting town of Finch Hatton is nestled and flanked by the foothills of surrounding ranges. Just under an hour’s drive inland from Mackay, it is the gateway to approach the nearby Mountain regions.
Check out the scenic views, historical buildings and train turntable. It’s just a short walking trek to nearby waterfalls, natural swimming holes and rock pools, (See Finch Hatton Gorge). Known for the good coffee and delicious meals served in its several local cafes and diners, Finch Hatton is a perfect resting point before moving on towards Netherdale and approaching the uphill drive to the Eungella National Park and its attractions. Check out the restored “Finch Hatton Central” railway building, with arts, crafts and information in the main street of the town. Finch Hatton General Store
7 Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton
In the centre of town at the Finch Hatton General Store, you can enjoy Wi-fi access, delicious coffee, fresh takeaways including the popular "Bonza" burger, and extended weekend brekky hours. The General Store serves the community as a Fruit & Vegetable Store, a Specialty Grocery Store, a Fast-Food Restaurant and the local Post Office. A mainstay for the town and for travellers enjoying the scenic surrounds. Call (07) 4958 3272 Finch Hatton Gorge
A wonderful landscape of waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulder formations make Finch Hatton Gorge a must-see attraction.
There are many walking tracks which weave through sub-tropical rainforest. One of the most popular trails starts at the Finch Hatton picnic area and takes you on a 1.6 kilometre journey to the beautiful Araluen waterfall. The granite boulders and surrounding vegetation make this an ideal place to take in the scenery. Take a refreshing dip in one of the nearby rock pools, a cooling haven favoured by locals in summer. A further 1.4-km track leads to Wheel of Fire Cascades, a beautiful waterfall with a large swimming-hole rock pool at its base. This second track has some stairs and uphill segments to be aware of, but the views are worthwhile. Platypus Bush Camp
672 Gorge Road, Finch Hatton Gorge, 4756
15 minutes’ walk from the Finch Hatton Gorge National Park, you'll find the Platypus Bush Camp, with its unique accommodation - Solid, rustic, timber tree houses, nestled in the rainforest palms. With their open-air windows (with roll-down canvas), they are the perfect way to experience the rainforest atmosphere while staying high, dry and safe. Each hut can accommodate two to three people and provide spectacular views of the waterways, trees and frolicking platypus. Popular as a honeymooning treat there is access to all facilities including the well-equipped camp kitchen. Without doubt the huts are the best way to experience the wonders of the Bushcamp but you can also pitch a tent or park your caravan and access the facilities. Call 0749583204 Forest Flying
Finch Hatton Gorge
A flying fox tour is an eco-tourism experience with a difference. Forest Flying offers you a unique and memorable way to discover the stunning rainforest of Finch Hatton Gorge. Locals and tourists come to experience the amazing natural beauty of the area from a whole new perspective. The Forest Flying Tour includes a guided rainforest walk, safety demonstration and an exhilarating, yet serene, ride on a flying fox. No special level of fitness is required! Call 07 4958 3359 WhistleStop Coffee Cart
1 Elsie Nash Street, Pinnacle
A lovely, welcoming place to stop for a coffee break in the town of Pinnacle, you’ll find the WhistleStop Coffee Van next to the Badila Art Gallery and the Pinnacle Playhouse – Go straight ahead just before the right hand ‘S’ bend, on the road into town from the east. Reminiscent of a railway car, the WhistleStop Coffee Cart adds an old-time accent to this picturesque region. There’s outdoor seating in the area, so enjoy the country charm and take in the magnificent views. Mirani
Your journey into the Upper Pioneer Valley begins in Mirani, 37 km west of Mackay. The town and its Heritage Railway Station are set amid the vast patchwork fields of sugar cane plantations.
The Mirani Pioneer Valley Museum features the sugar industry, indigenous artefacts, the fossilised remains of a Pleistocene Diprotodon, (a giant marsupial), a private historic collection, and much more. The Kinchant Dam is roughly 10km away. (On the east side of the river, turn off to take Leichardt Road south). You’ll find boating, fishing, caravan and camping facilities and nearby Platypus Beach. And in the cooler months, you may enjoy shooting a round of golf. Gargett
Gargett is 52km or 32 miles west from Mackay– a drive of just under an hour.
Approaching Gargett, the picturesque patchwork fields and sunlit views are inspiring scenery for the ardent landscape artist. This small rural area in the Upper Pioneer Valley, has a population (2016) of 261. The Gargett railway station once served as a busy hub for the region. The station, and eventually the town, were named (with misspelling) after a railway construction contractor named John Garget. These days, the train line bypasses the town, but the area remains a vital part of this sugar-cane-growing region. Eungella Dam
Eungella Dam is one of Queensland's freshwater fisheries. With extra-oversized, sooty grunters (and annual competition) and barramundi, it is a popular mountain destination for boaters, fishers and nature lovers.
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