Eungella National Park — Attraction in Broken River

We had a great time in the park last Saturday. My dad, who is only able to get around in a wheelchair, had not been there for years, loved it. However, while the wheelchair-friendly paths are a thoughtful addition on one side, they are not so thoughtful on the bbq side of the road. There is no pathway to the only wheelchair-friendly table. Also, the only way to get from the platypus viewing side of the road to the other in a wheelchair is to cross the roadway (which can be dangerous) or using the path that goes under the bridge (another good viewing spot for the turtles), but it doesn’t connect to the car park or the picnic table, and it is quite a steep gradient to push a wheelchair from the viewing spot up to the table. It becomes a cross-country trek that can be painful for the person in the chair and exhausting for the person pushing. It is unrealistic, and not well thought through, to expect the car to be used to get visitors from one side to the other, as it is usually a major operation to get in and out of the car. It isn’t easy for the wheelchair-bound and their entourage, as it is for the able-bodied visitor(s). Nevertheless, we enjoyed our visit and appreciated the modifications already made. Personally, I am hoping that more modifications are in the...

For those holidaying in the Mackay region a day trip up to Eungella to see the platypus in their natural environment is highly recommended. Just remain quiet, watch for the air bubbles and water disturbances; and very shortly a platypus will surface. They only remain above surface for a short amount of time, so be patient and be ready with your camera. The road up to Eungella is an experience in itself with amazing views. I highly recommend dropping into the Eungella Chalet for a meal or a spot of morning or afternoon tea; with its amazing views down the valley. The Skywalk Lookout also offers amazing views over the valley but isn't for the faint hearted and I wouldn't recommend it for those with young children. The pathways between the viewing platforms is narrow with steep drop-offs and no safety rail. It is about a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Mackay to Eungella so take your time and enjoy the lush green countryside interspersed with small villages. Remember life isn't just about the destination so slow down and enjoy the journey along the way. You'll be amazed by the little out of the way treasures...

My family of 8, including four children aged 9-13, three middle-aged adults and my grandma, went to Eungella National Park for a day trip and had a lovely time. It was definitely worth the hour drive from Mackay. When we arrived, around 10:15AM, we looked at the map, went to the toilets, looked for some platypi (we saw some!) then had morning tea. We brought our own food and sat at a picnic table, and were required to keep all rubbish with us as they do not provide bins. We then started our walk, and mixed and matched the routes to suit our preference. There were maps at every crossroads, so we always knew which way to go. Our overall walk took a bit over an hour, but there are many other walks for varying levels, some over three hours long. When we exited the walking track, we were greeted with a pleasant surprise as we saw a stick tied to a vine from a tree, great for swinging. The kids enjoyed running up and swinging on the vine, a perfect way to finish the walk. There is no mobile reception, but there is much more to occupy you, with amazing scenery, incredible platypus sightings,...