Eungella

25 - 28 August 2014

We're on the road again - this time to Eungella and then Cape Hillsborough in the Mackay district. We made a fairly early start but still managed to drag a 5 1/2 hour drive out to almost 7 hours - with stops at Op Shops and for coffee in Ayr, lunch and Op Shops in Proserpine and petrol at Bloomsbury. No need to rush!

We decided to try a new place to stay this time and, although it's not as close to the National Park and platypus viewing it does have a fabulous view out across the Pioneer Valley, and is a bit more spacious. Mountain Edge Escape is definitely worth a look if visiting Eungella - there are one and two bedroom cabins.

View of the Pioneer River Valley from our accommodation at Eungella

It was warm when we arrived but as the afternoon wore on the temperature started to drop significantly and we were very glad of the reverse cycle air-conditioning in both lounge room and bedroom.  

We enjoyed a leisurely start then headed off on the short (5km) drive to Broken River to see the platypus and were once again rewarded with lots of sightings. Evidently the platypus here didn't get the memo about being nocturnal - they were out feeding in the middle of the day, in the bright sunshine! Mick took lots of great photos. An added bonus was a Regent Bowerbird that flew right across the path in front of us, then sat in a tree across the river, to have its photo taken.

Broken River

This part of the National Park has been improved since we were here a couple of years ago. There was a bush track under the bridge and along the river to which is now a boardwalk and pathway, with a couple of viewing platforms. We have found platypus at the main viewing platform (which has been there for years and is well signposted) as well as under the bridge as well as the pool at the end of the boardwalk.

You will also see turtles while looking for Platypus

 We went home for lunch and returned later in the afternoon and once again saw a number of platypus, and a few birds. We ran into our neighbours who are also here birdwatching and Mick shared notes with them. 

brown cuckoo-dove

Bassian thrush

We started the next day with a drive out on the Crediton Loop Road. We stopped at a spot we had been told about and took a short walk into the rainforest but didn't go far. This track is actually 8km long but we only went as far as a little bridge. On the way back to the road we spotted another platypus! We drove on to Crediton Hall where there is a very nice little camping area. There was green grass, toilets, BBQ and a creek nearby. Maintained by Mackay Council, and only $5 per person per night, this is one to keep on the list for future reference. From there we drove the rest of the loop and back to the dam road, then back towards the main section of the park, to look for platypus again. This time we didn't see any, which was very unusual. From there we drove out along Diggings Road. We had tried this once before but had bailed out due to the condition of the road, but this time the condition was much better so we made it all the way to the camping area. This would be a nice place to camp, lots of trees and right by the creek, but no facilities (no toilets, no water etc). It also looks like it might be popular with local 4WDrivers. The road does continue on - through the creek and up the other side - but not for us.

Eastern Yellow Robins are quite common in the area and don't mind getting their photo taken

 Later in the afternoon, after getting some advice, we headed off down Dalrymple Road and then Chelman's Road to look for the elusive Eungella Honeyeater. We ran into our cabin neighbours again and, following their directions, Mick was finally rewarded with some photos of this little bird.

The Eungella Honeyeater is a bird with a very limited range.

On our final morning we decided to say farewell to the Platypus so headed back down to Broken River - and the platypus had finally remembered they are nocturnal and were nowhere to be seen! Despite this we enjoyed our walk along the river to the various viewing spots. We set off down the range and turned off to go to Finch Hatton Gorge (still part of Eungella National Park). We ventured out on the Araluen Cascades walk - described by National Parks as having some short uphills sections - but which in fact was mostly uphill! Never believe what you read.... It wasn't a difficult walk despite the long uphill bits, and at the end you reach the river and the cascades - quite beautiful.

Back to the main Mackay - Eungella road and on to the Op Shop at Mirani (of course) and then into Marian for a spot of shopping. Last time we were here there was the (sugar) mill and not much else, but now there is a brand new shopping centre complete with supermarket, discount petrol, pharmacy, bottle shop and take-aways. It seems Mackay is spreading out in this direction.

Back on the road and on to Cape Hillsborough.
  

• The most reliable and accessible Platypus viewing we have experienced
• Great Birding 
• Nice rainforest walks
• Reasonably priced accommodation options