The Pioneer Valley and Eungella National Park, QLD

Travel along the Mackay-Eungella Road, taking in views of the rolling hills and sugar cane fields.

Finch Hatton Gorge is in the foothills of the Eungella Range and has excellent rainforest walking trails that take you to the Araluen and Wheel of Fire waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip in the deep natural swimming holes. Pack a picnic lunch to refuel for bushwalks and swimming.

Take part in a world-first experience where you can fly high above the rainforest canopy on a zipline with Forest Flying.

Eungella National Park provides a lush, cool environment in which to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Covering over 51,700 hectares of rugged land, the walking tracks lead to varying mixes of tropical and temperate rainforest.

Camp at Fern Flat (walk-in) or Crediton Hall, or along various points on the Mackay Highlands Great Walk.

Spot the platypus at various locations along the Valley, but most commonly at early morning or late afternoon from the viewing platform at Broken River.

With a ducklike snout, the platypus feeds on freshwater molluscs, crustaceans and other small invertebrates.

Broken River Information Centre is located beside the Platypus Lodge Restaurant and Cafe, and is a great spot to get valuable information while enjoying a bite to eat within the rainforest.

Eungella National Park is also home to 225 species of birds and over 860 plants.

The Eungella markets are a great local market with a variety of stalls. Held the first Sunday of each month at the Eungella Hall, North Street from 9am to 1pm.

Follow the Peak Downs Highway and turn right on to Mackay-Eungella Road. The Melba House is on the right, just past the township of Marian.

Originally the home of Dame Nellie Melba, Melba House dates back to 1882. It was moved twice and now stands in Edward Lloyd Park at Marian, overlooking the Pioneer River.

The house contains a selection of Melba memorabilia, handicrafts for sale, as well as offering the full services of a Visitor Information Centre. Staff will be delighted to provide helpful friendly advice and bookings. You can also purchase your fishing and camping permits here.

During your stop, make sure to enjoy a coffee and waffles from the beautiful little cafe called Vintage Kiss, now operating on the verandah of Melba House.

The Marian markets are held on the third Sunday of the month, 8am to 12pm at the Catholic Church Grounds on Anzac Avenue, Marian.

The region is home to three spectacular impoundments - Eungella, Teemburra and Kinchant Dams, each well-stocked with barramundi, sooty grunter, and sleepy cod.

Popular for water-skiing and other water sports, these dams can be enjoyed as family holiday locations for camping, picnicking and recreational pursuits.

Fishing permits are required and may be purchased at the accredited Visitor Information Centres. Water-skiing and camping are not permitted at Teemburra Dam.

On your way out to Eungella National Park, try a pie at the famous Pinnacle Pub. Enjoy the serene rural scenery dominated by fields of sugar cane along the journey.

In most of the towns along the way there are plenty of country pubs offering warm and friendly hospitality. Stop in Mirani to stock up on supplies before continuing your journey through the Pioneer Valley.