Cane, Rainforest and Blue Water
A more detailed version of this map can be found here. You can use this map to zoom in on details of the route including elevation and distances.
Day 1 Mackay to Boulder Creek
Head out of Mackay across the Hospital Bridge then along Sugarshed Rd till you cross the railway line, turn left and follow the river upstream towards Mirani. From there its up through Dowes Creek and a bit of a climb up to Mt Charlton. Take the dirt road to the left at Mt Charlton and you'll soon be at Boulder Creek. There are toilets and water in the council picnic area and you can camp near across the road. Boulder Creek itself is a great place for a swim, especially in Summer when the stingers mean ocean swimming is restricted.
Day 2 Boulder Creek to Cape Hilsborough/Smalleys Beach
From Boulder Creek continue on through the St Helens Gap environmental reserve where you can come in to contact with some rainforest. Travel on down to Calen. You can pick up supplies there if you need anything. Don't forget to check out the general store, they carry just about any product you can imagine. You can either take the highway down to Mt Ossa, or avoid most of it using the route we have suggested. At Mt Ossa turn left along the road towards Seaforth. It's mostly sealed and being progressively upgraded. You can either turn left at the Seaforth Rd and where there is a council camping area at the beach as well as a couple of shops. Alternatively, turn right and head towards Cape Hillsborough which is a large volcanic outcrop. Camp at Cape Hillsborough resort or at Smalleys Beach (turn off left about 4km prior to Cape Hillsborough). Smalleys Beach is a National Park with ten campsites, a toilet and a water tank. Cape Hillsborough has a variety of accommodation including camping and cabins. The mangrove boardwalk and rainforest interpretive trail are both very worthwhile.
Day 3 Cape Hillsborough to Mackay
Double back about 5km from Cape Hillsborough to the Belmunda Road. The road is unsealed but in good condition. It takes you on a very flat, low traffic route back towards the Bruce Highway. This road rejoins the Seaforth Road a few kilometres after Constant Creek. You can turn off the main road and follow the road though Habana to avoid the highway traffic. There are several alternatives here. Our route follows the road to Farleigh then rejoins the highway for a short time before turning right and following Sugarshed Road back towards the city via the Ron Camm Bridge.