Whitsunday Coast - Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef - page 429

From Finch Hatton, it's another 18km to Eungella, a quaint mountain village overlook-
ing the valley. The last section of this road climbs suddenly and steeply with several in-
credibly sharp corners - towing a large caravan is not recommended.
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Eungella
Pretty little Eungella ( young -gulluh, meaning 'land of clouds') sits perched on the edge
of the Pioneer Valley. There's a general store with snacks, groceries and fuel, plus a couple
of accommodation and eating options. Lively markets MAP are held on the first Sunday of
each month (April to December) from 9am at the town hall.
The tidy little Eungella Mountain Edge Escape ( 07-4958 4590; www.mountainedgeescape.com.au ; North
St; 1/2br cabin $115/135; ) has three self-contained wooden cabins perched on the edge of the
escarpment. Wonderful views, predictably, are to be had here.
Eungella Chalet ( 07-4958 4509; www.eungellachalet.com.au ; Chelmer St; 1/2br cabin $115/155; ) ex-
udes rustic charm in a once-grandiose kind of way. The chalet is perched on the edge of a
mountain and the views are spectacular. The cabins are large and spacious but furnishings
are quite dated. There's a small bar, a dining room and live music most Sunday after-
noons.
Explorers' Haven ( 07-4958 4750; www.eungella.com ; unpowered/powered site $25/30; ) is a small
and very basic camping ground located just north of the township, right on the edge of the
escarpment. You'll need to self-register on arrival. Prices are for two people. Luxury cabin
accommodation may be available; contact the park in advance.
If it's open, the Hideaway Cafe ( 07-4958 4533; Broken River Rd; dishes $4-10; 9am-4pm) is
worth a stop; sit on the picturesque little balcony and enjoy a decent home-cooked dish.
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Eungella National Park
Stunning Eungella National Park is 84km west of Mackay, covering nearly 500 sq km of
the Clarke Range and climbing to 1280m at Mt Dalrymple. The mountainous park is
largely inaccessible except for the walking tracks around Broken River and Finch Hatton
Gorge. The large tracts of tropical and subtropical vegetation have been isolated from oth-