Whitsunday Coast - Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef - page 431

decor. A freshly-baked, complimentary afternoon tea awaits on your arrival. Rates go
down the longer the stay.
The self-contained cabins at Finch Hatton Gorge Cabins ( 07-4958 3281;
www.finchhattongorgecabins.com.au ; d $95; ) are quite basic but have wonderful views of the
forest. The cabins can sleep up to five people.
Broken River
Broken River, 5km south of Eungella, is home to a rightfully renowned platypus-viewing plat-
form (near the bridge): it's reputedly one of the most reliable spots on earth to catch these
meek monotremes at play. Bird life is also prolific. There are some excellent walking
trails between the Broken River picnic ground and Eungella. Maps are available from the
information office (by the platform), which is rarely staffed.
For accommodation, you have the choice of camping or cabins. Broken River Mountain Re-
sort ( 07-4958 4000; www.brokenrivermr.com.au ; d $130-190; ) has comfortable cedar cab-
ins ranging from small, motel-style units to a large self-contained lodge sleeping up to six.
There's a cosy guest lounge with an open fire and the friendly Possums Table Restaurant & Bar
(mains $22.50-35.50; breakfast & dinner) . The name is well-deserved: a family of possums dines
on the balcony here every night. The resort organises several (mostly free) activities for its
guests, including spotlighting, birdwatching and guided walks, and can arrange shuttle
transfers for longer walks.
Fern Flat Camping Ground ( www.nprsr.qld.gov.au ; per person/family $5.45/21.80) is a lovely place to
camp, with shady sites adjacent to the river where the platypuses play. Prepare to be spied
on by nosy scrub turkeys, and serenaded by morning birds! This is a walk-in camping
ground and is not vehicle accessible. Self-register camp sites are about 500m past the in-
formation centre and kiosk.
Crediton Hall Camping Ground ( www.nprsr.qld.gov.au ; per person/family $5.45/21.80) , 3km after Broken
River, is accessible to vehicles. Turn left into Crediton Loop Rd and turn right after the
Wishing Pool circuit track entrance. The camping ground has toilets.
Getting There & Away
There are no buses to Eungella or Finch Hatton, but Reeforest Adventure Tours ( Click
here ) runs day trips from Mackay and will drop off and pick up those who want to linger;
however, tours don't run every day and your stay may wind up longer than intended.