Cape Hillsborough National Park Mackay

Cape Hillsborough day-use area is a shaded picnic spot fringed by sandy beach. Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government

A visit to Cape Hillsborough National Park isn't complete without seeing the agile wallabies feeding on the beach. Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government

Cape Hillsborough day-use area

While away the day in this tranquil picnic area, flanked by a pristine sandy beach and boulder-strewn slopes.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Attraction facilities

  • Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)

Stretch out on the grass under the trees and drift away to the gentle sounds of the waves rolling up the beach.

Cook your lunch on the BBQ before heading off on one of the many walks—The Diversity boardwalk, Andrews Point track, Beachcomber Cove track and Yuibera plant trail can all be reached from here.

Paddle, dive and snorkel, fish and boat off the beach, and around nearby Wedge Island.

Explore the rock pools at low tide and marvel at the intricate patterns made by sand bubbler crabs on the broad beach. In the late afternoon, sit back and watch as agile wallabies come to the beach, shrouded in a sky awash with sunset colours.

Getting there and getting around

The Cape Hillsborough day-use area is in Cape Hillsborough National Park, 50km north-west of Mackay, on the Central Queensland coast.

The day-use area is located 2.3km from the park entrance, on Cape Hillsborough Road. Access is suitable for conventional vehicles.
Please do not feed these animals as they can become aggressive.

From Mackay

  • Travel north on the Bruce Highway for 20km and turn right onto Seaforth Road.
  • Travel a further 20km and turn right onto Cape Hillsborough Road.

From Proserpine (without caravan)

  • Travel south on the Bruce Highway for 79km to Mount Ossa.
  • Turn left onto the partly-unsealed Mount Ossa Road and travel 15km towards Seaforth.
  • Turn right onto Seaforth Road then left onto Cape Hillsborough Road.

From Proserpine (with caravan)

  • Travel south on the Bruce Highway for 104km and turn left onto Seaforth Road.
  • Travel a further 20km and turn right onto Cape Hillsborough Road.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Cape Hillsborough day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Cape Hillsborough safely.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts